Prepare for breast reconstruction surgery

There are several ways you can prepare for breast reconstruction surgery.

From physical activity to practical changes around your home, preparation may make your recovery easier.

These activities are sometimes referred to prehabilitation or ‘prehab’ – similar to the ‘rehab’ people may do after an injury or illness.

More and more hospitals offer prehabilitation programs. Ask your surgeon or breast care nurse if there is a program near you.

A program of physical exercises has also been designed to help people prepare for breast reconstruction and during the first few weeks of recovery.

Plan for and recover from breast reconstruction surgery
Discussion about how the right exercises and asking the right questions can make a big difference to recovery.

In this podcast episode, host Kellie Curtain is joined by:

• Jodi Steel, who has lived experience with reconstructive surgery and is a BCNA Consumer Representative
• Associate Professor Deirdre McGhee.

Tips from our members

When you are getting ready for major surgery, it's your turn to accept help from others. Here are ideas from our members: 

• get a temporary cleaner, or ask others for help with cleaning, gardening, walking the dog etc
• organise online shopping for supermarket deliveries
• suggest a meal roster - there are online apps (such as Gather My Crew) that make this easy
• think about a meal subscription so you can fill the freezer with nutritious meals 
• find out what you need so you can care for your scars 
• make sure you have clothes and pyjamas that open and close at the front. These make dressing and undressing easier. It's also easier for your medical team to check your dressings.

Our members have also shared Tips to be more comfortable after surgery.