Surgical Breast Biopsy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
You may have pain, bruising, or swelling for a few days after your surgery. Do not breastfeed for 24 to 48 hours if you received contrast liquid. The contrast liquid may harm your baby.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:
- You feel lightheaded, short of breath, and have chest pain.
- You cough up blood.
- You have trouble breathing.
Seek care immediately if:
- Blood soaks through your bandage.
- Your stitches come apart.
- Your bruise suddenly gets larger and feels hard.
Call your doctor or gynecologist if:
- You have a fever or chills.
- Your incision area is red, swollen, or draining pus.
- You have nausea or are vomiting.
- Your skin is itchy, swollen, or you have a rash.
- Your pain does not get better after you take medicine.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Care for your incision area as directed:
If you have a tight-fitting bandage, you can remove it in 24 to 48 hours, or as directed. Ask your healthcare provider when your incision area can get wet. Carefully wash around the area with soap and water. It is okay to let soap and water gently run over it. Do not scrub the area. Dry the area and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty. If you have strips of medical tape, let them fall of on their own. It may take 10 to 14 days for them to fall off. Check every day for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. Do not put powders or lotions on the area.
Self-care:
- Apply ice on your incision area for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain.
- Rest for 24 to 48 hours. Do not run, lift, push or pull with your arms, or play sports. These activities may put too much stress on your incision area. Short walks around the house are okay. Ask your healthcare provider when you can return to your normal activities.
- Drink plenty of liquids as directed. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. This will help flush out contrast liquid from your body.
- Wear a supportive bra as directed. You may have to wait until you remove the tight-fitting bandage to wear a bra. You can wear a sports bra or a wireless bra that fits snugly. A supportive bra may help decrease swelling and pain.
Follow up with your doctor or gynecologist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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