In most cases, breast reconstruction with implants patients plan to take four weeks off work to allow for recovery from the mastectomy and tissue expander placement. After your second surgery, when Dr. Armijo removes the tissue expanders and places your final implants, you can expect to take one week to recover. Most of our patients can work during the tissue expansion period.
DIEP flap patients generally need four to six weeks off work for recovery.
Once you’ve had all your drains removed, you’ve regained a full range of arm motion, and you are no longer taking prescription pain medication, it is safe to resume driving. Most patients reach this point around three to four weeks following mastectomy surgery.