Following DIEP flap breast reconstruction, patients are typically in the hospital for another 2-3 days. During this time, your medical team will monitor your recovery closely, manage any pain, and ensure that your reconstructed breast and donor area are healing correctly. Ultimately, the length of your hospital stay varies depending on your recovery and how well your body responds to the surgery.
Of course, it’s normal for patients to wonder what they should expect next while they’re there. Therefore, if you or someone you know has recently undergone DIEP flap breast reconstruction, this is what can be expected during this time.
DIEP Flap Monitoring
A nurse will check on the health of your newly transplanted flap(s) every hour the evening after surgery. Following an evaluation from a PRMA plastic surgeon or Physician Assistant the morning after surgery, the time between flap health checks will increase to two hours until you are discharged from the hospital.
Medications
After your DIEP flap breast reconstruction, your medical team will prescribe medications to help manage any discomfort and support your recovery. These may include pain relievers, antibiotics to prevent infection, and blood thinners to reduce the risk of blood clots.
To ensure a smooth recovery, follow your doctor’s instructions closely when taking these medications. Our team will guide you in taking your medications safely and answer any questions.
Walking After Surgery
It may come as a surprise to most, but at PRMA, we get our patients up and walking as soon as possible after surgery. For most patients, the nurse will have them up and walking a short distance first thing in the morning after surgery. Walking will gradually increase as tolerable.
Meals
On the evening of surgery, patients can expect a clear liquid dinner (for example, a nice hot broth). If the liquid meal is tolerated well, a full, regular breakfast packed with protein is served the morning after surgery.
Showering
Patients will take their first shower after surgery on post-op day two. For some patients, we may recommend showering for the first time in the surgical bra, but we will provide additional garments if that is the case.
PRMA Surgeon and Physician Assistant Check-Ins
PRMA’s Physician Assistants (PAs) will check in every morning while in the hospital. The surgeons will also stop by, but the timing will be based on their surgery schedules. The PAs will communicate daily with the surgeons and provide full updates on each recovering patient.
Drainage Tube Removal
Your surgeon may use drainage tubes to help remove excess fluid and reduce the risk of seromas. Depending on how well your body is healing, these tubes are typically removed within a few days to a week. While you might experience mild discomfort with the drainage tubes, the removal process is quick and relatively painless.
At-Home Incision Care Instruction
Proper at-home incision care is crucial for a smooth recovery and optimal healing after your DIEP flap surgery. Therefore, here are some key steps to follow:
- Keep Incisions Clean and Dry: Gently clean the area with mild soap and water. Avoid scrubbing the incisions, and make sure they stay dry.
- Change Dressings as Directed: Follow your surgeon’s instructions on how often to change your dressings. Use clean, sterile materials to prevent infection.
- Avoid Tight Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that doesn’t rub against or irritate your incisions.
- Watch for Signs of Infection: If you notice increased redness, swelling, or discharge, contact your doctor immediately.
- Limit Activity: Avoid strenuous activities that could strain the incision site during the early stages of recovery.
Tailored DIEP Flap Surgery Care: Trust Our Skilled Surgeons Every Step of the Way
Ready to take the next step in your breast reconstruction journey? At our San Antonio plastic surgery clinic, we are dedicated to providing personalized care throughout your DIEP flap surgery. From the initial consultation to your recovery, we’re here to ensure you feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Don’t wait—book your consultation now and start your journey with a team you can trust! Let us help guide you toward the results you deserve.
