Preparing for Breast Reconstructive Surgery

This handout helps prepare you for breast reconstruction surgery. It is designed so that you can anticipate what to expect throughout your hospitalization process. There are various resources available to help prepare and guide you before, during, and after surgery, and during your recovery at home.

Table Of Contents

Before Surgery

• Getting Started


• Preparing for Surgery


• The Day Before & Day of Surgery

Your Surgery

• Admission to the Hospital


• Your Breast Reconstuction Surgery


• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

After Your Surgery

• After Your Breast Reconstruction Surgery


• Flap/Implant Reconstruction – ICU or TICU


• Pain Control


• Postoperative Days

Recovery

• Getting Ready to Go Home


• Postoperative Exercises


• Drains


• When to Call Your Surgeon


• The Road to Recovery


• Follow‐up Treatments


• Resources

Appendices

• Appendix A: Postoperative Exercises


• Appendix B: Caring for JP Drains


• Appendix C: Contact Information & Map

Acknowledgement

The following individuals and institutions created and/or contributed to this publication:

• Annemarie Schindler, RN


• Darlene Hiatt, RN, BSN


• Gabriel Kind, MD


• Karen Horton, MD, MSc, FRCSC


• Leanna Deegenaars, RN, MSN


• Marie Uy Goh, PA-C


• Michele Foster, RN, ANCC


• Tina Kuruvilla, RN, BSc, MSN


• Vancouver Island Health Authority, Victoria Breast Health Centre

Produced by the Center for Patient and Community Education in association with the staff and physicians at California Pacific Medical Center.

Line drawings: Sarah Ho
Photos of surgeons: courtesy of Dr. Karen Horton, MD, MSc, FRCSC; Dr. Gabriel Kind, MD


Note: This information is not meant to replace any information or personal medical advice which you get directly from your doctor(s). If you have any questions about this information, such as the risks or benefits of the treatment listed, please ask your doctor(s).