Reconstruction-Post Op Questions

critter1220

I had a unilateral mastectomy with tissue expander in August of 2018. Now after the 6 month waiting period after radiation, my reconstruction is next week. We will be exchanging the expander for an implant and also augmenting the other side for symmetry. I went for my pre-op today, and I was unsure about a few things. The nurse told me to avoid any pools or the like for 6 weeks. That seemed oddly long to me. We already had a vacation scheduled that is 4 weeks post-op. I was curious if others have gone in the water sooner than 6 weeks? Also, she told me to wear the surgical compression garment 24 hrs a day for 6 weeks as well. So am I basically screwed for my trip? Of course I don't want to do anything detrimental to healing but wondered what others' experiences were regarding timing of post-op instructions. Thank you for any advice.

Moderators

Dear critter1220,

Welcome to the BCO community. We hope that you find support and helpful information here from our members. We notice that you have not yet received any responses to your questions. You may want to use the search function in the blue tool bar and search for "swimming after reconstruction" as such may take you to other posts that address that topic. Be sure to put quotes around multiple words. Let us know how we can help you find the information that you need.

The Mods

Mucki1991

Hi I would not go into any water other than my shower 4 weeks after surgery it's not worth the risk. If you were to get even a slight infection you could lose an implant. Once infection gets near on an implant antibiotics don't normally work. Depending on your treatment radiation specifically, if you lose an implant the skin may not ever be able to be stretched so having it replaced would no longer be an option. Not trying to scare you just making you aware.

Best wishes to you,

Lindzfay

I was told 6 weeks as well for swimming as to let everything heal properly. The risk for infection is too high. I only had to wear my binder or spanks for 2 weeks though from fat grafting and was told to only wear soft bras.