Information that will help you before your surgery
What to wear
Before you come in to hospital for your operation think about the clothes that you will wear to go home in. Loose fitting clothing with front fastenings may be easier and more comfortable to wear both to go home in, and during the first few days after your operation.
A well supported, non-underwired but comfortable bra is best. It would be ideal to be front fastening, with adjustable straps and be a bigger size to allow for any swelling. To reduce the risk of infection 2 bras would be appropriate, one to wash and one to wear. Your breast care nurse can give you advice on this.
Discomfort and Pain
Discomfort, and some pain is common after any operation and you may be asked to bring a small supply of pain relief to the hospital with you. You can buy this from your local supermarket or chemist. If you need stronger pain relief you should contact your GP after your surgery.
- It is very important to take the pain relief that you have been advised to take regularly especially in the first 1-2 weeks after your operation
- Pain relief will allow you to move more freely and without discomfort. It will help when you are completing your physiotherapy exercises in the day and can also give you a better night's sleep.
- Constipation is often a side effect of certain stronger pain relief. If constipation is a problem, drink plenty of fluids, make sure you have enough fibre in your diet and consider using a gentle laxative available from the chemist.
Leaving hospital and going home
You must not drive yourself home from hospital but you do still need to wear a seatbelt as a passenger.
You can use the seatbelt normally.
However if you need to cushion your wound for comfort on the journey home, try a small pillow placed across your chest.
Your Exercises
Breathing and circulation exercises
- Take several deep breaths every hour to keep your lungs clear.
- Moving your feet up and down and circling your ankles regularly 5 times each way will help to keep your circulation working and reduce your risk of blood clots.
- Try not to sit or lie with your legs crossed.
Arm and shoulder exercises
Do your shoulder exercises 3-4 times every day to prevent your shoulder becoming stiff. This will help with healing and reduce the risk of complications.
All the exercises should be done within the limits of your pain. It is common to feel a pulling sensation when performing these exercises and some temporary discomfort afterwards. Gentle exercise will do no harm and is very important.
You should start your exercises with a posture check. You should be sitting or standing up straight with your shoulders level and relaxed.
Exercise 1: Shoulder Shrugging
Gently lift your shoulders up towards your ears then relax back down.
Repeat 5-10 times
Exercise 2: Shoulder Circling
Gently circle your shoulders forwards and then circle backwards.
Repeat 5 times each way
Exercise 3 - Lifting your arm forwards
Bend your elbows to allow your hands to rest on your shoulders. Gently lift your elbows to point forwards. You may feel a pulling sensation however, this is not harmful.
Hold for 5 seconds then slowly lower your elbows back down to the starting position.
Repeat 5 times.
Exercise 4 - Lifting your arm out to the side
Bend your elbows to allow your hands to rest on your shoulders. Gently lift your elbows out to the side until they reach shoulder level. You may feel a pulling sensation however, this is not harmful.
Hold for 5 seconds then slowly lower your elbows back down to the starting position.
Repeat 5 times.
Exercise 5 - Hands behind your head
Bend your elbows to allow your hands to reach behind your head. Gently push your elbows backwards. You may feel a pulling sensation however, this is not harmful.
Hold for 5 seconds then slowly bring your arms back to the starting position.
Repeat 5 times.
Exercise 6 - Hands behind your back
Bend your elbows to allow your hands to reach behind your back, aiming to reach your hands higher up your back. You may feel a pulling sensation however, this is not harmful.
Hold for 5 seconds then slowly bring your arms back down by your side.
Repeat 5 times.
Should you have any concerns or worries about your exercises please contact the physiotherapists at the Nightingale Centre on 0161 291 4268.
Swelling/Seroma
It is common to experience swelling around your surgical site or in your armpit following your surgery. This is a natural collection of fluid called a Seroma which the body will gradually reabsorb over time.
A seroma is not harmful but occasionally becomes very uncomfortable or puts too much pressure on the new wound. If this happens, you will need to contact your breast care nurse (weekdays) or ward F16 (evenings, weekends and bank holidays) to have this excess fluid drained. This is a small painless procedure which may have to be done more than once during your recovery.
If you have had a seroma drained, please leave your physiotherapy exercises for the rest of that day to prevent the seroma refilling. Start back with your exercises the following day. Try to reduce any repetitive arm actions that may encourage the seroma to fill more quickly such as sweeping, vacuuming or computer keyboard work. Your breast care nurse may suggest you see the physiotherapist for help if your seroma needs draining frequently.
Activity and Support at home
If you live alone, you may be concerned about how you will manage after your surgery. You will be able to wash, dress, cook simple meals and complete light household tasks yourself but it may take you longer and you may feel very tired. Don’t try to lift anything too heavy with your affected arm. A small kettle or a weight no heavier than a bag of sugar (approx. 2lbs or 1Kg) is enough.
It may be useful to make arrangements for help with heavier tasks such as shopping, vacuuming, and cleaning for the first few weeks.
If you are responsible for the care of someone else and are worried about this, please discuss this with your Breast Care Nurse. You may need help initially whilst you recover.
For full information about your surgery visit the my surgery section on the website
You can look at this website as much as you like before and after your operation and may like to show your family or friends who can help you over the next few weeks.
You will attend a class within 1-2 weeks of your surgery as part of your rehabilitation and treatment. For Class information please see the website