Drains, Sutures, and Staples

Most—but not all—mastectomy incisions will be "dressed" (have bandages applied) with two drains to allow fluid buildup to leave the surgery site. One of your drains is usually removed on the second or third day after surgery, and the other often left in place until after you go home from the hospital. The second drain can stay in for a week or two if necessary. It's time for it to come out when the wound is no longer draining fluid, or if it becomes infected.

If you've had breast-conserving surgery, you may have a drain inserted in your armpit. This is usually removed before you leave the hospital, but may stay in until your first follow-up visit with your doctor.

Most doctors use sutures (stitches) that dissolve over time, so there's no longer any need to have them removed. But occasionally, you'll see the end of the suture poking out of the incision like a whisker. If this happens, your surgeon can easily remove it. Surgical staples—another way of closing the incision—are removed during the first office visit.

You can take your first shower when your drains and the staples or sutures have been removed. Hold off on taking a bath until your wound has healed, unless you're using a waterproof dressing. A sponge bath can refresh you until showers or baths are approved by your doctor.