The wound feels tender, swollen or warm to touch (this can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from normal post operative bruising and swelling).Any of the following symptoms could possibly indicate a wound infection Wound InfectionĪ wound infection can develop at any time from a few days after surgery until the wound is completely healed, which usually takes 2-3 weeks. If it occurs more gradually, it is often left for the body to re-absorb which can take a few weeks. If the swelling is pronounced and occurs rapidly, especially in the first few hours after the operation, it may sometimes be necessary to consider returning to the operating theatre to explore the wound, remove the blood clot and to check that there is no ongoing bleeding. This can sometimes occur even if a drain tube is in place. Occasionally, blood/blood clot collects within the tissues under the wound, causing swelling, hardness and discomfort. It can be mild, moderate or even severe but will gradually disappear with time. Bruising and Haematomaīruising is common after all forms of surgery. Some will have been discussed with you preoperatively as part of the routine “informed consent” process. Some of the following post-operative problems are not specific to breast surgery and others are directly related to the type of surgery you have had. Post-Operative Problems After Breast Surgery For further information see our fact sheet – Exercises after breast surgery. The physiotherapist will be able to advise on appropriate exercises. Depending on your individual circumstances you may be encouraged to start gentle arm/shoulder exercises a few days after surgery. Following discharge home, continue to take prescribed painkillers as required. Your breast care nurse, physiotherapist or ward staff will monitor your progress. You will be offered painkillers regularly whilst in hospital to ensure that you are comfortable and pain-free and able to move your shoulder and arm adequately. You should be able to get up and out of bed the next day. Before your operation, the anaesthetist will talk to you about different types of pain control and what is likely to be useful in your particular case. You are likely to have some discomfort after surgery but everyone’s experience will be different. Visiting is allowed on the day of surgery, and a relative is welcome to phone the ward. The blue dye will also turn your urine blue-green for about 24 hours. This fades gradually, but may be visible for some months. If you have had a sentinel node biopsy there will be some blue staining of the skin around the injection site on the breast. If this happens medication will be given to stop the vomiting. Sometimes people feel sick after breast surgery and may vomit. After your operation you will be able to eat as soon as you are wide awake and the drip can often come out the next day. antibiotics and painkillers can be given via this route. This gives your body fluid until you are able to drink, and medications e.g. If you are staying in the hospital it is likely when you wake up that you will have a small, plastic tube in one of the veins in your arm connected to a bag of liquid (a drip). You will have been advised prior to the operation as to whether it is likely that a drain tube/s will be required. ![]() They are attached to small portable, plastic bottles which will be placed in a bag which you will need to carry around with you. The tubes are stitched in place and therefore quite secure. Depending on the nature of your surgery you may have one or two fine plastic drain tubes coming out from near the wound which drain blood and fluid. The stitches in your wound are buried and dissolvable and do not need to be removed. Simply pat it dry after your shower with a soft towel. ![]() You may shower as normal, as the dressing is splash proof, but try to avoid getting it soaking wet as it will tend to lift off. Unless advised to the contrary, this is to be left in place until removal is advised by Jane O’Brien (usually 10-14 days). You will have a transparent dressing over your wound. ![]() What happens after the operation?Īfter your operation you will wake up in the recovery room, probably feeling sleepy and you may have an oxygen mask over your mouth to help you breathe. Including some of the short-term problems that can occur. It discusses what to expect after your operation, This general fact sheet is for anyone who is going into hospital for breast surgery, so not all of the issues may be relevant to your particular circumstances.
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