What to Expect After Surgery?
Recovering from breast cancer surgery is a journey that requires patience, the right guidance, and proper care. Whether you have undergone a lumpectomy, mastectomy, or reconstructive procedure, knowing what lies ahead helps you heal with confidence.
At Hills Gastro & Onco Care, patients receive personalised recovery plans designed by experienced specialists. As a Top Surgical Oncologist in the region, Dr. MSS Keerthi ensures every patient is supported not just through surgery, but through every step of their Breast Cancer Surgery Recovery.
This blog covers everything you need to know — from the first 48 hours after your breast cancer surgery to exercises, nutrition, wound care, and emotional healing. Read on to take charge of your recovery, one day at a time.
The First 24–48 Hours: Rest & Initial Care
The first two days after your breast operation are the most important for rest and stabilisation. Your body has just gone through a major surgical procedure, and it needs time to begin healing.
Here is what to expect and do:
- Rest as much as possible. Avoid any unnecessary movement of the arm on the side of surgery.
- Keep your head and upper body slightly elevated while sleeping to reduce swelling.
- Do not lift anything heavier than a cup of tea.
- Have a family member or caregiver assist you with daily tasks like bathing and dressing.
- Take your prescribed medications on time, including pain relievers and antibiotics.
- Wear loose, front-opening clothes to avoid putting pressure on your chest.
Most patients feel groggy, tired, and sore during this period. This is completely normal. Your care team will monitor your vitals and drain output if a surgical drain has been placed.
Managing Pain, Swelling & Drainage:
Some degree of pain, tightness, and swelling after surgery for breast cancer treatment is expected. Here is how to manage it effectively.
For Pain:
- Take medicines exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses.
- Apply a cold pack (wrapped in cloth) gently near the area if advised by your doctor.
- Avoid sudden movements that pull on the incision.
For Swelling:
- Keep the arm slightly raised when resting.
- Avoid tight sleeves, jewellery, or watches on the affected side.
- Gentle compression sleeves may be recommended by your physiotherapist.
For Surgical Drains:
- If you have been sent home with a drain, empty it as instructed — usually twice a day.
- Record the amount and colour of the fluid in a diary to share with your doctor.
- The drain is typically removed within 1 to 3 weeks when output reduces significantly.
Wound Care & Incision Hygiene:
Keeping the surgical site clean is essential to prevent infection and ensure proper healing.
Follow these steps daily:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the incision area.
- Gently clean the wound with mild soap and water unless told otherwise.
- Pat dry with a clean, soft cloth. Never rub.
- Apply any prescribed ointment or dressing as directed.
- Avoid soaking in a bathtub, swimming pool, or any water body until the wound is fully healed.
- Do not apply any cream, lotion, or home remedy on the incision without medical approval.
- Wear a soft, supportive bra or post-surgical garment as recommended.
Watch for signs of infection such as redness, warmth, pus, or a foul smell from the wound. If any of these appear, contact your care team immediately.
When Can You Start Moving? A Week-by-Week Timeline
One of the most common questions after a mastectomy or breast surgery is — When can I start moving normally again?
Here is a general week-by-week guide:
Phase 1 Exercises: Gentle Movement (Days 1–7)
Starting gentle movement early helps prevent stiffness and reduces the risk of complications. These mastectomy exercises are safe to begin within the first week.
Hand and Wrist Exercises:
- Open and close your fist slowly — 10 times, 3 sets.
- Rotate your wrist clockwise and anticlockwise — 5 times each direction.
- Bend and straighten your elbow gently.
Deep Breathing:
- Sit upright or lie slightly elevated.
- Breathe in slowly through your nose for 4 counts.
- Hold for 2 counts, then breathe out gently through your mouth.
- Repeat 5 to 10 times. This supports lung health and is part of chest physical therapy.
Short Walks:
- Begin with 5-minute walks inside your home.
- Gradually increase duration as energy allows.
Note: There are chest physical therapy contraindications to keep in mind. Avoid any exercise that causes pain at the incision site, pulling of drains, or dizziness. Always check with your care team before beginning.
Phase 2 Exercises: Rebuilding Range of Motion (Weeks 2–4)
As healing progresses, you can move to slightly more active exercises aimed at restoring shoulder and arm movement.
Shoulder Rolls:
- Sit upright in a chair.
- Slowly roll both shoulders forward, up, back, and down in a circular motion.
- Repeat 10 times in each direction.
Wall Climbing (Finger Walk):
- Stand facing a wall.
- Place your fingertips on the wall and slowly walk them upward as far as comfortable.
- Hold for 5 seconds at the highest point, then slowly walk fingers back down.
- Repeat 10 times.
Pendulum Swing:
- Stand and lean slightly forward with support.
- Let the arm on the surgery side hang freely.
- Gently swing it forward and back, then in small circles.
- This is excellent for shoulder joint mobility.
Elbow Wings:
- Place both hands on your shoulders.
- Slowly raise your elbows out to the sides as far as comfortable.
- Lower and repeat 10 times.
These exercises also act as a natural exercise to breast lift tissue and improve posture, which can be affected after surgery.
Phase 3 Exercises: Strengthening & Return to Activity (Weeks 4–8)
By weeks four to eight, most patients are ready to begin light strengthening with guidance from a physiotherapist.
Resistance Band Exercises:
- Use a light resistance band for gentle pulling and pushing movements.
- These help rebuild muscle strength in the chest, shoulder, and arm.
Modified Push-Ups Against Wall:
- Stand facing a wall with palms flat on it.
- Slowly bend your elbows to bring your chest closer to the wall.
- Push back to starting position.
- Begin with 5 repetitions and increase gradually.
Yoga and Stretching:
- Gentle yoga postures focusing on breathing and flexibility are excellent at this stage.
- Avoid any inversions or poses that strain the chest until fully cleared.
Swimming:
- Once the wound is fully closed and your surgeon approves, swimming is one of the best full-body recovery exercises.
Emotional Recovery & Mental Well-being:
Physical healing is only one part of recovery. Many women experience anxiety, sadness, or a change in body image after breast surgery and reconstructive procedures. This is completely valid and must be addressed alongside physical care.
Tips for emotional healing:
- Talk openly with your family about how you feel.
- Join a local or online breast cancer survivor support group.
- Speak to a counsellor or psychologist if you feel low for extended periods.
- Engage in light creative activities like drawing, reading, or journaling.
- Practice mindfulness or guided meditation for 10 minutes daily.
- Celebrate small milestones — each week of healing is a victory.
You are not alone. Thousands of women in India have walked this path and gone on to live full, active, and joyful lives.
Nutrition for Healing After Surgery:
What you eat directly affects how fast your body heals after a breast operation.
Focus on these foods:
- Protein: Dal, paneer, eggs, chicken, fish, and sprouts help repair tissue and rebuild strength.
- Iron-rich foods: Spinach, beetroot, pomegranate, and dates help combat post-surgery fatigue.
- Vitamin C: Amla, guava, oranges, and tomatoes support wound healing and immunity.
- Hydration: Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily.
- Fibre: Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables prevent constipation, which is common after surgery.
Avoid:
- Processed and packaged foods
- Excess salt and sugar
- Alcohol and smoking — both severely delay healing
Consult a clinical nutritionist if possible, especially if you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation alongside recovery.
Warning Signs: When to Call Your Doctor?
While most recoveries go smoothly, it is important to know when something needs immediate attention.
Contact your care team right away if you notice:
- High fever above 38°C or chills
- Redness, warmth, or pus at the incision site
- Sudden increase in pain not relieved by medication
- Arm swelling that appears rapidly or feels hard
- Drain fluid that suddenly increases or turns bright red
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Numbness or tingling that is new or worsening
Never ignore these signs. Early intervention prevents complications and keeps your recovery on track.
Follow-Up Care & Ongoing Monitoring at Hills Gastro & Onco Care:
Recovery does not end when you leave the hospital. Regular follow-up appointments are a critical part of your care plan.
At Hills Gastro & Onco Care, Dr. MSS Keerthi and the dedicated oncology team provide structured follow-up care that includes:
- Wound inspection and drain removal
- Review of pathology reports and treatment planning
- Physiotherapy referrals and exercise progression
- Monitoring for signs of recurrence or lymphedema
- Psychological support referrals when needed
- Guidance on hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or radiation if required
Staying consistent with your follow-up visits gives you the best chance at a full and lasting recovery.
FAQ's About Breast Cancer Surgery Recovery:
Recovery time depends on the type of surgery. Most patients resume light daily activities within 3 to 4 weeks. Full recovery, including return to work and exercise, typically takes 6 to 8 weeks. Reconstruction surgery may require a longer recovery period.
Start with gentle hand, wrist, and elbow movements in the first week. Progress to shoulder range-of-motion exercises in weeks two to four. By weeks four to eight, light strengthening with resistance bands is usually safe. Always follow your physiotherapist’s guidance and avoid anything that causes pain at the incision.
Keep the affected arm elevated when resting. Take prescribed pain medication on time. Avoid tight clothing, jewellery, or accessories on the surgery side. A compression sleeve may be recommended. Cold packs wrapped in cloth can offer temporary relief if approved by Dr. MSS Keerthi or your treating doctor.
Most patients can begin raising their arm to shoulder height by week two. Reaching above the head is usually possible by weeks three to four, depending on healing. Do not rush this milestone — the wall climbing (finger walk) exercise is a safe and gradual way to achieve this.
Lymphedema signs include swelling in the arm, hand, or fingers on the side of surgery, a feeling of heaviness or tightness, reduced flexibility in the wrist or hand, and skin that feels firm or thickened. If you notice any of these, consult Dr. MSS Keerthi promptly. Early treatment gives the best outcomes.
