Consulting Surgeons

POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
BREAST BIOPSY

  1. Pain medication. Local anesthesia has been used in the wound and will last for 2-4 hours. Afterwards, you may take Extra-Strength Tylenol. It is not necessary to take pain medication unless you have pain.

  2. Activity. You need not restrict your activities except for your comfort. In general, you may return to work as soon as you feel able.

  3. Wound care. You may remove the outer bandage the day after surgery and shower. Underneath the outer bandage there are butterfly tapes covering the incision; leave these tapes in place until they begin to curl up at the edges (about one week). At this point, they may be removed. There is no need to place a fresh bandage on the wound unless there is drainage or if your clothing rubs against the incision causing irritation. Do not immerse the incision underwater until approved by the doctor.

    It is normal to develop some swelling and bruising along the incision, which may require several weeks before it goes away. To reduce the swelling, you may use an ice pack over the bandage or on top of your clothing for 20 minutes at a time 3 times a day for the first 2 days after surgery. The bruising is of no concern as long as the breast remains soft and there is not too much discomfort. Contact the doctor immediately if the bruising is associated with hardening of the breast and increasing pain.

    Most women find it more comfortable to wear a support bra, day and night, for about a week. This relieves some of the tension on the incision and helps to support the breast while it heals.

  4. Follow up. The doctor will need to see you again in about 5-10 days after surgery to check the wound. You may of course call at anytime with additional questions.

  5. Pathology. It generally takes about 2 working days before the results of the breast biopsy are known. The doctor will call you with the results when they become available. If you have not heard from the office after 3 business days, you may call for the results.

Updated 9-8-06 Id

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