What's the Recommended Hospital Stay for Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

asked 8 months ago by anon
Latest answer by Kelly Gallego, MD
Question viewed 211 times
Tags: duration, hospital, outpatient, statistics

On average, is this just a day surgery that I will go home a few hours later?

6 answers to What's the Recommended Hospital Stay for Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

Length of stay after breast reconstruction

How long a patient stays in the hospital after a breast reconstruction depends on a number of issues including the age, overall health of the patient, and the type of procedure. Patients who are reconstructed intially with a tissue expander in a delayed fashion often go home the same day as surgery. When tissue expanders are placed at the same time as the mastectomy (immediate), patients typically stay at least one night. When flap procedures are performed, patients should... more

Kelly Gallego, MD
Sioux City Plastic Surgeon

Breast reconstruction and hospital stay

The length of time to stay in the hospital after breast reconstruction really depends upon the type of procedure you have done. DIEP flap or TRAM flap usualy requires 3-4 days in the hospital. A tissue expander often requires overnight or ambulatory.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Most breast reconstruction with implants is outpatient

There are several variables to consider, the first of which is timing. If you are having immediate reconstruction (same time as mastectomy) then the mastectomy determines the length of stay more than the reconstruction. For delayed reconstruction with a tissue expander-implant sequence, there are two outpatient operations with a quick recovery. If a flap procedure is done (TRAM, DIEP, latissimus) then you will need several days in hospital and the recovery time is much longer. more

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reconstruction Hospital Stay?

Thank you for the question. The length of hospital stay after breast reconstruction surgery will depend on the specific patient and the exact type of reconstruction that is being performed. The surgeon will be able to give you a much better idea. Best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reconstruction Length of Stay

Thank you for the question. It completely depends on the type of breast reconstruction. Bilateral DIEP reconstruction (using tissue from the abdomen and microsurgery) will usually require a length of stay from 3-5 days. Tissue expander or direct to implant reconstruction patients usually go home the next day, or occasionally the same day. It is something to discuss with your plastic surgeon in terms of your specific case.

Peter A. Lennox, MD
Vancouver Plastic Surgeon