After breast reconstructive surgery you will have drainage tubes inserted into the wound to drain away any fluid that may collect. These are long, thin, plastic tubes attached to vacuum drainage bottles. They are usually removed several days after your operation. These may be absorbed by the body if they are small, but if they are large they may need to be removed by a surgeon using a small needle and syringe. Pain and discomfort After any type of operation you are likely to feel some pain and discomfort.
Women vary greatly in how much pain they experience after breast reconstruction.
Many women will need pain relief for a day or so after surgery. Make sure you ask for pain-relieving drugs if you need them. You may find it uncomfortable moving the arm on the side where surgery has been carried out. This is particularly likely if you have reconstruction at the same time as surgery for breast cancer and have had some lymph glands removed from your armpit. But it is important that you continue using your arm and carry out exercises suggested by your physiotherapist.