Possible Risks of a Mastectomy and Useful Tips to Recover at Home after a Mastectomy
A mastectomy involves tissue removal and the use of anesthesia. Therefore, it may pose some possible risks, such as:
– Body reactions to anesthesia
– Infection and bleeding
– General stiffness in the arm and shoulder pain
– A tingling feeling around the breast and under the arm
– Blistering, skin loss, or scabbing along the surgical area
– Nerve damage in the chest wall, arm, or back
– Swelling caused by fluid accumulation in the arm and armpit
– Hard scar tissue [7]
To speed up recovery and improve comfort, you can try the following tips:
– Rest and sleep well to allow the body to heal
– Take medications to manage pain and discomfort
– Consume fiber-rich foods and a lot of fluid to prevent constipation due to painkillers
– Wash the drains properly
– Ask for help from your friends or family members [8]
