The week before surgery
Most patients have a pre-operative assessment in the days before their operation. This typically includes blood tests, an ECG if needed, and a review of current medications. Some medications need to be paused before surgery — aspirin, blood thinners, and certain supplements are common examples. Your surgical team will give you a specific list based on your health history.
You will be asked to fast from a set time the evening before or morning of surgery. This usually means nothing to eat from midnight and only clear fluids up to two hours before your admission time. Specific fasting instructions will be given by the anaesthetic team.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you on the day of discharge
- Prepare a comfortable recovery space at home with pillows for positioning, loose clothing, and easy access to medications
- Front-opening shirts or zip-up tops are much easier to manage after chest surgery than overhead garments
- Fill any post-operative prescriptions in advance so they are ready when you return home
- Inform your employer, school, or other commitments that you will need time off — typically one to three weeks depending on the procedure
The day of surgery
You will be admitted to the hospital at the time given by the admissions team. On arrival you will complete paperwork, change into a hospital gown, and meet with the nursing team, anaesthetist, and Dr. Shruthi before the operation begins. This is a good time to ask any remaining questions. Dr. Shruthi will confirm the planned procedure and mark the operative site.
Most breast surgeries are performed under general anaesthesia and take between one and three hours depending on the type and complexity of the procedure. You will wake up in the recovery area with monitoring equipment in place and nursing staff present.
Feeling anxious before surgery is completely normal. Let the team know if you are particularly anxious — there are options to help, including pre-medication. You will not be rushed and there will always be someone available to answer questions on the day.
Immediately after surgery (first 24 hours)
Pain in the first day is managed with regular pain relief given by the nursing team. Most patients find the discomfort manageable and describe it as a tight, sore feeling rather than sharp pain. A surgical drain may be in place if fluid accumulation is expected — this is a thin tube that exits through the skin near the incision and drains into a small bottle.
Many breast procedures are performed as day surgery, meaning you go home the same day. Others require one to two nights in hospital. Before discharge, the nursing team will explain wound care, drain management if applicable, and which symptoms to watch for.
Recovery at home — the first two weeks
The first week is about rest and allowing the wound to begin healing. Most patients feel tired and should avoid heavy lifting, reaching overhead, or any activity that pulls on the chest and shoulder. Short, gentle walks from day two or three are helpful for circulation and mood.
- Keep the wound clean and dry as instructed — specific bathing guidance varies by wound type and closure method
- Take pain relief regularly rather than waiting for pain to build up
- Wear a supportive, non-underwired bra day and night during the first few weeks unless instructed otherwise
- Avoid driving until you can perform an emergency stop comfortably — usually one to two weeks
- Avoid swimming and submersion of the wound until it is fully healed, typically four to six weeks
- Drain output and appearance should be recorded if you go home with a drain in place
Swelling, bruising, and numbness around the incision site are normal in the first two weeks. The breast may feel firm and the scar area can be itchy as healing progresses. Gentle scar massage with a neutral moisturiser can begin once the wound is fully closed, usually from around six weeks.
When to call the doctor
Most recoveries are straightforward, but certain symptoms need prompt attention. Contact the clinic or go to the emergency department if you notice any of the following:
- Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling around the wound that is getting worse rather than better
- Discharge from the wound that is thick, cloudy, or has an unpleasant smell
- Fever above 38°C
- Sudden increase in pain not controlled by your prescribed medications
- A drain that stops producing fluid but the breast feels tense and is expanding
- Any concern that something does not feel right — it is always better to call
Returning to normal activities
Most patients return to desk-based work within one to two weeks. Physical jobs that involve lifting or manual work typically require three to four weeks. Exercise can usually resume gradually from four to six weeks, starting with walking before progressing to gym work or sport.
Emotional recovery takes time alongside physical healing. It is normal to feel a range of emotions after breast surgery, including relief, anxiety, grief, or a mix of all three. These feelings are valid. If you find them overwhelming or persistent, please mention it at your follow-up — support is available.