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Time Off for Chest Reconstruction Top Surgery Recovery

This guide provides an overview of the time off from work and other normal routines you will need to take for your top surgery recovery. We cover organizing time off with your employer, what to expect during the first stage of recovery, and recovery milestones. Different types of top surgery may allow for varying degrees of physical activity and may come with their own potential risks and complications, which are discussed in this content. It is important to understand and take them into consideration when creating your post-op top surgery plan.

Chest reconstruction top surgery is an important and, possibly life-changing, procedure that requires careful planning and consideration in advance. Because chest reconstruction top surgery is a major procedure, you will need to take time off from work and other normal routines to rest and recuperate. Most patients feel up to resuming sedentary work and very light physical activity within 7 to 9 days. More specific milestones can be found below for other types of physical activity, which would determine when patients can resume work for non-sedentary professions.

Organizing Time Off With Your Employer

Generally speaking, your employer is required to grant you an adequate amount of time off for both surgery and recovery. Your surgeon will provide you with a doctor’s note regarding your activity restrictions. The note will not include any information regarding the nature of your procedure. You are not required to tell your employer what type of procedure you have undergone.

What Happens During the First Stage of Recovery?

Most patients do not have much trouble with chest reconstruction top surgery recovery. When you wake up from surgery, it is normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Your chest will be wrapped in gauze dressings and a compression binder for support.

You will likely need to take pain medication during your recovery, which your surgeon will give you to help manage your discomfort. You will also receive a dose of antibiotics during surgery, which will help decrease your risk of post-surgical infection.

You will be required to wear a special compression binder for a few weeks to minimize swelling and to help the skin tighten. Your surgeon will usually also place temporary surgical drains in your incisions, or the side of your chest to collect excess fluid build-up.

Most patients are able to return home, or to a recovery center, the same day as their surgery. You will need the help of a friend, family member, or another caretaker such as a nurse during the first few days of your recovery. A home care nurse may also be necessary for the first three days to monitor your progress, check your dressings, and empty the surgical drain if you happen to have them in place (most of our patients will have drains).

Your mobility may be limited for the first several days, but it is recommended that you start walking as soon as possible. Normal showering will be restricted until the dressings over your incisions and drains (if you have them) are removed. This usually happens with in 3 to 7 days, at your first post-op appointment.

Risks and Possible Complications

Though complications are uncommon, all surgeries carry a degree of risk and uncertainty. It is possible that you will experience a complication during recovery which will necessitate more time off from work and other daily routines. Complications associated with chest reconstruction top surgery include adverse reaction to anesthesia, blood clots, infection, excess fluid build-up in your chest, pain, bleeding, and undesirable cosmetic outcomes.

You will be given instructions for multiple ways to reach your surgeon directly after surgery. It is normal for your chest to be red and sore after surgery. However, if the redness extends 1-2 cm beyond the incision line, or if your skin is very warm or tender, or if you have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or more (measured with a thermometer), you should contact your surgeon. Infections are extremely rare, but these can be early indicators.

If at any time during your recovery, you feel a sudden shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, or tender, swollen legs, you should get emergency help. Dial 911 right away. These may be signs of a medical emergency.

Recovery Milestones

To emphasize the key points, it’s crucial not to lift anything over 10 pounds during the initial 0-10 days post-surgery, and to avoid raising your elbows above your lower shoulders. You’re free to perform tasks such as brushing your teeth and feeding yourself, but overall arm movement should be minimized.

From day 10 to 3 weeks post-surgery, you are advised to enhance your lower body activities, including more strenuous efforts, without any weight restrictions. When it comes to arm movement, continue as during the first phase, but gradually increase your shoulder’s range of motion, like when shampooing your hair.

Three weeks post-operation and beyond, there are no restrictions on your overall activities. You can return to work unless your job requires substantial physical effort, such as in-patient mental health work that involves restraining patients. There are no limitations on arm raising unless you experience a pulling sensation at the scar site. In such cases, ease up slightly but aim to regain full shoulder range of motion by the 6-week mark.

Patients who undergo a sensation preservation top surgery, also known as a double insicion with neurotization, can expect to recover heightened levels of sensitivity in the nipples by around 3 months post-op. It may take some patients longer for this to start happening. In the initial stages of nerve healing, it is normal for patients to experience uncomfortable sensations, like itchiness and tingling.

For updated information, please refer to our post-operative mobility rehabilitation protocol. Remember, most activities in daily life do not necessitate raising your arms above your shoulders, barring placing items on high shelves or engaging in certain sports or physical fitness activities.

Learn More about Chest Reconstruction Top Surgery Recovery

Do you still have questions about recovery? You can read this article about the recovery process or schedule an in-person or virtual consultation for chest reconstruction top surgery with one of our board certified plastic surgeons. During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss the procedure in-depth and view our gallery of top surgery before and after photos. Contact our offices today.