Recovery from skin expansion is generally
faster than with flap reconstruction, but both take three to six weeks
to recover from and both require follow-up surgeries in order to
construct new areola and nipple. Recovery from the second surgery should
be a week or less. Most scars will not disappear completely, but the
better the quality of the reconstruction, the less noticeable and
distracting the scars will be. All recipients of these operations should
refrain from strenuous sports, overhead lifting and sexual activity
during the recovery period which is about three to six weeks.
Expect to be tired for days and even weeks after reconstruction and may not feel like returning to work for six weeks.
