Breast cancer health centre

Breast cancer: Post-surgery tips

After an operation for breast cancer, after care advice will be given before leaving hospital.

Specific instructions will vary from person, but general measures include:

How do I care for my drainage device?

You may be discharged from hospital with an external drainage device in place. The drain will continuously remove fluid from the operation site into an external collection device. You will be responsible for emptying this device. Your doctor or a nurse 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 colour of the fluid may also change from cherry-red to yellow-red and then to a straw-coloured fluid. Usually the drainage system is removed within one week after surgery.

When can I get my incision wet?

The 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 bath if you are able to keep the area dry. Non-dissolvable stitches will  be removed between 7 to 10 days after surgery.

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

When and how do I change my surgical dressing?

You will be wearing a special bra (surgi-bra) that holds dressings in place after the surgery. Your doctor will tell you when you can stop wearing the bra. You should change the dressings once a day and your doctor will show you how to do this.

If possible it is a good idea to have someone help you change the dressing as you lie in bed.

What should I take for the pain?

You will be given a prescription for pain relief after the operation. Ask your doctor about taking over-the-counter painkillers in addition to, or instead of, your prescription pain relief medication. 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 the operation. This will go away after 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 painkiller. A warm shower may also provide comfort, but remember to wait a whole 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 can massage the area with a mild cream, vitamin E or pure lanolin. Avoid highly perfumed creams and any product containing alcohol, because they may be irritating. After several weeks, the scar will soften.