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

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 plan on being in the hospital for 3-4 nights.  Obviously, older patients and those with multiple health problems typically require longer hospital stays.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In our practice the overwhelming majority of those undergoing a Breast Reduction are well enough to go home a few hours after surgery. A hospital stay is very uncommon.

Good Luck.

Peter A Aldea, MD