Preparing for a breast biopsy surgery
The following information will help you prepare for your upcoming breast biopsy surgery. We hope this information will make the experience more comfortable for you. If you have any questions regarding the instructions, please contact the Breast Care Center.
- Arrange to have a responsible adult drive you home. It is unsafe and against hospital policy to allow you to drive home after surgery. Medications used during the procedure, including anesthesia, pain and anxiety drugs, may slow your response time.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before your surgery. Any medications that you take routinely should be taken at their usual time with a sip or two of water. People with diabetes, heart disease and other illnesses should contact their primary care doctor for specific medication instructions. If you take Coumadin or other blood thinning medication, please inform us before your surgery.
- Do not take aspirin or aspirin-containing products for 10 days before your surgery. Tylenol is OK.
- Stop taking vitamin E supplements two weeks before your surgery or as soon as possible. Vitamin E in a multivitamin is fine.
- Wear comfortable clothing. On the day of your surgery, wear a loose-fitting outfit, with a zipper or buttons in front, that is easy to put on. A comfortable dress or a top and pants are good options.
- Wear a supportive wireless bra. We recommend wearing a sports bra or a bra with fasteners in the front on the day of your surgery. The bra will provide comfort and support after your procedure. You’ll also need to wear a bra for three to four days following surgery, even while you sleep. This minimizes post-operative bleeding and will make you more comfortable.
- Please notify us of any drug allergies, reactions or medical problems that would prevent you from taking pain medications.
After your breast biopsy surgery
Before leaving the hospital, you’ll receive detailed information and instructions for your at-home recovery. These will include how to care for your incision, when to resume your daily activities, and signs of potential complications to watch for.
Here are some general guidelines:
- If you’re feeling pain, take pain medication on a regular schedule. Everyone is different, so pain management plans will vary. You’ll have better results controlling your pain if you take pain medication before your discomfort is severe. Good pain control helps the healing and recovery process.
- Prevent constipation. You may be prescribed a narcotic, such as Vicodin, to relieve pain. These drugs can cause constipation. If you’re taking a narcotic, make sure to drink plenty of fluids, eat high-fiber foods like bran, and take regular small walks to ease constipation.
- Use an icepack. Icepacks can reduce discomfort and swelling, particularly in the armpit if you’ve had a lymph node removed. Placing a small pillow in the armpit can also help with pain.
- Attend follow-up appointments. Your follow-up appointment should be scheduled before surgery. If you don’t have a follow-up appointment in your schedule, call the Breast Care Center.
- Contact us with any questions or concerns. If you notice signs of a potential complication or experience issues with your medication (such as constipation or unrelieved pain), please contact the Breast Care Center.
