Breast Surgery

You have just had a procedure to ……………………………………………..

Pain

During the procedure, the surrounding area may be numbed with local anaesthetic which usually wears off within four to eight hours. Following the procedure, you may experience some discomfort initially. You should take some pain relief as necessary. Always follow the instructions on the side of the packet and do not exceed the recommended dose.

Wound

The wound has been closed with skin glue and has been left uncovered.

The wound has been covered with a film dressing that needs to be left in place until you attend an outpatient’s appointment on  …………………………………….

It is important to keep the wound and dressing clean and dry for the first …………… hours to promote healing and minimise the risk of infection. After this time you can wash or shower but avoid soaking the wound and/or dressing. Please also avoid using perfumed soap or talcum powder.  Appropriate dressings will be given to you as deemed necessary.

It is not unusual for your breast to be bruised, especially around the incision which will gradually settle over the next couple of weeks. Try to wear a comfortable bra as this helps to support the breast. Wear it day and night for seven days.

Stitches

The wound has been closed with dissolvable stitches that do not need to be removed. They will gradually dissolve approximately 10 to 21 days after the procedure.

Work

Your own circumstances will determine when you return to work. You can self certificate for one week. Please contact your GP for a certificate if further time off work is required.

Activity

If you have been advised to carry out any specific exercises, more information will be provided in your folder given to you prior to surgery by the breast care nurses.

The breast care nurses will give you a telephone call the next day following your procedure.

You are advised to be careful not to knock the affected area. Please avoid carrying, pushing or pulling heavy objects with the arm on the operated side until your wound has healed. Do not lift anything heavy until your out-patient’s appointment/ for the next ……………………….. weeks.

It is natural to feel tired over the next couple of days. This is normal and is your body’s natural reaction to the stress of the procedure. Take it easy for the first few days. It is recommended that you take regular short walks to help the circulation in your legs.

You should not drive for the first 24 hours which is a requirement of the Road Traffic Act. After this time you may drive when you are able to wear a seat belt, safely manage the hand brake, gear controls and be able to perform an emergency stop safely.

General advice

If you notice any signs of inflammation, bleeding,  increased pain or discharge from the wound, please contact the following numbers below for advice. 

Contact information

We hope that you have found this information useful. If you have any questions or are worried about anything, please speak to the following Dorset County Hospital staff: 

GP or out of hours GP

NHS Direct: 111

Breast Nurse Specialists: 01305 255160 (9am-4:30pm Mon-Friday)

Dorchester Day Surgery Unit: 01305 254501 (day of procedure only)

Lulworth Ward after 7pm/8pm: 01305 255471

Abbotsbury Ward after 7pm/8pm: 01305 255150

About this leaflet

Author(s): Laura Gower, Staff Nurse
Written: April 2020
Updated by and approved: Kayleigh Fairchild, Deputy Sister, 2025
Review date: 2028
Edition: v2

If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk