How difficult is the recovery from DIEP flap surgery?
Healing and recovery after DIEP flap breast reconstruction can be significantly easier than most patients think. With the implementation of ERAS Protocols, most patients experience little discomfort after surgery, require little if any narcotics, and can be discharged from the hospital after 3 days or less.
How do breasts feel after DIEP flap?
Most women find that they cannot feel much sensation in the breast during recovery from DIEP surgery. Sometimes this sensation loss is permanent, but for many, some sensation will gradually return over time as nerves recover or grow.
What happens to belly button during DIEP flap surgery?
In order to close the stomach incision, the upper abdominal tissue is stretched down to meet the lower part of the incision. The skin ends up covering the belly button, so a new hole must be created to expose it.
How long after DIEP will I feel better?
While DIEP breast reconstruction has a faster recovery compared to TRAM flap methods (which cut into the muscle) or breast implants, the average recovery time is still six-eight weeks for the main breast and abdominal incision to heal and tissues can take much longer to fully connect and heal at the sites.
How long are you sore after DIEP flap surgery?
Right after the surgery, you will probably feel weak, and you may feel pain for 2 to 3 weeks.
How long are drains in after DIEP flap?
The drains can help prevent the tissue from becoming swollen and will usually stay in the body for 1–2 weeks.
What is swelly belly after DIEP flap?
There is typically very little swelling 19 days after DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Your belly (abdominal donor site) may appear swollen from a collection of fluid under your belly skin, a seroma, which typically is not a threat to your health, but your surgeon should know about, and explain to you.
How long does abdominal swelling last after DIEP?
The abdomen will be tight and much flatter in appearance. The majority of swelling will subside in 3-4 weeks, but some swelling may persist for up to 3 months.
How long do you wear a binder after DIEP flap surgery?
If your surgeon gave you an abdominal binder, wear it all day for the first 3 weeks after surgery. Then wear it for the next 3 weeks during the day only.
Can you wear a bra after DIEP flap?
We do not recommend wearing a bra for at least 2 weeks post operatively due to compressing the flap. After two weeks you may wear a soft sports bra.
How long are you swollen after DIEP flap surgery?
The majority of swelling will subside in 3-4 weeks, but some swelling may persist for up to 3 months. You will walk bent over and will slowly rise over the first 1-2 weeks.
How long do drains stay in after DIEP?
Surgical drains
The drains can help prevent the tissue from becoming swollen and will usually stay in the body for 1–2 weeks.
Do you wear a bra after DIEP flap surgery?
You will be recommended to wear your bra for 6 weeks day and night so it is worth purchasing two bras. They will give you comfort and support and help mould the breast reconstruction into a good shape.
How do you sleep after DIEP surgery?
Most plastic surgeons recommend sleeping exclusively on your back until you are completely healed. Sleeping on your back reduces painful stretching or pulling of the breast tissue. We also suggest elevating your upper body when sleeping on your back.
How long wear compression after DIEP flap?
Your doctor may recommend that you wear a compression girdle for up to 8 weeks after surgery. Because you’ve had surgery at two sites on your body (your chest and your belly), you might feel worse than someone having mastectomy alone and it will probably take you longer to recover.