Breast Reconstruction Q&A
88%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
91 Reviews
Breast Reconstructionbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Breast Reconstruction Cost: $8,900

Learn about Breast Reconstruction

487 people and 265 doctors are talking about Breast Reconstruction

Get Free Email Updates

What is a Typical Post-op Visit Schedule After Implant Reconstruction?

asked 5 months ago by MiamiBaby in Florida
Latest answer by Paul S. Gill, MD
Question viewed 128 times
Tags: follow-up, timing

For tissue expander-to-implant reconstruction following bi-lateral nipple sparing mastectomy for breast cancer, what is a typical follow up schedule starting right after the surgery for exchange to final silicon implants? I understand that healing issues could change the timing and number of post-op visits, but barring serious problems, what is the ideal number and timing over the following weeks and months? Or even years? What might it be for later revision later surgery, if necessary?

3 answers to What is a Typical Post-op Visit Schedule After Implant Reconstruction?

+2

Postoperative visit schedule for two-stage implant reconstruction.

Every surgeon differs in their postoperative routine. I perform a large number of breast reconstructions with expanders and implants and my schedule is the following: Week 1: 1-2 visits in the first week post-surgery for first drain removal, mastectomy flap check, and monitoring. Week 2: Second drain removal and first fill of the expander. Weeks 3-?: Weekly fills of the expander until desired volume is achieved. Overfill the following week then wait for 4-6 weeks for... more
David Bogue, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

+1

Followup for 2nd stage implant breast reconstruction

Based on your question, i gather that you have tissue expanders and are about to undergo exchange to silicone implants. Since this is outpatient surgery, I prefer to see you back the next day to evaluate for any fluid collection or bleeding and to review postop incision care instructions. In most cases, a drain is not necessary during the exchange procedure. I then see you back at 1 week postop to evaluate your incision and ensure there are no signs of... more
Paul S. Gill, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

I like to see patients the day after surgery

Whenever possible then every 2-3 days until drains are out, then weekly depending upon chemo and radiation. I wait at least 2-3 months after chemo before performing surgery. Radiation can mean 6 month delays before revisional surgery. I overexpand as much as possible prior to final implant and then plan on revisions at six months to one year after final expansion/chemo/radiation.
Eleanor J. Barone, MD

Tampa Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question