Healing from Breast Biopsy

Thank you for responding. I had a core biopsy on the outside, left lower quadrant. I can deal with soreness, some of which I think was from the compression during the procedure.

Hi Gracem1,

It's ok to post this as a reply to my post. You can also start your own posts but I'm new here and can't really explain how I started the post. I'm not sure I can comment on whether the procedure was done correctly or not. My experience was that my breast was compressed from side to side with the paddles. My lump is on the left outer side, and the doctor went in with the needle on that side. As opposed to going all the way from the other side. If your lump was on the bottom it seems weird that they would go through from the top down. The doctor didn't mention hitting or missing the lump so I'm just assuming it was done correctly.

As far as aftercare, I was given small round ice packs to use the first two days. Steristrips were applied and I am supposed to leave them on for 4 days. Also, a compression bandage was put on that I had to leave on for 24 hours to help hold the incision closed. You can use really tight bandaids or buy steristrips at the store if your incision is still bleeding or looks like it's not healing due to a having a hole instead of skin stuck together. It seems like the doctor should have applied those before you left, to help the incision heal and also not bleed again. I was told not to do heavy exercise until 48 hours so the incision doesn't open up. Also, I have a bruise where the incision is, plus a lot of bruising on the opposite due either to the pressure from the paddles, or the awful hand pressure put on the incision right after I got off the table. That supposedly goes away with time.

I was told not to shower for 24 hours, then it was ok to remove the compression bandage, but not to soak in water. I'm dying to get in the hot tub to warm up but don't want to get an infection as gym hot tubs aren't that clean. I'm going to wait a week and then put on a tegaderm (plastic cover) to cover the incision when I soak in hot water, and use a hot tub that's not at a gym that is cleaner until the incision is healed. I would guess you could get in clean water/ocean but I wouldn't soak in it until the incision is healed. Just get in the ocean up to your waist to cool off. It must be summer there in D R. It's freezing here in as it's winter. You might have to go to an urgent care clinic or doctor to see if they want to stitch the incision closed. How big is the hole? Did the Gyn write the order for the biopsy? Was it at a hospital clinic or just an independent Gyn office. I would follow up and see a regular doctor somewhere it your Gyn won't help you. Also, my doctor will call me with results or the radiologist will.