What is recovery like after a double mastectomy?
Recovery times vary depending on the specifics of your double mastectomy. After a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, it can take three to four weeks to feel mostly normal. If you also have breast reconstruction, recovery can take six to eight weeks.
How painful is mastectomy recovery?
Right after the surgery, you will probably feel weak, and you may feel sore for 2 to 3 days. You may feel pulling or stretching near or under your arm. You may also have itching, tingling, and throbbing in the area. This will get better in a few days.
Is physical therapy needed after double mastectomy?
Studies show that exercise and physical therapy after a mastectomy are incredibly important for recovery. It's actually very common for women to develop musculoskeletal issues following a mastectomy and reconstruction because it causes so much disruption to your body's natural muscle tissue.Oct 31, 2018
How long is surgery for a double mastectomy with reconstruction?
During mastectomy surgery If immediate breast reconstruction is performed during the mastectomy, the surgery will take longer (about 3 to 4 hours for reconstruction with tissue expanders or breast implants and 6 to 8 hours for reconstruction with tissue flaps).Feb 10, 2022
What is the fastest way to recover from a mastectomy?
9 Tips for Mastectomy Recovery:Get some rest! ... Ask for help when you need it. ... Take your meds as directed by your physician. ... Care for your post-mastectomy drain properly. ... Wear a post-mastectomy bra. ... Do the work. ... Talk to others who are in the same situation. ... Try to get back to it.More items...
What do I need at home after a mastectomy?
Most Important Items to Have Post-MastectomyDrain lanyard for shower - Once surgery is completed, you will most likely have drains that are coming out of your body and being held in place with stitches. ... Mastectomy pillow - THIS WAS MY FAVORITE ITEM! ... Shower seat - I had no idea how weak I would be after surgery.More items...•Oct 23, 2018
How soon can you walk after mastectomy?
Start back slowly and gradually. You can start exercising with light weights (2 pounds) about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. You can do exercises that speed up your heart, like walking, as soon as you feel ready.
What can you not do after a mastectomy?
ActivityAvoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting and vigorous exercise until the stitches are removed. ... Walking is a normal activity that can be restarted right away.You cannot do housework or driving until the drain is out.More items...
Can you lift your arms after mastectomy?
You should not lift your arm above shoulder level until cleared by your plastic surgeon. You may return to low-impact exercises four weeks after surgery.
Do you have to take tamoxifen after double mastectomy?
Do I need to take hormone therapy—tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor—if I have had a double mastectomy to treat invasive breast cancer? Hormone therapy is still recommended for women with early-stage breast cancer who have had mastectomies because it can help prevent a distant recurrence (metastatic disease).
Do and don'ts after breast surgery?
Refrain from getting your breasts wet – either in a bath, shower or pool, for the first weeks after your surgery. Don't smoke. Smoking negatively impacts your body's ability to heal after a surgery. Don't wear an underwire bra, which can not only be painful but also prevent your breast implants from settling properly.
Can you keep your nipples after a mastectomy?
When treating breast cancer with a mastectomy, the nipple is typically removed along with the rest of the breast. (Some women might be able to have a nipple-sparing mastectomy, where the nipple is left in place.Oct 20, 2021