DEXTER G. TURNQUEST, MD PA

Surgical Weight loss Options

POST OPERATIVE BREAST BIOPSY INSTRUCTIONS

ACTIVITY:

· You can drive after 24 hours.
· Do NOT do any hard physical activity for 1 week after surgery.

INCISION CARE:

· Keep the dressing on for 72 hours. Your incision may be covered with a waterproof dressing (Tegaderm). You may shower with it on.
· Some blood or fluid may collect under the dressing.
· Leave the Steri-Strips (little white strips of tape) in place after you take off the dressing. These small pieces of tape will support the incision and keep the scar narrow.
· You may shower after the dressing comes off. Do NOT rub the steri-strips.  Just shower with them and pat them dry. You may peel them off 2 weeks after surgery, if they have not come off earlier.
· If you have external stitches, keep them clean and dry.
· Do NOT take a bath or swim for 2 weeks after surgery unless you first check with your doctor.
· Many women find it more comfortable to wear a bra DAY and NIGHT for at least 48 hours after surgery. You may find it more comfortable to continue this for 2 weeks after surgery. This will support the incision (decreasing scar size) and the strain on the biopsy site (decreasing bruising).
· It is normal to have some bruising or swelling around the incision.

PAIN MEDICATION:

· Use ice to help with the pain and swelling in the area for 24 hours after surgery.
· Tylenol or Advil every 4-6 hours will be enough for pain relief.
· If you are given a prescription for pain medicines follow your doctor’s directions.
· Keep in mind that narcotic pain medicines can cause constipation and you may also want to take a stool softener and drink lots of fluids.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF:

· You have chills or fever greater than 101F (or 38.3C).
· You have a lot of swelling, bleeding (red blood from the incision) or pain.
· You have a lot of drainage from the incision and/or redness (more than ½ inch beyond the incision).

FOLLOW-UP:

· If you do not have an appointment for a follow-up visit, call our office and make one after you go home.
· The pathology results may take up to 5 working days to be ready.
· For any questions that are not emergencies, call the office.
· In case of emergency, call our office and/or go to the Emergency Room at Houston Northwest Hospital.

Postoperative Instructions