Return to flip book view

RECOVERY FOLLOWINGBREAST SURGERYFOR MALE PATIENTSPATIENT INFORMATION

Recovery involves healing, both on a physical and emotional level. The time this takes varies from patient to patient. This leaflet provides some information about short-term problems that can develop after Breast Surgery.Following Breast Surgery, bruising is quite common. It can be mild to moderate depending on the individual. This is nothing to worry about and will eventually disappear. Occasionally, blood collects within the tissues surrounding the wound, causing swelling, discomfort and hardness. These symptoms should be reported to your Breast Care Nurse.Bruising and HaematomaSwelling is extremely common after breast surgery, It may aect the breast, chest wall and sometimes the shoulder and arm. This is all part of the healing process and swelling should lessen considerably 6-8 weeks after surgery.SwellingSome discomfort is likely following the operation. After surgery it is advisable to take painkillers regularly as prescribed. Your doctor or nurse will be best placed to advise you. PainPain and discomfort in the armpit and arm are even more likely if the lymph glands have been removed. Some people can experience post-operative discomfort for up to three months. This is the normal wound healing process. If ongoing problems are experienced, please inform the doctor or breast care nurse so that the pain can be assessed and treated appropriately.RECOVERY FOLLOWING BREASTSURGERY FOR MALE PATIENTSPATIENT INFORMATION

Some discomfort is likely following the operation. After surgery it is advisable to take painkillers regularly as prescribed. Your doctor or nurse will be best placed to advise you. Pain and discomfort in the armpit and arm are even more likely if the lymph glands have been removed. Some people can experience post-operative discomfort for up to three months. This is the normal wound healing process. If ongoing problems are experienced, please inform the doctor or breast care nurse so that the pain can be assessed and treated appropriately.Fluid can collect under the arm or along the scarline. This collection of fluid is known as a seroma and may be reabsorbed by the body in time. However, if it causes discomfort or is persistent it is sometimes necessary to aspirate or draw o fluid using a small needle and syringe. This can be performed in the Breast Centre. In some cases the fluid may re-accumulate and require more than one aspiration. If this occurs, please contact the breast care nurses.SeromaWound infections can develop at any time until the wound has healed. Wound healing typically takes 2-3 weeks. The following are symptoms which may indicate a wound infection:• The wound feels tender, swollen or warm to the touch.• Redness in the area.• Discharge from the wound.• Feeling generally unwell with fever.If any of the above symptoms are experienced, please contact the doctor or breast care nurse. Sometimes a course of antibiotics may be required. These should quickly resolve the infection and discomfort.Wound Infection

Wound infections can develop at any time until the wound has healed. Wound healing typically takes 2-3 weeks. The following are symptoms which may indicate a wound infection:• The wound feels tender, swollen or warm to the touch.• Redness in the area.• Discharge from the wound.• Feeling generally unwell with fever.If any of the above symptoms are experienced, please contact the doctor or breast care nurse. Sometimes a course of antibiotics may be required. These should quickly resolve the infection and discomfort.

Following an operation, it is normal to experience change in sensation to the area. This is caused by trauma to the nerves during surgery, which can lead to a variety of symptoms including:• Loss of reduced sensation, numbness.• Coldness in the area.• Sensitivity to touch or pressure.• Burning or tingling sensation.These symptoms will improve or completely resolve in approximately three months after surgery. Very rarely some patients are left with some permanent change in sensation to the area.If you have any concerns or queries, please contact the doctor or breast care nurse in our Breast Care Centre on 01 293 8686.Loss of/ Altered Sensation

Beacon Hospital Sandyford, Dublin 18 D18 AK68Tel: 01 293 6600www.beaconhospital.ieVersion 2.01.2023