BREAST
Implant-based breast reconstruction
This is the simplest way to rebuild your breast after a mastectomy and is often chosen by women who want shorter surgery and recovery time.
It can be a good option if you're not suitable for, or don't want, a longer or more complex operation.
There are, however, two main disadvantages to this approach compared with autologous breast reconstruction: implant-based reconstructions won't give you as natural or soft a feel as your own tissue can, and implants will need to be replaced during your lifetime.
If you have an implant-based reconstruction and later change your mind, implants can be removed and replaced with your own tissue (see implant removal for more information).
ANAESTHETIC
General anaesthetic
OPERATING TIME
1.5 hrs of pure surgical time
HOSPITAL
1 night in hospital, no drains
WORK
Between 1 to 2 weeks off
EXCERSISE
None for 4 weeks
BRA
Surgical bra for 6 weeks
FOLLOW UP
1 week with the nurse 2-3 weeks with Mr Pantelides
DRIVING
Must be able to make an emergency stop, typically 2 weeks
PAIN
Additional long acting local anaesthesia given during the surgery, combined with oral analgesia afterwards, should keep you very comfortable during your recovery