Mastectomy Aftercare: When do I remove the bandages?

Posted by jpnnobx @jpnnobx, Mar 12, 2023

Hi. I had a right breast mastectomy 3 days ago. I can’t understand the directions from my surgeon that was provided after surgery plus my mind was groggy from the surgery. I can’t tell if you take off the clear bandages (I removed the white bandages). If I take off clear bandage won’t my wound and drain be touching my compression bra? I can call Dr tomorrow but was wondering if anyone can give me some advice. Thanks

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

windyshores | @windyshores | Mar 12, 2023

I would leave bandages on until you get new instructions tomorrow. 🙂

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 25, 2023

@jpnnobx, I'm wondering what you learned from your surgeon when you talked to them. What did they say about removing the bandages?

jpnnobx | @jpnnobx | Mar 25, 2023

I did the right thing by removing outer bandage and keeping the clear bandage that was over top of incision. I noticed when I took a shower, it slowly came off by itself (I didn’t have to mess with it). On my Dr visit, per the nurse, I had done the right thing!