Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPost-Op CareTime Off WorkScar TissueFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Post-Op Care
Time Off Work
Scar Tissue
Frequently Asked Questions
Alumpectomyis a surgical procedure to remove a small portion of cancerous breast tissue or tissue suspected to be cancerous. Also known as a partial mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery, a lumpectomy is best for people withbreast cancerwho only have a single, small area of tissue that needs removal.
While a lumpectomy is less invasive than amastectomy, it still has a weeklong recovery period.During this time, taking proper care of the incision, avoiding strenuous physical activity, and finding a comfortable sleep position is fundamental for healing.
This article explains everything you need to know about post-lumpectomy care.
Luis Alvarez / Getty Images
Post-Lumpectomy Care Instructions
Proper post-lumpectomy care is vital for recovery and healing. Measures include keeping the wound clean, taking medication on a proper schedule, sleeping in the correct position, and more. Below are the basics you need to know about recovering from a lumpectomy.
Healing the Wound
After a lumpectomy, there will be anincisionfrom the breast tissue removal that must heal.Taking care of this incisionis imperative for both healing andavoiding infection.
Incision care includes:
Talk to your healthcare provider about the specifics of your recovery and about any concerns you may have.
Signs of Infection and Other Reasons to Seek Medical Attention
Look for signs of infection at the incision site, including pus or drainage, a foul odor from the wound, redness, pain, tenderness, hot skin, and fever or chills.Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Medication Schedule
While a lumpectomy is less-invasive than a mastectomy, some pain is still expected post-op. Pain relievers, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen), are recommended to help manage the pain.
How to Manage Your Pain After Breast Augmentation
Sleep Positions
Plan to sleep on your back to avoid putting pressure on the surgical area. Proper sleep is important for recovery; some general tips fordeeper sleepinclude:
Physical Limitations
For one to two weeks following a lumpectomy, you should avoid heavy lifting, jogging, or any other physical activity that could cause pain in the surgical area.
Arm exercises, however, can be helpful during recovery and can help you regain movement.Clear these exercises with your healthcare provider before doing them at home.
Living With Breast Cancer
When you are cleared to start working out again, go slowly. Stop exercising and contact your healthcare provider immediately if any of the following occur:
Activity Restrictions After a Mastectomy
What to Wear
After your lumpectomy, a soft bra with solid support, such as a sports orcompression bra, may be recommended.Speak with your healthcare provider to determine options that work for you.
Time Off Work and Personal Responsibilities
Depending on the extent of your lumpectomy, you may need help around the house, assistance with kids if you have them, and time off work. Be sure to plan ahead and arrange childcare and time for healing and recovery.
Lumpectomy With Biopsy and Recovery TimeRecovery time will be affected if your lumpectomy requires abiopsy(removing a sample of tissue to be sent to a lab). After a lumpectomy with a lymph node biopsy, a week off work and other responsibilities may be necessary to heal.
Lumpectomy With Biopsy and Recovery Time
Recovery time will be affected if your lumpectomy requires abiopsy(removing a sample of tissue to be sent to a lab). After a lumpectomy with a lymph node biopsy, a week off work and other responsibilities may be necessary to heal.
Scar Tissue Around Lumpectomy Incision
After a lumpectomy, a scar or dimpling where the tissue was removed may form, as well as a hard or firm surgical scar andlymphedema(type of swelling).
To reducescarringfrom a lumpectomy, the following steps can be taken:
Summary
A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a small portion of breast tissue that is cancerous or suspected to be cancerous. For most people who undergo a lumpectomy, recovery time is around one week.
During this period, taking proper care of your incision, wearing appropriate clothing, taking medications as prescribed, sleeping on your back, and taking time off work and personal responsibilities are essential. If there are signs of infection, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Frequently Asked QuestionsA soft bra that provides support, such as a sports bra, is recommended following a lumpectomy.It depends on your specific situation. Typically, you do not want to get your surgical area wet for a prolonged period. Talk to your healthcare provider about bathing instructions following your procedure.The biggest factor impacting lumpectomy recovery time is the size of the mass removed and the size of the tumor in relation to the size of your breast. Age, pregnancy, family history, and general health also play a role.
A soft bra that provides support, such as a sports bra, is recommended following a lumpectomy.
It depends on your specific situation. Typically, you do not want to get your surgical area wet for a prolonged period. Talk to your healthcare provider about bathing instructions following your procedure.
The biggest factor impacting lumpectomy recovery time is the size of the mass removed and the size of the tumor in relation to the size of your breast. Age, pregnancy, family history, and general health also play a role.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Breast lump removal.MedlinePlus.Surgical wound infection - treatment.DailyMed. Label:Tylenol regular strength - acetaminophen tablet, film coated.American Cancer Society.Exercising after breast cancer surgery.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Surgery for breast cancer.American Cancer Society.Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy).
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Breast lump removal.MedlinePlus.Surgical wound infection - treatment.DailyMed. Label:Tylenol regular strength - acetaminophen tablet, film coated.American Cancer Society.Exercising after breast cancer surgery.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Surgery for breast cancer.American Cancer Society.Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy).
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Breast lump removal.MedlinePlus.Surgical wound infection - treatment.DailyMed. Label:Tylenol regular strength - acetaminophen tablet, film coated.American Cancer Society.Exercising after breast cancer surgery.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Surgery for breast cancer.American Cancer Society.Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy).
MedlinePlus.Breast lump removal.
MedlinePlus.Surgical wound infection - treatment.
DailyMed. Label:Tylenol regular strength - acetaminophen tablet, film coated.
American Cancer Society.Exercising after breast cancer surgery.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Surgery for breast cancer.
American Cancer Society.Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy).
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