Post Operative Care

Care of your wound
Your wound will be covered with a waterproof dressing. This will still intact until your post-surgery appointment.
You may notice some dry blood under the dressing. This is very normal and is actually helping your wound heal.
You do not need to do anything special to your wound whilst the dressings are in place. After the dressings are removed your doctor will advise you of various treatments to decrease scarring.
Support Bra
You will need to wear a compressive bra post surgery to avoid swelling in the breast.
You will be placed into this either whilst you are asleep at the end of your case or once you return to the ward.
You will be provided information about post surgical bras prior to your operation and there is written information below.
if you have any questions about your bra please speak to our Breast Care Nurse.
It is important you wear this bra day and night until your post operative appointment unless directed not to by your doctor or the breast care nurse.
Stitches
Your wound has been closed entirely with dissolving sutures. These will take several weeks to completely dissolve.
You will not need to have any stitches removed after your surgery.
Drains
Drains are not usually needed when a standard lumpectomy is performed
If you have undergone a more technical Oncoplastic procedure you may have a drain placed.
Drains will be required if you undergo an axillary clearance - see below for more details if you have a drain placed.
A drain will be placed at the time of surgery. This is important to remove fluid that is produced from the skin and tissue after surgery. If the drain were not in place this would build up and become uncomfortable. This is called a seroma and would require needle drainage.
The nursing staff will teach you how to look after the drain and provide you with spares drainage bags and a carry bag. Any problems with call the Ward directly (after hours) or the breast care nurse (0428197923) Monday -Friday from 9am -5pm.
You will be shown how to record how much is coming into the drain. It will initially be a large amount of red/yellow fluid. Once it is less than 30ml on two consecutive days the drain will be remove. On average this takes about 1 week, although in some cases it may be 2-3 weeks.
If you accidentally pull your drain out DO NOT PANIC. Nothing bad will occur, just cover with a bandage. Let the ward our our nurse know and he will arrange for the fluid that builds up to be drained.
Signs of Infections
Bad Infection is a rare complication after a mastectomy. However, it is possible for as small infection to occur that can be easily treated with tablet antibiotics.
It is normal for the wound itself to look red. However if the redness is Increasing past your dressings you may have an early infection.
If you are concerned notify your doctor or contact your GP who may commence you on a course of tablet antibiotics.
Pain Relief
Post mastectomy is not usually very painful.
Most people can manage with simple analgesia (paracetamol) and anti-inflammatory (Nurofen).
Some people do require some stronger pain relief and this will be provided at the time of discharge as required.
Very strong pain relief like Morphine and Oxydodone (Endone) is usually not required and actively avoided if there is not severe pain.
Avoid constipation whilst taking the pain relief. You should see your Pharmacist for some coloxyl and senna or Movichol whilst taking pain relief.
Showering and deodorant
Your dressings are waterproof and it is perfectly safe for you to have a shower after your surgery.
When you have finished your shower just pat your wound dry. DO NOT use hair dryers as you will burn your skin.
Deodorant (aerosol deodorant or roll on) is perfectly safe to use after you surgery. It is best to avoid powdered based deodorants.
Driving
You will NOT be able to drive for 48-hours post surgery whilst your surgical drains are in place.
It is essential you still wear a seatbelt post surgery. A pillow will be helpful to protect your wound.
Clearance to not wear a seatbelt WILL NOT be given
To safely return to driving you must be able to have full movement in your neck, chest, shoulders and are not be inhibited in anyway.
Return to work
You will need to have some time off work after your surgery.
Usually 2 weeks is the minimum.
Your doctor will happily provide a medical certificate for these times if you wish.
Energy levels and resuming normal activities
It is normal to not have full energy levels after the operation.
You should be able to perform usual light duties within 1 week of the surgery. Although it is quite normal to not regain full levels of energy for several weeks after an anaesthetic.
Regular light exercise (walking, riding etc...) is encouraged after your surgery. A basic rule is ‘if it hurts its to strenuous and you should stop.
Regular exercise is important. There is good evidence supporting exercise and healthy eating in terms of your breast cancer treatment.
Whilst your drains are in place your arm use will be limited and details will be provided by our Physiotherapy team.
Follow Up
A post op appointment will be arranged for you around 1 week post your surgery.
Please check this appointment and if it is made on a day that is not suitable please call the rooms to arrange an alternative.
It is essential that you are seen within 7-10 days post surgery
Phone consultations are NOT appropriate for post operative appointments
Care of your wound
Your wound will be covered with a waterproof dressing. This will still intact until your post-surgery appointment.
You may notice some dry blood under the dressing. This is very normal and is actually helping your wound heal.
You do not need to do anything special to your wound whilst the dressings are in place. After the dressings are removed Dr. Green will advise you of various treatments to decrease scarring.
You will be provided with more information about Creams and Tapes for your wound at the post op appointment
For more information about wound care click the link below
Stitches
Your wound has been closed entirely with dissolving sutures. These will take several weeks to completely dissolve.
You will not need to have any stitches removed after your surgery.
Drains
A drain will be placed at the time of surgery. This is important to remove fluid that is produced from the skin and tissue after surgery. If the drain were not in place this would build up and become uncomfortable. This is called a seroma and would require needle drainage.
The nursing staff will teach you how to look after the drain and provide you with spares drainage bags and a carry bag. Any problems with call the Ward directly (after hours) or Dr. Greens breast care nurse (0428197923) Monday -Friday from 9am -5pm
You will be shown how to record how much is coming into the drain. It will initially be a large amount of red/yellow fluid. Once it is less than 50ml on two consecutive days the drain will be remove. On average this takes about 1 week, although in some cases it may be 2-3 weeks.
If you accidentally pull your drain out DO NOT PANIC. Nothing bad will occur, just cover with a bandage. Let the ward our our nurse know and he will arrange for the fluid that builds up to be drained.
Signs of Infections
Bad Infection is a rare complication after a mastectomy. However, it is possible for as small infection to occur that can be easily treated with tablet antibiotics.
It is normal for the wound itself to look red. However if the redness is Increasing past your dressings you may have an early infection.
If you are concerned notify Dr. Green, Dr Campbell or contact your GP who may commence you on a course of tablet antibiotics.
Pain Relief
Post mastectomy is not usually very painful.
Most people can manage with simple analgesia (paracetamol) and anti-inflammatory (Nurofen).
Some people do require some stronger pain relief and this will be provided at the time of discharge as required.
Very strong pain relief like Morphine and Oxydodone (Endone) is usually not required and actively avoided if there is not severe pain
Avoid constipation whilst taking the pain relief. You should see your Pharmacist for some coloxyl and senna or Movichol whilst taking pain relief.
Showering and deodorant
Your dressings are waterproof and it is perfectly safe for you to have a shower after your surgery.
When you have finished your shower just pat your wound dry. DO NOT use hair dryers as you will burn your skin
Deodorant (aerosol deodorant or roll on) is perfectly safe to use after you surgery. It is best to avoid powdered based deodorants.
Driving
You will NOT be able to drive for 48-hours post surgery whilst your surgical drains are in place
It is essential you still wear a seatbelt post surgery. A pillow will be helpful to protect your wound.
Clearance to not wear a seatbelt WILL NOT be given.
To safely return to driving you must be able to have full movement in your neck, chest, shoulders and are not be inhibited in anyway.
Return to work
You will need to have some time off work after your surgery.
Usually 2 weeks is the minimum
Dr. Green will happily provide a medical certificate for these times if you wish.
Energy levels and resuming normal activities
It is normal to not have full energy levels after the operation.
You should be able to perform usual light duties within 1 week of the surgery. Although it is quite normal to not regain full levels of energy for several weeks after an anaesthetic.
Regular light exercise (walking, riding etc...) is encouraged after your surgery. A basic rule is ‘if it hurts its to strenuous and you should stop’
Regular exercise is important. There is good evidence supporting exercise and healthy eating in terms of your breast cancer treatment.
Whilst your drains are in place your arm use will be limited and details will be provided by our Physiotherapy team.
Follow Up
A post op appointment will be arranged for you around 1 week post your surgery.
Please check this appointment and if it is made on a day that is not suitable please call the rooms to arrange an alternative.
It is essential that you are seen within 7-10 days post surgery
Phone consultations are NOT appropriate for post operative appointments
Sentinel Node Biopsy
The blue dye used to find the node will make your Urine blue for a day. This is normal and not dangerous. It will also give you a grey complexion for 24 hours but will pass.
No additional post surgery care is required.
There is NO NEED to avoid blood tests or blood pressure taking from your arm after a sentinel node biopsy.
The very small risk of lymphedema will be monitored by Dr. Green.
Axillary Clearance
You will have an additional drain in place after and axillary surgery. You manage this exactly as you do for your mastectomy drain.
An axillary clearance is often more uncomfortable and you will be given stronger pain relief. It is important to avoid becoming constipated while on these medications.
Physiotherapy will be started whilst you are in hospital. You will be given a number of exercises to do. It is STRONGLY encouraged to continue these exercises whilst at home. It will help in the prevention of lymphedema. If necessary additional physiotherapy can be arrange when you return for your post surgery appointment.
Shoulder movements. It is perfectly safe to raise your arms above your head. You should not restrict any movements.
Lymphedema will not develop overnight. Early swelling is most likely secondary to the surgery and fluid you where given. Dr. Green will monitor you for signs of lymphedema and if it begins will arrange expert lymphedema care immediately.
There is no need to avoid blood tests or blood pressure taking from your arm after an axillary clearance. These only need to be avoided if lymphedema occurs.
Care of your wound
Your wound will be covered with a waterproof dressing. This will still intact until your post-surgery appointment.
You may notice some dry blood under the dressing. This is very normal and is actually helping your wound heal.
You do not need to do anything special to your wound whilst the dressings are in place. After the dressings are removed your doctor will advise you of various treatments to decrease scarring.
You will be provided with more information about creams and tapes for your wound at the post op appointment
Stitches
Your wound has been closed entirely with dissolving sutures. These will take several weeks to completely dissolve.
You will not need to have any stitches removed after your surgery.
Drains
A drain will may be placed at the time of surgery.
Most often the drains are removed the following morning if you have minimal ‘oozing.’
If you have a significant volume of fluid in your drain the next morning the drain will need to remian.This is important to remove fluid that is produced from the skin and tissue after surgery. If the drain were not in place this would build up and become uncomfortable. This is called a seroma and would require needle drainage.
The nursing staff will teach you how to look after the drain and provide you with spares drainage bags and a carry bag. Any problems with call the Ward directly (after hours) or the breast care nurse (0428197923) Monday -Friday from 9am -5pm
You will be shown how to record how much is coming into the drain. It will initially be a large amount of red/yellow fluid. Once it is less than 30ml on two consecutive days the drain will be remove. On average this takes about 1 week, although in some cases it may be 2-3 weeks.
If you accidentally pull your drain out DO NOT PANIC. Nothing bad will occur, just cover with a bandage. Let the ward our our nurse know and he will arrange for the fluid that builds up to be drained.
Support Bra
You will need to wear a compressive bra post surgery to avoid swelling in the breast.
You will be placed into this either whilst you are asleep at the end of your case or once you return to the ward.
You will be provided information about post surgical bras prior to your operation.
if you have any questions about your Bra please speak to our breast Care Nurse
It is important you wear this bra day and night until your post operative appointment unless directed not to by your doctor or breast care nurse.
Signs of Infections
Bad Infection is a rare complication after an implant removal. However, it is possible for as small infection to occur that can be easily treated with tablet antibiotics.
It is normal for the wound itself to look red. However if the redness is Increasing past your dressings you may have an early infection.
If you are concerned notify your surgeon or contact your GP who may commence you on a course of tablet antibiotics.
Pain Relief
Explant surgery is not usually very painful.
Most people can manage with simple analgesia (paracetamol) and anti-inflammatory (Nurofen).
Some people do require some stronger pain relief and this will be provided at the time of discharge as required.
Very strong pain relief like Morphine and Oxydodone (Endone) is usually not required and actively avoided if there is not severe pain.
Avoid constipation whilst taking the pain relief. You should see your pharmacist for some coloxyl and senna or Movicol whilst taking pain relief.
Showering and deodorant
Your dressings are waterproof and it is perfectly safe for you to have a shower after your surgery.
When you have finished your shower just pat your wound dry. DO NOT use hair dryers as you will burn your skin
Deodorant (aerosol deodorant or roll on) is perfectly safe to use after you surgery. It is best to avoid powdered based deodorants.
Driving
You will NOT be able to drive for 48-hours post surgery whilst your surgical drains are in place
It is essential you still wear a seatbelt post surgery. A pillow will be helpful to protect your wound.
Clearance to not wear a seatbelt WILL NOT be given.
To safely return to driving you must be able to have full movement in your neck, chest, shoulders and are not be inhibited in anyway.
Return to work
You will need to have some time off work after your surgery.
Usually 2 weeks is the minimum (can be less if there has not been a mastopexy breast lift)
Your surgeon will happily provide a medical certificate for these times if you wish.
Energy levels and resuming normal activities
It is normal to not have full energy levels after the operation.
You should be able to perform usual light duties within 1 week of the surgery. Although it is quite normal to not regain full levels of energy for several weeks after an anaesthetic.
Regular light exercise (walking, riding etc...) is encouraged after your surgery. A basic rule is ‘if it hurts its to strenuous and you should stop’
Regular exercise is important. There is good evidence supporting exercise and healthy eating in terms of your breast cancer treatment.
Whilst your drains are in place your arm use will be limited and details will be provided by our Physiotherapy team.
Follow Up
A post op appointment will be arranged for you around 1 week post your surgery.
Please check this appointment and if it is made on a day that is not suitable please call the rooms to arrange an alternative.
It is essential that you are seen within 7-10 days post surgery
Phone consultations are NOT appropriate for post operative appointments
Information specifically for mastopexy (breast lift)
T-Junction Breakdown
it is quite common to have a little bit of spot ouzing from the T-junction
If this is soaking a pad please let your surgical team know.
If the area is greater than a 10c piece please let our team know.
If a T-junction breaks down it often takes 1-2 weeks to fully declare itself before it starts to improve. Your surgeon will advise you on dressings durning this time.
Once fully healed with a widened scar a further excision can be planned to neaten the scar.
Stitch extrusion
It is very common for a stitch to poke through the wound.
This occurs as the stitch begins to dissolve. The stitch is a single long stitch and when it breaks and end can poke out through the wound. If this occurs DO NOT PANIC. Simple pull the stitch and trim it. It is safe to do this and your wound will not fall apart.
Occasionally the deep stitches can act as a foreign object. Your body may try to eject these. You can get several stitches do this. The stitches will look like a small infection. Once the stitch ejects it will release a small amount of “pus -like” material and then settle down. You DO NOT need antibiotics for this and DO NOT put any cream on it. it is best to settle on its own. Place a small bandage over and let Dr greens team know. This is NOT going to result in a big infection.
Massage
Your doctor will advise when to commence massage. This is usually commenced after your post operative appointment once all wounds have been reviewed.
Once the initial dressings have been removed and the wounds cleared you will be advised on when to start massaging.
Dressings and Creams
DO NOT remove surgical tapes or dressings without speaking to the surgical team prior.
Early removal of the surgical dressings will increase the risk of infection and wound complications.
DO NOT put any cream, ointment or other lotions on your wound unless directed to the surgical team.
There is a lot of poor information in the online forums when it comes to wound care. Wound care is specific to each individual and global advise may not be suitable for you.
If you read of any potential treatment online pease speak to your surgeon before doing this.
Supplements
DO NOT commence any supplements until directed to by your surgical team.
Blood thinning supplements such as ARNICA, tumeric, garlic, krill oil are NOT advised in the immediate post operative period. Your surgeon will advise when these supplements are suitable for use.
Care of your wound
Your wound will be covered with a waterproof dressing. This will still intact until your post-surgery appointment.
You may notice some dry blood under the dressing. This is very normal and is actually helping your wound heal.
You do not need to do anything special to your wound whilst the dressings are in place. After the dressings are removed your doctor will advise you of various treatments to decrease scarring.
You will be provided with more information about creams and tapes for your wound at the post op appointment
Stitches
Your wound has been closed entirely with dissolving sutures. These will take several weeks to completely dissolve.
You will not need to have any stitches removed after your surgery.
Drains
A drain will may be placed at the time of surgery.
Most often the drains are removed the following morning if you have minimal ‘oozing.’
If you have a significant volume of fluid in your drain the next morning the drain will need to remian.This is important to remove fluid that is produced from the skin and tissue after surgery. If the drain were not in place this would build up and become uncomfortable. This is called a seroma and would require needle drainage.
The nursing staff will teach you how to look after the drain and provide you with spares drainage bags and a carry bag. Any problems with call the Ward directly (after hours) or the breast care nurse (0428197923) Monday -Friday from 9am -5pm
You will be shown how to record how much is coming into the drain. It will initially be a large amount of red/yellow fluid. Once it is less than 30ml on two consecutive days the drain will be remove. On average this takes about 1 week, although in some cases it may be 2-3 weeks.
If you accidentally pull your drain out DO NOT PANIC. Nothing bad will occur, just cover with a bandage. Let the ward our our nurse know and he will arrange for the fluid that builds up to be drained.
Support Bra
You will need to wear a compressive bra post surgery to avoid swelling in the breast.
You will be placed into this either whilst you are asleep at the end of your case or once you return to the ward.
You will be provided information about post surgical bras prior to your operation.
if you have any questions about your Bra please speak to our breast Care Nurse
It is important you wear this bra day and night until your post operative appointment unless directed not to by your doctor or breast care nurse.
Signs of Infections
Bad Infection is a rare complication after an implant removal. However, it is possible for as small infection to occur that can be easily treated with tablet antibiotics.
It is normal for the wound itself to look red. However if the redness is Increasing past your dressings you may have an early infection.
If you are concerned notify your surgeon or contact your GP who may commence you on a course of tablet antibiotics.
Pain Relief
Explant surgery is not usually very painful.
Most people can manage with simple analgesia (paracetamol) and anti-inflammatory (Nurofen).
Some people do require some stronger pain relief and this will be provided at the time of discharge as required.
Very strong pain relief like Morphine and Oxydodone (Endone) is usually not required and actively avoided if there is not severe pain.
Avoid constipation whilst taking the pain relief. You should see your pharmacist for some coloxyl and senna or Movicol whilst taking pain relief.
Showering and deodorant
Your dressings are waterproof and it is perfectly safe for you to have a shower after your surgery.
When you have finished your shower just pat your wound dry. DO NOT use hair dryers as you will burn your skin
Deodorant (aerosol deodorant or roll on) is perfectly safe to use after you surgery. It is best to avoid powdered based deodorants.
Driving
You will NOT be able to drive for 48-hours post surgery whilst your surgical drains are in place
It is essential you still wear a seatbelt post surgery. A pillow will be helpful to protect your wound.
Clearance to not wear a seatbelt WILL NOT be given.
To safely return to driving you must be able to have full movement in your neck, chest, shoulders and are not be inhibited in anyway.
Return to work
You will need to have some time off work after your surgery.
Usually 2 weeks is the minimum (can be less if there has not been a mastopexy breast lift)
Your surgeon will happily provide a medical certificate for these times if you wish.
Energy levels and resuming normal activities
It is normal to not have full energy levels after the operation.
You should be able to perform usual light duties within 1 week of the surgery. Although it is quite normal to not regain full levels of energy for several weeks after an anaesthetic.
Regular light exercise (walking, riding etc...) is encouraged after your surgery. A basic rule is ‘if it hurts its to strenuous and you should stop’
Regular exercise is important. There is good evidence supporting exercise and healthy eating in terms of your breast cancer treatment.
Whilst your drains are in place your arm use will be limited and details will be provided by our Physiotherapy team.
Follow Up
A post op appointment will be arranged for you around 1 week post your surgery.
Please check this appointment and if it is made on a day that is not suitable please call the rooms to arrange an alternative.
It is essential that you are seen within 7-10 days post surgery
Phone consultations are NOT appropriate for post operative appointments
Information specifically for mastopexy (breast lift)
T-Junction Breakdown
it is quite common to have a little bit of spot ouzing from the T-junction
If this is soaking a pad please let your surgical team know.
If the area is greater than a 10c piece please let our team know.
If a T-junction breaks down it often takes 1-2 weeks to fully declare itself before it starts to improve. Your surgeon will advise you on dressings durning this time.
Once fully healed with a widened scar a further excision can be planned to neaten the scar.
Stitch extrusion
It is very common for a stitch to poke through the wound.
This occurs as the stitch begins to dissolve. The stitch is a single long stitch and when it breaks and end can poke out through the wound. If this occurs DO NOT PANIC. Simple pull the stitch and trim it. It is safe to do this and your wound will not fall apart.
Occasionally the deep stitches can act as a foreign object. Your body may try to eject these. You can get several stitches do this. The stitches will look like a small infection. Once the stitch ejects it will release a small amount of “pus -like” material and then settle down. You DO NOT need antibiotics for this and DO NOT put any cream on it. it is best to settle on its own. Place a small bandage over and let Dr greens team know. This is NOT going to result in a big infection.
Massage
Your doctor will advise when to commence massage. This is usually commenced after your post operative appointment once all wounds have been reviewed.
Once the initial dressings have been removed and the wounds cleared you will be advised on when to start massaging.
Dressings and Creams
DO NOT remove surgical tapes or dressings without speaking to the surgical team prior.
Early removal of the surgical dressings will increase the risk of infection and wound complications.
DO NOT put any cream, ointment or other lotions on your wound unless directed to the surgical team.
There is a lot of poor information in the online forums when it comes to wound care. Wound care is specific to each individual and global advise may not be suitable for you.
If you read of any potential treatment online pease speak to your surgeon before doing this.
Supplements
DO NOT commence any supplements until directed to by your surgical team.
Blood thinning supplements such as ARNICA, tumeric, garlic, krill oil are NOT advised in the immediate post operative period. Your surgeon will advise when these supplements are suitable for use.
Why is a compression bra needed post surgery?
You will need to wear a compression bra post surgery to reduce the swelling in your breast. With the breast supported in the Bra there will. be less movement. This is beneficial in reducing post operative pain and minimises stress on the wounds.
How long do I need to wear a bra following surgery?
You will need to wear your post operative compression bra 24/7 (except when showering) following your surgery for the first 2 weeks.
After your post operative visit you will be advised as to when you can stop wearing the bra at night.
Generally you need to wear a compressive bra whilst up and active for 6-12 weeks post surgery.
What Bras is recommended post surgery?
In the first 2 weeks we recommend a low grade compression at night and a high grade compression during the day
We recommend the Amoena Post op compression bra range.
Are there alternate options?
Big w , Target and K-mart also offer post surgical compression bras. These are a cheaper alternative. There can be purchased online and are available in any store. These are suitable if strong compression is not required such as in Breast Explant surgery. For Breast reduction and Breast reconstruction these are not recommended
What do you need to do?
You need to bring a compression bra with you to your surgery. You can order a Bra directly form Amoena if you know your size.
If you don’t know your size you Debra Taylor at Spirit of Life Boutique has over 20 years experience in fitting women off all shapes and sizes into the correct bra. Please contact Debra and she let he know you are having surgery with Dr Ben Green and she will happily fit you into the appropriate bra.
Contact Debra Taylor for Bra fittings - 07 35114222
Spirit of life Boutique - 682 Sandgate Road Clayfield QLD 4011
Care of your surgical scar is essential for good result.
Patients may choose to use skin care products to aid in their post-surgery recovery and healing. While we do not endorse any specific product from any manufacturer, we have received positive feedback from patients who have used Nokori products. If patients are interested in purchasing a Nokori product, they may do so at www.nokori.com.au. Nokori offers discounts to our patients. Patients may use discount code scarkit100 when purchasing the Pre and Post Procedure Kit, or scarbalm10 when purchasing the Scar Balm on its own.