Tips for Recovering From Breast Cancer Surgery

Please note: These are general guidelines and may not apply to every patient. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for care after surgery.

How Do I Care for My Drainage Device?

You may be discharged from the hospital after breast cancer surgery with an external drainage device in place. The drain will continuously remove fluid from the surgery site into an external collection device. You will be responsible for emptying it. Your health care provider will show you how to care for your drain before you are discharged from the hospital.

The amount of fluid that is drained over a 24-hour period will gradually decrease. The color of the fluid may also change from a cherry-red to a yellow-red, and then to a straw-colored fluid. Usually the drainage system is removed within one week after surgery.

When Can I Get my Incision Wet?

After breast cancer surgery, your incision should be kept clean and dry for one week after surgery. Because of this, sponge baths are preferable to showers. You may bathe in a bathtub if you are able to keep the area dry. Small pieces of tape (called steri-strips) will remain over the incision site and can be removed between 10 and 14 days after surgery.

Do not go swimming until you have discussed this with your physician at your follow-up appointment.

When and how Do I Change my Bandages?

You will be wearing a special bra (surgi-bra) that holds bandages in place after the surgery. Your doctor will tell you when you are able to stop wearing the bra. You should change the dressings once a day, but your health care provider will show you how to do this.

If possible, it's a good idea to have someone help you change the bandages as you lie in bed.

What Should I Take for the Pain?

You will be given a prescription for pain medication after breast cancer surgery. Ask your doctor about taking over-the-counter pain relievers in addition to, or instead of, your prescription pain medicine. Do not take aspirin or products containing aspirin for the first three days after the procedure.

How Do I Care for the Skin Near the Incision?

The area may be black and blue right after breast cancer surgery. This will go away in a few days. You may feel numbness, tingling, or discomfort on the inner part of your upper arm or in your armpit. This is normal. With your doctor's approval, try to increase your exercise routine and take a mild pain reliever such as Tylenol. A warm shower may also provide comfort, but remember to wait one week after surgery before taking a shower.

When shaving under your arm or applying deodorant, look in the mirror to avoid irritating the incision.

As the incision heals, it may feel thick and tough. You may massage the area with a mild lotion, vitamin E, or pure lanolin. Avoid highly perfumed lotions and any product containing alcohol, because they may be irritating. After several weeks, the scar will soften.