Weeks 5 – 6
Walking, Sitting, and Sleeping
Abdominal DIEP/SIEA flap patients:
Sleep on your back with your head and knees elevated.
Rest with your head and knees elevated.
Do not lay on your side or your back.
Continue to wear your compression bra and other garments except while showering.
Inner Thigh TUG flap patients:
Sleep flat on your back, with your knees together.
Sit in a reclined position, leaning back, to avoid any tension on your inner thigh incision.
Continue to wear your compression bra and other garments except while showering.
Buttock SGAP/IGAP patients:
Sleep flat on your back.
To avoid any tension on your buttock incision line, do not sit.
Continue to wear your compression bra and other garments except while showering.
Other Important Information
Most patients may return to work four to six weeks following a breast reconstruction surgery, or two to four weeks following reconstruction with an implant. If your job requires physical exertion, more time may be needed.
Do not lift more than 5 kilograms/10 pounds (example: a newborn baby).
No sexual activity or strenuous exercise.
Avoid smoking and exposure to second hand smoke.
Avoid sun exposure.