Following a mastectomy surgery
Your chest will be bandaged when you awaken. You’ll see that surgical drains are protruding from your underarms or chest. The tubes’ ends feature bulbs to catch any extra fluid that leaks out.
Nurses will keep a close eye on your vital signs in the recovery area. Once you’re awake, you’ll be transferred for a few days to a standard hospital room.
You’ll be given instructions for after you leave the hospital, they may include:
- keeping your dressing and drains clean
- resting
- Bath
- Exercise
- looking for indications of an illness or major adverse effects
- when it is safe to wear a bra or breast shape during your follow-up appointment.
Typical negative effects include:
- bruising, swelling, numbness, tingling, and underarm or chest shooting pains
- restricted shoulder or arm movement
To encourage healing, you’ll need to relax for a few weeks. Recovery time varies, based on:
- techniques for breast reconstruction
- additional therapies
- general health issues or adverse effects
Within 4 to 6 weeks, you might be ready to resume your normal activities, but it might take months.