Breast Reconstruction Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery after breast reconstruction depends on your health, treatment plan and type of reconstruction surgery. Whether you used an implant, your own tissue or a combination of both, your care team at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center will support you through every step of your recovery.

Request a consultation to get advice about recovery and aftercare based on your personal needs and goals.

Learn more about recovery after implant-based reconstruction, autologous (tissue flap) reconstruction and hybrid reconstruction.

What to expect in the hospital

After surgery, you can expect to stay in the hospital for one to five days, depending on the type of reconstruction. Most patients undergoing implant-based reconstruction will go home that same day.

Your care team can give you an estimate of the length of your hospital stay after reconstruction and your overall recovery timeline based on your unique situation.

During this time:

• Nurses will check your incisions and make sure blood flow to the reconstructed breast is healthy.
• You may have small drains placed to remove fluid and reduce swelling.
• Pain and tightness are common. You can manage them with medication.
• You’ll start gentle movements and breathing exercises to help with healing.

Before you leave, your care team will explain how you should care for your incisions and drains at home.

Healing at home

Once you return home from the hospital, you should focus on resting and moving gently to support your healing. Your care team will give you detailed aftercare instructions, including:

• How to keep your incision areas clean and dry
• When and how to empty surgical drains
• When to wear your support bra or compression garment
• Which activities to avoid, such as lifting, pushing or pulling
• When and how you can gradually increase your activity levels

If you see any unusual swelling, redness or drainage, contact your care team. Spotting warning signs and getting treatment right away can lower your risk of serious complications.

Breast reconstruction recovery timeline

Everyone heals at a different pace. Here’s a general guide of what you can expect physically:

• One to two weeks: Bruising and swelling begin to fade. Your care team may remove your drains.
• Three to six weeks: You’ll start gentle stretching and you should feel your energy levels improve.
• Six to 12 weeks: You can get back to most of your normal activities and light exercise, with your surgeon’s approval.
• 12 weeks: All physical limitations during the post-op healing are lifted.
• Several months: Your final breast shape continues to settle and your scars begin to soften.

Learn more about immediate and delayed reconstruction and how they can affect timelines for healing after reconstruction.

Emotional recovery and support

Healing from breast reconstruction isn’t just physical. You need to heal emotionally, too. It’s normal to feel a mix of relief, gratitude, sadness, uncertainty and other emotions as your body heals, adjusts and changes.

At Banner MD Anderson, you don’t have to go through it alone. Our counselors, oncology social workers and support groups are here to support your mental health and body images as you adjust and feel confident again.

If you’re still considering your next steps, learn more about deciding what’s right for you.

When to contact your care team

Call your surgeon right away if you experience any warning signs of complications, including:

• Redness, swelling or drainage at your incision sites
• Fever higher than 100.4°F
• Increasing pain that isn’t controlled with medication
• Sudden tightness, swelling or firmness in your reconstructed breast

Your team is available 24/7 to help you get the care you need. Learn more about possible risks and complications.

Tips for long-term recovery

Post-surgery care can give you the best long-term results. To support your healing, it’s a good idea to:

• Protect your incision areas from direct sunlight
• Choose a balanced diet rich in protein
• Make sure you drink plenty of fluids, especially water
• Keep up with your follow-up appointments
• Ask your surgeon about massage, scar care and physical therapy
• Talk about any future adjustments or symmetry procedures during your routine visits

Why choose Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center

At Banner MD Anderson, our care doesn’t end when your surgery is complete. Our rehabilitation, physical therapy and emotional wellness programs are designed for the needs of breast cancer survivors.

With our coordinated care approach, we bring together your reconstructive surgeon, oncologist and nursing team to help you heal comfortably and confidently.

Request an appointment