Post-Operative Instructions DIEP/SIEA Flaps
Medications
There are 8 medications that you may be required to take after surgery:
- Antibiotic ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú to be continued until the drains are removed
- Pain Medication ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú remember this medication might make you feel groggy and constipated and cannot be mixed with alcohol
- Aspirin ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú 325mg or 81mg (dosage will be discussed on discharge) every day for 2 weeks after surgery
- Iron ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú same dose as taken before the surgery
- Multi-vitamins daily
- Zinc supplement 50mg daily
- Colace ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú Stool softener 100mg daily (as needed)
- Flexeril ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú Muscle relaxant for back discomfort 5mg 3 times daily (as needed)
Flap Monitoring
The flap(s) should always be warm and the same color as the donor site abdominal skin. Keep in mind that the breast mastectomy skin can be bruised and a different color from the flap skin. When you press gently with your finger, the flap should lighten and return to normal color within 2 to 3 seconds. If there is any change in the color, temperature, or pain notify the office immediately.
Doppler
You will be discharged home with the Doppler in place, which is a tiny wire that will be removed at your first clinic visit. It will be covered with a transparent dressing which is waterproof. You may shower with this dressing.
Drains
You will also be discharged home with your drains in place. There are usually 2 drains in the abdominal area, and 2 in each operated breast. It is necessary to record total daily output for each drain. When the drain is near full, empty the contents into a measuring cup and record the amount in ml (equal to cc). You can also use the drain bulb itself that has markings to measure the output. Strip the drain tubing?Ǭ†3 times per day. If the drain requires emptying more than once per day, enter the DAILY TOTAL in the appropriate space on the Drain Record Sheet. Once your drain output is less than 25cc total per drain in 24 hours, that drain will be removed in clinic. We use silastic drains, which reduce any discomfort during removal of the drain. The small opening that will remain in the skin will seal in 24-48 hrs. This opening may have a small amount of drainage, and can be covered with dry gauze until it seals closed.
Incision Care
Most of the incisions have absorbable sutures that are hidden underneath the skin. Sometimes, you might feel a small knot come up in the incision area. Do not worry, this can sometimes happen and will be removed during your clinic visit. Your incisions are sealed with special fibrin glue so you do not need to apply any ointment. After 2 weeks, the glue will start to peel and you can start taking it off in the shower. Also, you may resume your skin moisturizer 4 weeks after surgery.
Umbilicus
Your new umbilicus will have some absorbable sutures around it. There might be some drainage and moisture in that area. After your shower, use a cotton Q-tip dipped in hydrogen peroxide to clean the incision and inside of the umbilicus. After cleaning, dry the umbilicus with a Q-tip and apply dry gauze to keep this area clean and dry.
Swelling
After surgery, your breast and abdominal area will feel swollen around the incisions, especially at the end of the day. This is normal and usually takes at least a month or more to resolve.
Surgical Garments
After the drains are removed, you may be fitted with a girdle post-operatively to help with the swelling as you become more active. The girdle has a zipper on the side to make it easier to put on over the abdominal incision. We have found that these garments provide support, and therefore decrease post-operative pain. The girdle should be worn during the day for at least 4 weeks after surgery. You will also be fitted with a bra post-operatively in our office. This is a soft bra that does not cause compression issues on the reconstructed breast. These will need to be purchased through our office. A receipt will be given to you that you may submit to your insurance for any reimbursement. The girdle is $55.00 and the bra is $30.00.
Showering
You will be able to shower on the third postoperative day in the hospital. Baths can be resumed?Ǭ†1 month after surgery, and swimming 8 weeks after surgery.
Activities
When you are discharged from the hospital, you will be able to take short walks and climb stairs. For 1 week after you return home, do not raise your arm on the operated side higher than your shoulder. You may perform light chores and start taking longer walks 3 weeks after surgery. Of course, no lifting anything heavier than 5 pounds for the first month. After 6 weeks, you may gradually resume your exercise regimen and you can return to full active status 2 months after surgery. This does not include abdominal crunch exercise, which can be resumed 6 months after surgery.
Sleep Position
We strongly recommend that you have a recliner to sleep in for the first 3-4 weeks. This allows your abdominal incision to heal without pulling, and prevents you from rolling on your side while you sleep. After transitioning back into the bed, you might find it more comfortable to sleep with your head elevated and 2 pillows under the knees to decrease the tension in your abdominal area. You should only sleep on your back, and avoid sleeping on the reconstructed breast flap for at least?Ǭ†8 weeks.
Driving
You may start driving after you have stopped all your pain medication and your drains are removed. It is best to wait at least 2 weeks after surgery, in order to feel confident when driving.
Work
You will be able to return back to a desk job, or light duty at?Ǭ†4 weeks after surgery. Be mindful that this should be gradual because you will feel tired more quickly and lack the normal reserve of energy.
Scars and Massage
After the incisions have completely healed, you can start applying pressure massage to the incisions to improve the appearance of the scars. Remember, that for the first 6 months, your scars will remain red, but with time they will turn lighter as they mature.
Smoking
ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING for 6 weeks after surgery (this includes staying out of the room with smokers).
Emotional Support
The recovery period may be very difficult, when mood swings and emotions can be overwhelming. Contact our office for assistance in finding one of the many support groups available. We also have our own support group, "The Dreamers", which is comprised of patients who have undergone a similar breast reconstruction procedure. They are very helpful both before and after surgery for any patients who need extra support.
Mammograms
A routine mammogram does not need to be performed on the reconstructed breast. However, it can be performed if requested by your oncologist or other physician. You should still perform a self-breast exam on the reconstructed breast and keep note of any changes in the scar.
PATIENT SURGERY GUIDE
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Advanced breast restoration procedures in a caring, supportive environment.
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