The following information provided is of a general nature and does not represent or constitute medical advice or recommendations and is for general education purposes only.
Each individual is unique and results and timelines will vary from case to case. Always consult your doctor for medical advice and before starting any activities.
Following surgery, patients are transferred to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) for observation. It is here that the patient will wake from the anesthesia used during surgery. The PACU is staffed by specially trained medical professionals who monitor the condition of patients immediately following surgery. Patients are typically transferred to regular rooms within a few hours.
The typical hospital stay for most patients is 3 to 5 days. During that time, hospital staff will work to effectively manage post-operative pain, provide physical therapy, such as deep-breathing exercises, and provide instructions on recovery.
During the first four weeks after surgery, patients will have multiple follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor recovery.
Patients will receive information on specific physical limitations prior to returning home from the hospital. It’s important to follow the activity guidelines provided by the surgeon or hospital staff. Specific instructions may vary on a case-by-case basis but patients should plan on taking it easy for the first four weeks after surgery. As pain lessens during this time, it is important to continue following the guidelines provided by the surgeon. Adhering to the guidelines will help your recovery.
Patients are typically cleared to return to normal daily activities within a four to six week timeframe but should continue to follow all doctor recommendations on activity and movement restrictions.1,4
Once a patient is four to six weeks post-op, surgeons may advise that patients should do the following:
Once you are six to twelve weeks into your recovery, patients may be able to return to normal activities and may begin playing certain non-contact sports. Contact sports are never recommended, however, heavy lifting may be allowed after 2 months and surgeons may advise that patients can get back on the field, court, or in the pool after 3 months.2
Published clinical research suggests that your cardiopulmonary function (breathing and stamina) during exercise may improve significantly after your surgery.3 However, activity levels and cardiopulmonary function will vary and patients may not notice a difference in these functions. You should always follow your doctor’s instructions on appropriate levels of physical activity.
After 12 weeks surgeons may advise that patients are cleared to resume all normal activities.
It is always important to follow specific instructions from your surgeon, but most patients are not forced to sacrifice participating in regular daily activities at this time point. The remainder of the treatment period, up to bar removal, should be life as usual including the ability to participate in non-contact sports. Certain forms of exercise and activity may be encouraged to facilitate chest growth and strengthening of the chest muscles.
The Pectus Support Bar should be removed once your surgeon determines that your treatment is complete. Bar removal usually takes place 2 to 3 years after your original surgery and typically does not require an overnight hospital stay.4 One or both of the original incisions are used to gain access to and remove the bar.5
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