Post-op Instructions: Mastectomy

Diet

You may resume a regular diet; there are no restrictions.

Activity

You may use your arm normally, although no heavy lifting or vigorous sports activities until advised by your surgeon. No special exercises are required during the immediate post-operative period.

Medications

For moderate to severe pain, use prescribed medication as directed. For mild pain, you may try acetaminophen or ibuprofen following the manufacturer's instructions.

Narcotic used for pain management may cause constipation. Take a laxative such as Milk of Magnesia or prune juice if you have not moved your bowels in 2 days.

Resume all medications that you were taking prior to surgery unless instructed otherwise by your surgeon.

Wound Care

If drains are present, please review these care instructions.

You may take a sponge bath or tub bath, but keep the dressings dry. The bandages will be removed at your first follow-up appointment.

You may remove the dressings and place fresh gauze over the drain at 24 hours. You may shower in 72 hours and re-dress the drain site afterward.

If no drains are present, you may shower in 24 hours after the outer gauze dressings have been removed. Do not remove paper tapes (steri-strips).

When to Contact Your Physician

Call for advice if signs of wound infection such as: redness, swelling, heat, increased tenderness, drainage, red streaks and fever of 101°F or greater.

Call if the dressings become saturated with blood.

Call for constant drainage leak around the drain tube.

Call if the bulb will not maintain suction after being emptied.

Your surgeon or their staff can be reached Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM - 5 PM at: (707) 393-4090 or through the hospital operator at (707) 393-4000.

For all problems after hours and on weekends and holidays, call (707) 393-4044 or the emergency department at (707) 393-4800.

For non-urgent issues, you may also email your doctor.

Specialized Instructions

Moderate discomfort is expected, which may be referred to the upper arm.