You will be given a prescription for Targin (Narcotic pain medication) for the management of moderate pain. It is recommended to take medication for pain when pain is experienced as per schedule. Some patients will experience very little discomfort and will not require this narcotic. Ibuprofen (Advil) or Panadol (Non-Narcotic Pain Medication) can be added to or replace the Targin. Please ensure that all pain-related medications are taken strictly under the guidelines provided at the time of discharge. The narcotic pain medication can cause constipation, so it is important to keep well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. You should not consume any alcohol while you are taking narcotics. If you are constipated, you may take an over-the-counter stool softener.

You may resume most daily activities the day after surgery. For mastectomy patients, arm exercises can begin the day after surgery. It is important to start off slowly and gradually increase your range of movements. If you have a drain in place, it is important to be cautious and perform only very light exercises – and minimize any significant amount of repetitive activity. Too much activity can increase the amount of time that the drain needs to stay in. You can drive only when you are pain free AND when you are not taking any narcotics. You should not lift anything over 5 kilos on the affected side or any other strenuous activity such as exercise until you have cleared it with me. You should use both hands for lifting weights. Most people return to work within three to six weeks. Return to work varies with your type of work, your overall health and personal preferences. Discuss returning to work with us.

You should keep the dressings on the incision site for at least 48 hours after surgery. After that time, you may remove the dressings and shower. After your shower, gently dry the wound site. Do not apply any creams or ointments to the operated areas. You should not take tub baths or do any swimming. You will find paper tapes _ Steri-strips, on the incision when you remove the dressing. Please do not remove these Steri-strips—they will usually peel off within 10 days. If they have not come off by then, you may slowly peel them off. The incision is closed with absorbable sutures that are under the skin. Therefore, you will not have to have any sutures removed in the office. You may experience some minor swelling and numbness along the incision. Also, your scare can be lumpy, it usually settles within a few months. If you have incision around nipple it could be wrinkly for a few months. You would also, have bruises over your breast, it depends on how much breast tissue has been mobilized inside.

If you have had an axillary dissection, mastectomy or Oncoplastic surgery, you will have drains placed at the time of surgery. You might go home with these drains as they usually are required for 5–10 days. You will need to empty the drain and “milk” the tubings 3–4 times per day. “Milking” the drain prevents it from becoming clogged. If the bulb fills up sooner, you will need to empty it then. You should measure and record the output of the drain every time you empty it. You should squeeze the bulb of the drain when you close the cap. This provides vacuum for the drain to work. The drain is usually ready to be removed when the drain output is less than 30 cc over a 24 hours period (for 2 days). You might get more fluid in your breast/armpit even after removal of drain, this is normal. Your body would deal with the fluid and absorb it slowly over few months. If it causes significant discomfort, we will insert a needle and aspirate it.