Recovering from Your Breast Surgery: What to Expect

You don’t make the choice to undergo breast surgery lightly. The procedure changes your body lastingly, in ways that may be difficult to accept. However, your breast surgery procedure may be the best way to save your life. Breast surgery prevents breast cancer and may be used to treat breast cancer, as well. Breast reconstruction may help you adapt to this difficult change.

At Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin of Odessa, Texas, board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Mary Grace Bridges ensures that you’re supported throughout the process of breast surgery, from making the decision to undergoing the best procedure for your healthcare needs. In this blog, Dr. Bridges lets you know what you can expect from your recovery after breast surgery.

Once your breast surgery is over

After your breast surgery procedure is complete, you’re discharged from the hospital. You may need to wear a chest bandage or a specialized bra to hold dressings in place. Many patients are discharged with an external drainage device attached to the surgery site. You receive instructions on caring for your bandages and drainage device.

In the first week, plan on preventing your incision from getting wet. You may need sponge baths or assisted baths instead of showers. Don’t worry if the area appears bruised. Bruising typically fades within a few days.

Dr. Bridges provides you with a prescription for pain medication to use after your surgery. Don’t take over-the-counter aspirin or medications containing aspirin for 3 days following your procedure.

Your first weeks after breast surgery

1-3 weeks after your surgery, the amount of fluid drainage decreases, and the fluid may change color from red to a paler yellow. Eventually, you’re ready for the drainage device to be removed.

You’ll need to continue to care for your healing incision. Avoid irritating the area when shaving or applying deodorant, and break down developing scar tissue with massage and skin hydration. 

You can use targeted stretches and exercises to rebuild your body strength and mobility. Exercises like arm lifts and arm swings, repeated daily, make a big difference. Talk to Dr. Bridges about the right post-surgery exercise plan for you.

In the first weeks after surgery, take it easy physically and don’t push yourself too hard. Typically, it takes 10-14 days before you’re ready to return to driving. You’re likely to need help around the home, as well as with transportation, for at least a week or two.

Following up after breast surgery

Dr. Bridges remains in contact with you after your surgery. She sees you for follow-up visits, checking on your healing and ensuring that you remain cancer-free. Often, she schedules you for a mammogram 6-12 months after your procedure – although, after a full mastectomy, you may no longer need mammograms at all. 

If you notice signs of infection, lymphedema, swelling in your hand or arm, swelling from fluid build-up, or shoulder pain or stiffness, contact Dr. Bridges. You should also watch out for weight or appetite loss, lingering digestive problems, blurred vision, shortness of breath, or changes in your menstrual periods.

For comprehensive breast surgery support, reach out to Dr. Bridges at Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin today. Schedule your appointment online or over the phone now.