Recovery after Having Exchange Surgery (for breast expanders)

DancingElizabeth

Hi All,

I'm planning on having the exchange surgery on 8/29...(expanders removed and the squishy implants put in) and unfortunately don't have a lot of time off hours from work. (so trying to take as little time off as possible).

Anyway...for those who've had this procedure done: how long is the recovery? And - when were you able to drive again?

Thanks in advance!!

Artista928

This sx is considered easier than the bmx. I went home same day, just needed a couple days of "help" mainly because bro was here and he wanted to help. He left on my third day out and I was driving by then. I only took pain meds the first 2 days, then nothing. Just followed the protocols which one I remember is the don't lift anything heavier (whatever your ps tells you).

SummerAngel

Are you having any fat grafting, or just the exchange? I found that the exchange was very easy to recover from, and the only sore area was the fat donor sites on my thighs. I was up for working (office job) after a couple of days.

MinusTwo

There's a great, long running thread titled Exachange.

Personally, the exchange was easier for me but I still had drains & my PS still would not allow me to put my arms above my shoulders for two weeks. I did drive after one week & just kept my fingers crossed that nothing happened, because of course an accident would have been disastrous. Hopefully you have a desk job.

DancingElizabeth

Thanks for the kind advice everyone!! (I'm feeling much better about this and less nervous!)

Also, SummerAngel - I'm just doing the exchange...

And, have a desk job, but do lots of walking at work! (Hopefully that doesn't affect anything!)

Artista928

You should be fine walking. Really after the second day I was fine. I still have a pretty full bottle of Oxycodeine or whatever narc was given.