DIEP Flap Recovery Tips by Medical Professionals
Attend Follow-up Appointments
Your doctor will request that you return periodically for check-ups. It’s important to attend each check-up on or near the date that your doctor recommends. During these appointments, the doctor can inspect the surgical site, take blood work if necessary, and monitor how well you’re recovering.
Postpone Workouts Sessions, But Keep Moving!
It will take your body a minimum of two weeks of recovery before you can start moving around comfortably. By the end of the second week, your doctor may permit you to transition from compression garments to regular clothing, but this does not mean you should rush back to exercising. Light and strenuous exercise should be avoided until after week three because your body is still adjusting to free-range movement. However, you should get up and move reguarly each and every day!
Avoid Overhead Movements
You should be mindful of how often you lift or extend your arms upward. This motion can cause severe pain and put undue strain on your muscles. If you need to get an item off a shelf or carry a large object overhead, it is recommended that you ask someone else to do it. You may be able to return to regular overhead lifting three weeks after your surgery, pending your doctor’s approval.
Visit The Breast Center for Your DIEP Flap Needs
DIEP flap surgery is a complicated breast reconstruction procedure. Therefore, it is vital to your recovery that you adhere to aftercare recommendations by trusted medical professionals. The Breast Center – Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery has years of experience performing reconstructive surgical procedures to help women who’ve survived breast cancer recover, so you can trust our advice. If you’d like more information, you may call us at 303-706-1100.
