Fibroadenoma removal surgery

Alexandra101

Hi, I'm 21 and having surgery for the first time. I have a fibroadenoma in my right breast about the size of dime or nickel. I'm just wondering about the after care post surgery? I have taken two days off work and I will ask for a note for light duty...(I lift heavy for my work.) I've heard some women have received dissolve able stitches...is that common? Also how long did your stitches stay in for?

Ten days after my surgery I am taking a trip to California and i wish the timing could be better. I understand I probably won't be able to swim whether my stitches are taken out before my trip or not.

How long was it before you felt pretty normal or could go back to regular activities?

Moderators

Hi Alexandra-

We want to welcome you to our community here at BCO. We hope you find the answers you're looking for!

Everyone recovers differently, at their own pace. Generally, depending on where on your breast the incision is located, you'll have some limited movement in your arms (probably don't try to do jumping jacks right away, for instance). You'll definitely need to do light duty at work for about a week, especially if you lift heavy objects. The localized area will be sore and tender, and you'll likely experience some bruising. The type of stitches you have really will depend on the doctor; some prefer to use non-absorbable sutures, but many will use dissolvable ones, especially if a follow-up isn't required for several days or a week or more. Regardless of the kind of suture that is used, you should expect them to stay in for 7-10 days. If your stitches have been removed or dissolved after 7 days, you shouldn't have any problems being in water on your trip, but definitely check with your doctor. If they're still in, then swimming would probably not be advisable.

Some people are able to resume normal activity within a few days after their procedure, some need a week or longer to fully recover. It really depends on the person. Just remember to listen to your body, and don't rush your recovery. A few extra days of taking it easy is worth not overdoing it too soon!

Good luck on your procedure, and we hope your healing is swift and easy!

The Mods

MelissaDallas

I felt perfectly normal the day after an excisional biopsy, actually by the afternoon of the morning I had it done.. Mildly sore. They often close your skin with either steri-strips or surgical glue, but maybe some women get stitches. I was limited on weight lifting for about a week. Really, it isn't a big deal at all. Inthink I took one pain pill and then Aleve for a day or two & they took a chunk the size of a golfball out of me.

Alexandra101

Thank-you! That's actually really helpful!

I'll definitely take it easy at work and let others do the heavy lifting!

panthrah

some docs have waterproof bandages. mine gave me some so i could snorkel in cabo. I felt fine after 3 days. still "tired" since youre body will be working overtime on healing so do take it easy and rest often. sitting by the ocean counts