Excisional Breast Biopsy
Post-Op Instructions

  1. Resume regular diet as tolerated. 
  2. Wear a good support full cup bra after surgery until incision and breast soreness disappear. 
  3. You may even want to wear a bra at night to help alleviate any discomfort. If the bra causes discomfort, then you may choose not to wear one. 
  4. The dressing may be removed the day following surgery. You may reapply a dressing for comfort purposes. If dressing or tape causes irritation, please remove and reapply new dry dressing held in place by bra with no tape needed. 
  5. You may shower the day following your surgery. You need to avoid tub baths, hot tubs, and swimming pools for two weeks. 
  6. Do not apply any ointments, creams or lotions to incisional area unless directed. 
  7. Local anesthesia will wear off approximately 2 to 6 hours after surgery so can take over the counter Tylenol or Ibuprofen as directed for discomfort. 
  8. Need to report temperature over 101, drainage or increasing redness at incision, persistent pain unrelieved by medication, or any active bleeding. Some discoloration and swelling is normal. 
  9. You need to follow up with nurse or physician 1 to 2 weeks following surgery. You can call the office at 423-267-0466 during normal business hours to schedule.  
  10. Final pathology report should be available 3 to 4 days and you will be contacted as soon as it is available. If you have not been notified after this time, we recommend you call the office to obtain the results. 

Excisional Breast Biopsy Post-Op Instructions

Activity Level:
If you are feeling okay and not taking pain medications, you may drive the day following your surgery. You may return to work or school when you feel you are ready. This will largely depend on nature of your job. No activity restrictions other than those activities that cause discomfort.

Diet:
Regular diet as tolerated.

Wound Care:
Apply ice packs to biopsy site the first several hours after surgery. Wear a good support full cup bra after surgery until incision and breast soreness disappear. You may even want to wear a bra at night to help alleviate any discomfort. If the bra causes discomfort, then you may choose not to wear one. The dressing may be removed the day following surgery. You may reapply a dressing for comfort purposes. If dressing or tape causes irritation, please remove and reapply new dry dressing  held in place by bra with no tape needed.
Bathing: You may shower the day following your surgery. You need to avoid tub baths, hot tubs, and swimming pools for two weeks.

Medications:
Pain medication should be taken as needed the first couple of days after surgery. Local anesthesia will wear off approximately 2–6 hours after surgery.

Symptoms to Report:

  • Temperature over 101
  • Drainage or increasing redness at incision
  • Persistent pain unrelieved by medication
  • Active bleeding – some discoloration and swelling is normal

Followup Appointment:
4–7 days with RN or MD. Call office at (423) 267-0466 during normal business hours to schedule. Final pathology report should be ready in 2 to 3 days and you will be contacted as soon as it is available. If you have not been notified after this time, we recommend you call the office to obtain the results.