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.