Breast Biopsy

If you have a large white gauze dressing covering your wound, this may be removed the day following surgery. Underneath this will be small white Steri-Strips. These should be left alone and usually fall off on their own within two weeks of surgery. You may gently shower the day after surgery, being careful not to remove the Steri-Strips. Apply an ice pack for 30 minute periods as needed for pain or swelling during the first two days following surgery.

Following your surgery. you should gradually increase your dietary intake, beginning with a bland diet, such as Gatorade, tea, chicken noodle soup and crackers. Gradually work your way up to a normal diet.

For the first week following breast surgery, it is important to avoid disturbing the breast incision. Please wear a good supporting brassiere during the day and avoid activity which would cause movement within the breast, such as jogging. You may return to walking for exercise following surgery and should be able to return to jogging two weeks after surgery. You should avoid total immersion in a swimming pool or other body of water for at least two weeks following surgery. Also, avoid anything that may bump the breast and cause injury.

Resume your home medications except aspirin or other anticoagulants. Aspirin and other anticoagulants should be discontinued for at least a week following surgery unless other arrangements have been made with your doctor.

It usually takes the pathology department 3 working days to complete the evaluation of a breast biopsy. For this reason, we ask you to call our office at (512) 467-7151 to set up an appointment 3 – 5 working days following your surgery.

Please use the prescription for pain medication given to you at the time of discharge. Be sure to take narcotic pain medication with food to avoid stomach upset. Nausea during the post-operative period is usually related to the pain medication and can be treated by stopping the medication. You can gradually taper over to Tylenol. If you have had no ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding or allergies to aspirin, you may take Ibuprofen.

You should be able to drive as soon as you are off prescription pain medication. Do not drive a car within 24 hours of taking any prescription pain medication.

Mild tenderness and/or some bruising can occur – both typically resolve gradually. If you have excessive pain, bleeding, bruising or fever over 101 degrees, please call our office.