October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign designed to help spread awareness and education about the disease that strikes one in eight women US women sometime over the course of their lives. This year alone, experts estimated 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed, along with 61,000 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer.

For many, a partial or full mastectomy will be part of the treatment plan. While effective, this procedure comes has physical, emotional and self-esteem impacts. So, breast reconstruction surgery often is included in the full plan to help a woman heal and feel whole again. In fact, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 106,300 breast reconstruction procedures were performed last year – a 35-percent increase since 2000.

If you’re planning to undergo breast reconstruction, know that you’ll likely feel tired and sore for a few weeks following implant surgery, but you should be back to your normal daily routine within six to eight months. Keep in mind that reconstruction does not restore normal feeling to your breasts, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be left without sensation. Plus, feeling may improve over time. Expect swelling and bruising to fade in about eight weeks and while scars won’t ever fully disappear, they’ll fade with time.

It’s critical that you follow your surgeon’s instructions on the proper types of bras to wear throughout your healing period. And, know that you’ll need to take it easy for a while. As a basic rule, you’ll want to avoid overhead lifting, strenuous sports and some sexual activities for four to six weeks after reconstruction. Some women report going through a period of emotional adjustment following reconstruction surgery. Talking with peers who have undergone reconstructive surgery can be helpful.

If you’re considering breast reconstruction, Jacksonville’s Parkway Plastic Surgery can answer all your questions and develop a plan tailored just for you. Call 904-396-1186 to schedule a consultation today.