Why does the abdomen swell after mammoplasty, how to remove the symptom, and when will it subside on its own?

How is rehabilitation after mammoplasty?

It is worth paying the utmost attention to rehabilitation after mammoplasty in order to avoid possible complications and recover quickly.

Hospital after mammoplasty

Rehabilitation after breast augmentation begins from the first day the patient spends in the intensive care unit. If no complications are observed, the woman is released with prescriptions for medications and numerous recommendations from doctors.

Medications after mammoplasty

During the rehabilitation period after mammoplasty, painkillers become the most important medications. In the first two to three days after surgery, pain can be very intense, and this is due to breast swelling, muscle damage and tissue stretching as a result of implantation. Also, rehabilitation after mammary gland enlargement is unimaginable without taking antibiotics and antivirals, which prevent the development of complications.

First, the seam requires the use of a Meliform silicone patch. When it becomes soft and light, you will need to use a special Contractubex cream.

During the recovery period after mammoplasty, the doctor may prescribe other medications if there is an individual need.

Seams

The tissues after surgery will be stretched, so there will be a very high probability of scar formation. It can completely ruin the results. Therefore, recovery after breast augmentation is unthinkable without proper care of the sutures. In order to avoid tension of the tissues on both sides of the scar, the edge of the wound is fixed using special strips or adhesive tape. Compression garments also contribute to the formation of a thin scar.

As a rule, sutures are removed one week after surgery.

Edema

Breast swelling after surgery can be quite serious. The mammary glands above the nipple become unnaturally enlarged. Sometimes the swelling goes away in a week, and sometimes it happens in a month.

Swelling is noticeably reduced when wearing compression garments, which activate blood flow and lymphatic drainage. Also, swelling is reduced by a cool shower.

After breast augmentation, rehabilitation is incompatible with:

• tanning in a solarium or in the sun;
• sexual arousal, during which blood rushes to the mammary glands;
• wash in a hot and warm bath;
• visiting the bathhouse and sauna;
• physical activity not permitted by a doctor.

How long does it take for swelling to subside after breast augmentation?

This is determined by the individual characteristics of the organism, but the average statistical time is indicated as a guide. The increase in swelling is completed by the end of 4 days. Then the condition of the tissues begins to improve.

Visible signs of stagnation of lymph and intercellular fluid persist from 2 to 4 weeks. Internal swelling after breast augmentation lasts longer - up to 3 months.

Slow restoration of lymph flow is normal and does not require correction in the absence of fever, changes in skin color and the appearance of new lumps.

Over the course of six months, the mammary glands will change shape. But it will be possible to evaluate the primary result of the operation when the lymph flow is restored.

Postoperative period

The list of necessary medications and medications is agreed upon by the plastic surgeon with the patient. If a woman experiences moderate pain, she may be prescribed painkillers. The scar after the operation turns red and thickens, and then gradually fades and becomes almost invisible. In modern cosmetology there are a number of products that promote rapid healing of scars and they are often used after breast augmentation.

In the postoperative period (the first 7-10 days), a woman should refuse:

• playing sports;
• visits to the sauna, bathhouse and solarium;
• intense physical activity;
• sex;
• blood thinning drugs;
• drinking alcohol.

During this period, the woman is recommended to wear special compression garments. In it, the patient herself will be more comfortable, and the load on the shoulder girdle will be distributed evenly. You will have to wear such underwear for 3-4 weeks.

Failure to follow these simple rules can lead to a longer recovery and worsening results. The doctor must schedule examinations for the patient after surgery and monitor the healing process of the scar and its current condition. Women after such operations are recommended to regularly visit a mammologist.

What it is

According to the classification based on the time of occurrence of lymph stagnation, which leads to edema, modern medicine distinguishes between primary postmastectomy and late edema of the arm. As a rule, primary, postoperative swelling occurs from direct surgical intervention. Late swelling of the arm can be triggered by a number of internal and external factors that you should be aware of and try to avoid their influence. These factors include:

• blocking of lymph nodes, neoplasm of lymph outflow tracts;
• the appearance of fibrosis;
• infectious processes in lymph nodes or vessels. For example, lymphadenitis or erysipelas;
• inflammatory processes in the lymph nodes;
• intersection of lymphatic drainage pathways.

Experts include the following factors as external factors for the appearance of lymphatic drainage:

• hyperthermia, which is caused by an increase in body temperature during illness, as well as after visiting a sauna, prolonged exposure to the sun, or staying in a hot climate;
• increased or prolonged physical activity and effort on the limb;
• various hand injuries, such as bruises, abrasions;
• inflammatory and infectious diseases of a systemic and local nature.

Mild lymphostasis, which is observed after breast removal surgery for a year, can be corrected and treated. Dense lymphostasis, which is characterized by significant difficulties in the outflow of lymph, is often a consequence of the formation of scar tissue in the lymph nodes. This occurs under the influence of radiation therapy as a result of the removal of tumor formation. This may also be a consequence of the appearance of tumors and the growth of metastases. Swelling of the arm after breast removal that worsens despite the therapy, or swelling that lasts more than a year after surgery, definitely requires consultation with a specialist. You can get high-quality advice on swelling under the armpit after breast removal at the Yusupov Hospital.

Treatment

It is believed that soreness in the arm on the side of surgery is a normal rehabilitation period. Patients should be concerned about progressive and prolonged symptoms. In modern medicine, the following types of symptoms are distinguished:

• increased swelling over a short period;
• increasing pain in the hand;
• compaction of the subcutaneous tissue is observed;
• swelling of the limb becomes easily noticeable;
• development of trophic ulcers;
• thickening and roughening of the top layer of skin;
• the appearance of cracks in the skin.

If you have such symptoms, you should seek advice from a specialist.

Among the medications after surgery, venotonic drugs are used to restore blood flow. Also, if there is significant swelling, the doctor may prescribe the use of diuretics. Such drugs are used for a short course to reduce swelling and, as a rule, require the supervision of a surgeon and therapist. Also, doctors include bandaging the limb with elastic materials and a compression sleeve among the means that help to carry out lymphatic drainage in the limb. They stimulate the outflow of lymph by increasing pressure on the surface.

To relieve swelling after breast resection, exercises are recommended. You can start doing them on the 9th day after surgery. At first, it is advisable to perform the exercises under the supervision of a specialist. The technique of such exercises consists of the following movements:

• supported squats;
• smoothly raising your arms up and to the sides;
• lifting and holding the affected arm with the healthy hand and holding for 5 seconds;
• lifting the affected limb up and holding it with support for as long as possible;
• lifting and subsequent straightening of the sore arm.

All movements must be performed smoothly. It is necessary to perform several approaches at a time. It is necessary to do this course of exercises twice a day and gradually increase the load. Doctors at the Yusupov Hospital, to alleviate the condition of swelling of the arm after a mastectomy, recommend superficial self-massage of the arm using venotonic ointments. Movements should be performed from the fingertips upwards towards the shoulder area.

What to pay attention to

Knowing how rehabilitation goes after mammoplasty, you need to listen to your body. What should alert you and be a reason to visit a doctor as soon as possible:

1. Fresh bruises, hemorrhages.
2. Discharge from the sutures, their redness, increased pain, bleeding.
3. Deterioration in general condition a week or two after surgery.
4. High temperature for several days.
5. The seam has come apart.
6. A rough, raised scar is formed.
7. There is a suspicion of implant displacement.

All these complications arise when the recommendations of the attending physician are not followed; each of them is serious in its own way and can lead to various consequences, ranging from the need for repeated surgery to sepsis. Therefore, you should not neglect the rules - compliance with them determines whether a woman will be pleased with her new breasts, or whether she will have to spend much more time in the clinic than she wanted.

Yes, in some cases the occurrence of complications is the fault of the doctor, whose qualifications are clearly insufficient to carry out this type of intervention. But at EstetClinic this is excluded. We employ surgeons with the highest qualifications and extensive experience, who receive only rave reviews. Therefore, if you need to tighten or enlarge or reduce your breasts, you can safely contact our specialists.

Recovery after breast surgery

Caring for recently operated breasts has a number of features. The postoperative period is always accompanied by hemorrhages, compaction, and swelling of the operated tissues. The recovery process can be accelerated by using so-called perioperative cosmetics, aimed at improving microcirculation in the surgical area, reducing swelling and pain, which has a distracting effect. Edemablock from the NOVACUTIS cosmetic line is suitable for this purpose.

In the case of breast reduction or tightening, one or another amount of excess skin is always excised, the spread gland is collected, and then suspended in a new position with a fixing suture to the chest. In this case, the operated tissues tend to take their original position, stretching the skin and, unfortunately, expanding the still immature postoperative scars. If measures are not taken in a timely manner, they will turn from a thin “thread” into a noticeable wide stripe. This can be prevented by using strips (special paper strips of plaster), which are used to fix the edges of the postoperative wound during the period of its healing. You should walk with them for 2-3 months.

To mature the scar, after the stitches are removed during the day, silicone-based gels are used, such as Regivasil, Zeraderm, Dermatix. They are gently rubbed into the scar area 2-3 times a day. Please note that if local crusts remain in the area of ​​postoperative scars, it is too early to use the gel. It will dissolve them, as a result of which small wounds may appear. At night, for 12 hours, a special silicone plate should be applied to the scar area, which also promotes rapid maturation of the scar, its whitening and softening. On the Russian market, such plates can be found under the names “Mepiform”, “Elastoderm”, “Epi-Derm”, etc.

After the operation, it is mandatory to wear an elastic T-shirt or bra for at least 1 month, and in some cases longer. Clothing relieves the gland, preventing it from sagging and expanding scars. The pressure exerted by elastic clothing on the scar further promotes its rapid maturation.

Physical activity after breast surgery is temporarily limited. You should not start lifting weights (over 3 kg) or exercise on the shoulder girdle for 3 months. By this time, the scar tissue will have strengthened, and the risk of expansion of the postoperative scar will decrease.

After breast replacement, there is a special regime of increasing physical activity. I usually suggest the following: for the first 2 weeks, do not raise your arms above shoulder level; from the 11th to the 20th days, work in the kitchen and other active movements are allowed, returning to work; Days 21-35 - transition to previous activities, sports, driving. In the case of smooth implants, starting from 5-6 days after surgery, you can begin a light massage of the mammary glands 3-4 times a day at a calm pace for six months to prevent the formation of fibrocapsular contracture.

After breast surgery, it is not recommended to take a bath for the first three weeks after surgery due to the risk of swelling. But a shower is not forbidden, and of course in combination with the use of moisturizing creams and lotions, since by this time the skin is significantly dry due to prolonged use of antiseptics. I usually recommend Senokutis from the NOVACUTIS cosmetic line. The main components - extracts of Asian centella, agrimony, pear, walnut, plum, vitamin E and lecithin restore firmness and elasticity of the skin. This product is also indicated for the prevention of stretch marks after breast correction.

I especially insist on caring for the mammary glands after prosthetics. The skin is initially significantly tense due to the sudden increase in volume, the breasts have a beautiful youthful shape. However, in the absence of care and nourishment, the tissues quickly overstretch, lose tone and elasticity. All these circumstances only contribute to the lowering of the endoprosthesis together with the gland under the influence of gravity. The heavier the implant, the faster this will happen. That is why, after endoprosthetics, a special complex that strengthens the bust in a cosmetology center with the use of more concentrated cosmetics, as well as plasticizing masks, algae wraps, etc., will not hurt.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EARLY POSTOPERATIVE CARE:

From the first day of discharge, take (as prescribed by the doctor):

1. ANTIBIOTICS – 5 days,

2.Linex 2caps.x 3 times a day - 5 days,

3.Dicinone 1t. x 3r. per day for 2 days.

4. After 1 week from the day of surgery, take 1 caps “AEVIT” vitamins daily. 1 time per day – 1 month.

Control of red blood after 10 days (take a general blood test).

Ultrasound of the lower extremities the day after discharge.

To reduce discomfort in the surgical area, you can take painkillers, for example: 1 table. dexalgin or baralgin for no more than 5 days.

In the first days after surgery, body temperature may increase. Taking antipyretic tablets is recommended only when the temperature rises above 38.

Dressing rules:

* When performing any actions, it is prohibited to rub the suture line and press with your hands on the tissue surrounding the wound.

* Before dressing, you must wash your hands with laundry soap and treat them with alcohol or vodka.

* When bandaging, use one cotton swab or gauze ball for each seam.

* For dressing, only sterile two-layer gauze napkins (folded in two layers) are used.

* Disposable tweezers, which are stored in a glass of alcohol.

Sequence of dressings (daily 2-3 times a day):

1.Take a shower 2 times a day (from the date the surgeon allows)

It is necessary to soap a gauze pad with antibacterial soap and then rinse in a circular motion along the seam under the mammary glands. Wait 1-2 minutes and then rinse off the soap suds with warm water. Do not rub the seam area with a washcloth. When washing the mammary gland with a napkin, do not press hard on the mammary gland. All touches must be gentle.

2. Treat the seam area with an alcohol solution of chlorhexidine or vodka.

3.Lubricate the bruised area with Arnica gel (do not apply to stitches!!!).

4. Lie down under a clean, ironed sheet for 2 hours without bandages or underwear, do not get up or walk.

5. Treat the seam area with alcohol or vodka

6. Place sterile two-layer gauze bandages on the suture area and moisten them with a 0.05% aqueous solution of chlorhexidine or an aqueous solution of Iodopirone.

7. Wear clean, elastic underwear

8. In the first 5 days, chilotherapy (cold treatment) is recommended in order to reduce swelling and pain in the surgical area.

Behavior after surgery:

No smoking for 6 weeks. When smoking, blood vessels become more fragile, which may further increase the risk of bleeding in the early postoperative period or the development of seroma. Smoking impairs tissue blood circulation, which can adversely affect the rate of healing of postoperative wounds. Sluggish healing, in turn, increases the risk of infection and increases the body's chances of rejecting the implant. Local deterioration of blood circulation can lead to areas of ischemia (insufficient blood circulation) or necrosis (death) of the skin and breast tissue.

Do not take a bath, sauna, steam bath for 3 weeks. It is necessary to take a warm shower every day from the 4th day after surgery. It is not recommended to rub the seam area. After a shower, the suture areas should be dried with a light touch of a clean towel, then the suture area on the mammary glands should be treated with alcohol or vodka and bandaged with a 0.05% aqueous solution of chlorhexidine.

In the first 8 weeks after surgery, it is recommended to wear a special compression bra around the clock. In the future (after agreement with your doctor), you can switch to a fairly thick bra (wireless).

The diet is normal. In the first days, drinking heavily is not recommended. You should avoid drinking alcohol and spicy foods for the entire period of swelling and signs of inflammation in the surgical area.

Within 2 months after the date of surgery, there should be a restriction on the movement of the arms (especially raising them up), as this can lead to trauma to the tissues surrounding the endoprosthesis and the formation of internal accumulations of fluid and blood with increased inflammation and the emergence of conditions for the development of complications .

!!! During the first 4 weeks, do not raise your arms above shoulder level and do not lift heavy things (bags) or small children.

from the 11th to the 20th days, work in the kitchen and other active movements are allowed, returning to work.

1 month after the operation (with the permission of the surgeon) - transition to previous activities, driving a car (driving a car independently after surgery can be dangerous and can lead to various complications).

Intense physical activity is allowed strictly after 3 months (physical education and shaping, etc.). From this time on you can also sleep on your stomach.

Due to the possibility of internal bleeding from the tissues surrounding the endoprostheses, early sexual contacts pose a significant danger. The latter is prohibited during the first 3 weeks. after operation. In the next 2 months. extremely careful sexual contact is allowed when wearing a bra and without traumatizing the mammary glands.

Due to the long recovery time of the tissues surrounding the implants, early holiday trips to southern countries are not recommended for 6 months. after surgery, because this can lead to the development of dangerous complications.

After the stitches are removed and healing is complete (there are no crusts at all!) rub Regivasil gel into the postoperative scar 2 times a day.

Treatment and rehabilitation at the Yusupov Hospital

After breast removal surgery, the Yusupov Hospital provides rehabilitation for patients. Preventive measures that reduce the likelihood of hand swelling include hydromassage, warm baths, and showers. Patients are told that for a year after the operation they should not sleep on the side where the operation was performed. It is strictly forbidden to give injections, measure blood pressure, wear tight clothing, or lift or hold weights of more than a kilogram in the arm on which the operation was performed.

The Yusupov Hospital uses medical equipment that is designed to treat lymphostasis at any stage. The effectiveness of treatment when the arm swells after breast removal has been proven by many studies.

The rehabilitation clinic employs highly qualified doctors who will conduct a thorough diagnosis and prescribe appropriate effective treatment using modern equipment for a speedy recovery of their patients. You can make an appointment with a specialist 24/7 by calling the Yusupov Hospital.