Post-Breast Surgery Discharge Advice Women’s Clinic Wound management You will go home with a dressing that covers the wound and the drain sites. Keep it dry and clean. If you have any fever, increased pain, redness, foul smelling discharges or swelling around the operated site, please contact the breast care nurse. Drain care You may go home with a drainage tube in your wound. The purpose of the drain is to remove blood and other tissue fluids to help promote healing. The breast care nurse will remove the drain for you when you come back for your review. You will be taught how to take care of the drain. An education leaflet on drainage care will be given to you. Pain control Take the pain relief medication as prescribed by the doctor for the first few days after surgery so that you will be able to do your arm exercises comfortably. If the pain is not relieved by medication, please contact the breast care nurse.
Arm sensation and exercises You may experience some discomfort, numbness, tightness, pulling and tugging, tingling and sharp jabbing sensations around the operated site for up to 6 months after surgery. You may have difficulty moving your affected arm and shoulder. Exercises recommended by the physiotherapist and breast care nurse will help to improve your arm mobility and prevent shoulder stiffness. You will be given a leaflet on post-breast surgery exercise. If you do experience pain and your range of arm movement does not improve, please inform your doctor or contact the breast care nurse. Seroma aspiration After an initial assessment, we assist in drawing up a comprehensive palliative care plan that provides you and your family with full support and the necessary services to maintain your comfort and well-being.
Breast prosthesis Your breast care nurse will assist you with the measurement and fitting of temporary breast prosthesis and brassieres if you have had a mastectomy. Fitting for the permanent prosthesis usually takes place 6-8 weeks after surgery when the wound is not tender and there is no swelling. Your breast care nurse will give you an appointment date for the fitting at the Breast Clinic. The fitting will take approximately 30 minutes. Emotions You may feel fearful, anxious, depressed, angry or tearful after your surgery. These feelings are normal. It may help you or your family by talking to someone about your thoughts and concerns.
Follow-up appointments Follow-up appointments will be made: • With your breast care nurse to check the wound, provide advice and to address any concern that you have. • With your surgeon 2 weeks after the operation to check the wound, discuss the results of your surgery and further treatment plan. Please contact your breast care nurse at 91177510 during office hours should you need any assistance.
You can speak to your doctor and breast care nurse. Any information shared with the healthcare team will be treated with strict confidence. The support of your family, friends and the healthcare team is vital to your recovery.
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities in the north of Singapore, under the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
WC.PE.09.1118