Nipple sparing surgery recovery

Lostchick

hi all! I'm fairly new to all this unfortunately. I am hoping to do a bmx with nipple sparing surgery soon due to a recent diagnosis of lobular carcinoma. I'm just wondering for those that have had this done, how long the recovery is and if there are lifting restrictions. I was told they would do this procedure about 2 weeks prior to mx and that it was a fairly simple outpatient procedure. I failed to ask about recovery after. I know it is a simple procedure but my job requires a lot of heavy lifting and I'm not sure if I'll need to take time off after it. What was your experience afterThanks for any info!

Nana2-8

Hi Lostchick: You've come to the right spot. You will be guided by these wonderful women. I am questioning your phrase of "I know it is a simple procedure..." Have you met with the medical team as yet? You WILL have some restrictions. ~ Stick around....you and I are 'approximately' in the same boat. My surgery is scheduled for April 14th. Let's hold each others hands (sanitized first, of course)

Lostchick

haha! Yes. (Non touching hand sanitized fist bump). I met with the plastic surgeon today and he just kept advising me that it was a fairly simple outpatient procedure. Maybe to him it is? 🙄 No, seriously, I'm thinking I need to start my leave of absence from work a bit earlier than I thought I would. It's cool though and totally worth it. Best of luck to you. I still don't have a date for my surgery yet but wishing it was yesterday. I am ready to get this mess out.

LiveLoveLaugh2020

I had Bil NSM done and expanders placed in September. The surgery is usually done all in one surgery so not sure about the two weeks you are talking about, although each doctor is different. I unexpectedly had to have my expanders placed a week later due to my surgeon giving my skin a week to heal due to blood supply and being cautious. PS said this is very rare but every once in a while they will do this when needed to save the skin/nipples and prevent infection/bigger problems down the road. I was kept overnight for MX with a 6 week recovery time. Also lifting restrictions for 6 weeks with no lifting more than 5 lbs during that time.

Thankfully for the most part everything has gone well and I've had no problems with recovery so far. I will say the worst part was having drains for 3 weeks and a lot of pain/discomfort with the expanders for a while. Finally around the two month mark the pain got much better and that just made things so much easier. I also needed PT because my ROM was not good. PT has made the biggest difference and has helped so much. Don't hesitate to go to PT if you feel you may need it. I work with a wonderful lady who specializes in PT's with BC.

The emotional part is going to be a big one! You will have some tough/emotional days in the beginning but just know that things get better and you'll get through it!

I had my exchange 8 weeks ago. Best of luck to you guys!

HopeWins

I'm a little confused as well. I cant think of what would be done 2w prior... at any rate - yes, definitely lifting restrictions with mastectomy, even my lumpectomy had lifting restrictions. I think anything that includes cutting/suturing would have a week or two of lifting restrictions so you don't open your incision. Maybe you could request an accommodation if your restrictions are still in place when you return to work?

Lostchick

https://www.verywellhealth.com/nipple-delay-surgical-procedure-430400

it's a nipple delay surgery. It is supposed to help with blood supply to the nipple/areola. I had never heard of it either but my surgeon says that he has done it often with great success so I'm going to go with what he says and hope for the best!

bcincolorado

You would imagine definitely have lifting restrictions. Even though my MX was in the afternoon I spent the night in the hospital and went home next morning with drains in. It was over 2 weeks before the drains could even come out. They would not left you lift with those in place at all.

I had one side mx (my cancer side) with nipple sparing and immediate tissue expanders placed. The recovery AFTER the exchange of the expanders might be 2 weeks after that but then there is a long period of physical therapy I had to go through as well after that to help regain movement. and saw a therapist who specialized with breast cancer patients and could also include massage as part of the therapy to help avoid tightness that occur.

You need to have honest conversations with both your breast surgeon and your plastic surgeon and explain the type of work you do and how much you are expected to lift. They can tell you what is realistic for you.

Askmissa

I had a Nipple sparing bilateral Masectomy with immediate Prepectoral implants. I shared my journey on my YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0i-WxYB_8kNACLA52_p4SFdwEy_WA411

Hope this is helpful!!

Andr

HopeWins

very interesting lostchick! I've never heard of it. I bet if you emailed or called their office they will provide post op instructions/restrictions.

I had bilateral NSM and healed well. One nipple is a little bit inverted from scar tissue, but other than that are fine. I'm happy with my results. Best of luck to you!

beach2beach

Hi,

I have never heard of that either, but things change every day. I had a bilateral with nipple sparing and direct to implants. I started stretching every day and had no problems after 6 weeks I was lifting light weights..but that was due to the actual mastectomy not anything to do with nipple sparing. I also have some sensation back in my nipples which was a nice surprise.