A Step-by-Step Approach to Breast Restoration
Tissue Expander Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is a procedure designed to reconstruct the breast mound after a cancer operation to remove breast tissue (mastectomy). The IMF incision (for nipple sparing) is used most commonly. After the tissue expander is fully ‘filled’, a second operation is performed for definitive breast reconstruction. This can be in the form of either implant reconstruction or flap reconstruction.
Preparing for your Procedure
The procedure is done under general anesthesia. Please do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night prior to your procedure. Please refrain from the use of aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Mortin, Advil, etc.), or any blood thinners for 7 days prior to your procedure. If you require these for medical conditions, please contact the office. The operation is usually performed in conjunction with the Breast Surgery Team.
Please arrive at the Pre-Op Area 2 hours prior to the time of your procedure. The Hospital of your procedure will be listed in Patient Gateway.
Procedural Details
The complete procedure (including mastectomy) lasts approximately 2 hours total of single sided and 4 hours for bilateral.
Removed tissue is always sent to the Pathology department for breast cancer screening, even on a side not affected by cancer.
The incisions will be dressed with Surgical Glue and a Plastic Dressing (Tegaderm) covering the center of your breast and nipple areola (if applicable). Please leave these dressings on until follow up in the clinic.
You will be placed in a surgical bra after your procedure. There will be 2 drains placed on each side of the mastectomy/tissue expander reconstruction.
Post procedure
Narcotics are prescribed for this procedure and most people routinely use it for 3-5 days. Please continue to take Tylenol the day of the procedure. Starting Day 1 after the procedure, you may take Motrin/Advil as well.
Please keep a surgical bra on all times for the first two weeks when not showering. It should be snug but does not need to be overly constricting. After 2 weeks, you can wear any compression bra. After 6 weeks, you can wear any bra, including underwire bras.
Small amounts of drainage from the incisions and drain sites are very common for the first 5-7 days.
Starting on Day 2, you may shower. When you shower, the incisions may get wet initially over the Plastic/Surgical Glue. Please pat dry after showering. Do not rub the area.
No exercise or heavy lifting for 6 weeks. Heavy lifting is anything greater than 15 lbs. Exercise is anything that causes a rise in your heart rate or sweating. The goal is to minimize fluid collections in your surgical areas. For the first two weeks, please do not lift your arms above your shoulders.
Please do not use ice, as sensation will not be normal immediately following your procedure and leaving ice on too long may damage your skin.
You can drive when you feel comfortable and not on any narcotic pain medication (often Day 1 or 2 after the procedure).
The first drain will be removed at the first scheduled clinic visit. The second drain will remain in until the following scheduled clinic visit, regardless of drainage amount
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