What to expect after flap surgery?

You will be sore in the breast and in the area where the flap was taken. You may have a pulling or stretching feeling in those areas. You can expect to feel better and stronger each day, although you may need pain medicine for a week or two. You may get tired easily or have less energy than usual.

How long does it take to heal from flap surgery?

Recovery after DIEP flap surgery can take six to eight weeks. Your surgeon may ask you to wear a compression garment around your chest or abdomen for several weeks. You'll need to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting or overhead movements.

What are the side effects of flap surgery?

How do you take care of after flap surgery?

How long does swelling last after flap surgery?

You can expect to see swelling and bruising at the surgical sites after DIEP flap surgery. This can last for up to eight weeks. It's important to remember that it takes up to a full year for the body to completely heal and the new breast shape to settle. Scars will gradually fade over this time too.

DIEP Flap Recovery: What to Expect the First Six Weeks

How long does pain last after flap surgery?

Right after the surgery, you will probably feel weak, and you may feel pain for 2 to 3 weeks. You will be sore in the breast and in the area where the flap was taken. You may have a pulling or stretching feeling in those areas.

What day is swelling worse after surgery?

Post-op swelling typically peaks about 3 to 7 days after surgery and then gradually subsides, with only minor swelling evident after the first month or two.

What is the success rate of flap surgery?

Introduction. Microvascular free flap reconstruction has been regarded as a standard procedure following head and neck cancer resection¹. Its technique has progressed well over time and nowadays has achieved a success rate of 91–99%^2,3,4.

Can I talk after gum flap surgery?

Your periodontist will ask you to keep the gauze in place for the first 40 to 50 minutes, reducing the risk of bleeding. You should also refrain from speaking. While you may feel up to chatting, it's best to wait 2 or 3 days unless otherwise advised by a dentist.

What are the benefits of flap surgery?

Benefits of Gingival Flap Surgery

Improve the look of your smile: By removing plaque and tartar underneath your gum line, the surgery can encourage your gum tissue to reattach to your roots, reducing the depth and appearance of gum pockets.

Does flap surgery hurt?

After flap surgery, you may experience some soreness, pain, and swelling once the anesthesia wears off. Fortunately, your dentist will prescribe painkillers, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medication to manage these symptoms for faster healing and to prevent infections.

Is flap surgery like a tummy tuck?

While we often say that a DIEP Flap procedure is like getting a tummy tuck, the focus of the surgery is natural breast reconstruction. Some patients may see results with the same toning and tightening as a tummy tuck, but others may not see drastic changes to their midsection.

Which is better flap or graft?

Skin flaps are thought to provide better cosmetic results than skin grafting (Fig. 5), as the skin tone and texture are usually better matched. Additionally, they have a reduced chance of failure in comparison to skin grafts.

How long does it take a flap of skin to reattach?

The skin graft will usually be held in place using stitches, staples, clips or special glue. The area will be covered with a sterile dressing until it has connected with the surrounding blood supply, which usually takes around 5 to 7 days.

How do you brush after flap surgery?

In exposed, operated areas limit your oral hygiene to brushing using a soft bristled toothbrush. In areas covered by periodontal dressing, brush only the chewing surfaces of teeth. Avoid dental flossing in operated areas during the first week following surgery.

Do they put you to sleep for flap surgery?

Flap surgery is typically done under local anesthesia, sometimes accompanied by oral anti-anxiety medications; alternatively, it may be performed under intravenous conscious sedation. After anesthesia has taken effect, a small incision is made to separate the gums from the teeth.

Do and don'ts after gum surgery?

AVOID PEROXIDE, ALCOHOL, CARBONATED BEVERAGES, AND DRINKING THROUGH A STRAW. After 24 Hours. You may have soft foods, such as cooked vegetables, fish, pasta, and meatloaf, which are easily chewed. You should use utensils and avoid chewing at the surgical site for 2 weeks.

Can I brush my teeth after flap surgery?

Brush only the chewing surfaces (tops) of the treated teeth for 1 week. Do not floss the treated teeth for 1 week. Brush and floss all other teeth normally.

How do you sleep after gum surgery?

Following oral surgery, we recommend that you sleep with your head and shoulders propped up above your heart level. Add an extra pillow or two to your bed or to the place where you will be resting. If you have a recliner, this is also an excellent way to keep your head elevated.

What are the complications of free flap surgery?

Donor site complications may occur during harvesting of the free flap and include wound dehiscence, surgical site infection, hematoma, seroma, scar formation, and skin graft failure.

Does drinking water help with post op swelling?

First and foremost, drink plenty of water! Water serves a lot of functions in the body and will be particularly good to reduce swelling after surgery.

Does walking reduce swelling after surgery?

Walking is important. It helps to prevent blood clots, it will help reduce swelling, and it is good for the lungs after surgery.

Is day 3 after surgery the worst?

Pain and swelling: Incision pain and swelling are often worst on day 2 and 3 after surgery. The pain should slowly get better during the next 1 to 2 weeks. Mild itching is common as the incision heals. Redness: Mild redness along the incision is common.

How do you prevent sensitivity after flap surgery?

Sensitivity usually decreases within several weeks after surgery and can be minimized by keeping the area as free of plaque as possible. If the sensitivity is extreme, contact the doctor for recommendations or medications to relieve the discomfort.

Will skin flap reattach?

If the skin tear is large and there is a flap, your healthcare provider can sometimes maneuver the flap back into place, at least partially. The flap itself will shrink when it is torn so it will always look smaller.