If you discover a growth or lump in your breast during a wellness exam, your health care team may recommend a surgical procedure called a lumpectomy. As part of this treatment plan, a surgeon will remove the lump, along with a small amount of surrounding tissue, to eliminate the abnormality. The overall shape of the breast remains unaffected. If you have this surgery scheduled, here’s what you can expect during and after the procedure. 

What Should Patients Anticipate When Undergoing Lumpectomy Surgery?

Depending on the location and size of the tumor, your procedure may begin with your doctor marking the exact location of the abnormal tissue with the help of an ultrasound or mammogram. Next, you’ll be taken to the operating room and given general anesthesia. The procedure itself typically takes less than an hour. Once removed, an X-ray usually confirms all abnormal tissue has been removed. Lastly, the incision will be stitched and dressed.

What Does the Recovery Process Entail?

Immediately following surgery, you’ll be taken to a recovery room so nurses can properly monitor your vital signs as the anesthesia wears off. Patients routinely leave the hospital from the recovery area. 

Before leaving the hospital, your medical team will prescribe pain medication and advise you on how to change your bandages, and watch for signs of infection. Having a friend or family member with you to help confirm recovery instructions is imperative. In the days following this surgical procedure, you’ll need to rest, wear a supportive sports bra that minimizes movement, and begin arm exercises to minimize stiffness, if your surgeon has instructed you to do so. 

If your health care provider has recommended lumpectomy surgery to remove a tumor from your breast, Ozark Surgical Group in Mountain Home, AR, can provide effective, precise care. In addition to breast surgery, their compassionate surgeons provide endocrine surgery, hernia procedures, and vascular screening tests. They’re committed to maximizing your health and fitness, while also ensuring you remain comfortable throughout the entire surgical procedure. Visit their website to learn more about these general surgery experts, or call (870) 425-9120 to schedule a consultation today.