“What can I expect from a breast lumpectomy?”
I am having lumps removed from both of my breasts and am feeling nervous. What can I expect after the surgery?
4 Answers
It depends how you heal, but you should be okay.
You are having a test to rule out the potential of a malignancy being present.
A lumpectomy is typically an outpatient procedure where you come to the hospital in the morning and leave in the afternoon. It is a well-tolerated operation. Women are generally sore for about 5-7 days after surgery. You will likely be sent home with some pain medication. Your incision will be sewn shut with absorbable sutures that do not need to be removed and will be covered with a dressing. You should be able to shower within 24 hours. It is encouraged that you get up and move around rather than lying in bed all day. Talk to your surgeon about any specific recommendations.
If your lumps are CYSTS, they can be easily aspirated in the office/clinic. If they are SOLID tumors, then surgical excision through carefully planned cosmetic incisions will give very good results. After surgery, the area will remain firm and lumpy for about 4 weeks or more due to the healing tissue (fibroblast activity) and collection of serum (body fluid) at times.
