Upon discharged from the hospital , you will be given detailed instruction about wound management and follow up. This will include review by your surgeon and perhaps breast care nurse and physiotherapist.
You may shower and leave the dressing intact for 48 to 72 hours. Steristrips can be left in place for a week.
If you have a drain it is safe to go home with this in place with community nurse review.
Pathology results usually take 5 to 7 working days to process and should be available by the time you see your surgeon.
It is important to follow advice given on shoulder and limb exercises and any specific precautions.
With a breast reconstruction , more specific instructions will be given to you.
If you have any postoperative concerns, please contact your surgeon or the McGrath Nurses.