Drains, dressings and the first week after mastectomy

The first week after a mastectomy is about letting the wound settle, managing the drains, keeping comfortable and starting to move again. Most women go home within a few days, often with one or two drains. A drain is a thin tube that comes out through the skin near the scar and carries fluid into a small bottle or bulb. You or a family member will be shown how to empty it, measure the fluid and write the amount down each day, because your team uses these numbers to decide when to remove it. The fluid is usually red at first and gradually turns pink, then pale yellow. Keep the drain secured to your clothing or a pouch so it does not pull. The dressing over the scar is usually waterproof and stays in place for several days; follow your team's advice on showering and do not soak in a bath. Take pain relief regularly as prescribed rather than waiting for pain to build. Start the gentle arm and shoulder exercises you were shown, usually keeping the arm below shoulder height while drains are in. Walk around the house several times a day, eat normally and drink plenty of water, and avoid lifting anything heavy. Call your team promptly if you develop a fever, spreading redness, a sudden increase in swelling, bright red fluid that fills the drain quickly, or if the drain falls out or stops working.

Drains need daily attention

Empty, measure and record the fluid, and keep the tube secured.

Keep the dressing dry and intact

Follow your team's advice on showering and when to remove it.

Move gently every day

Short walks and arm exercises help recovery and prevent stiffness.

The first week is usually manageable, but it is rarely comfortable.

Drains are a nuisance

They can pull, ache where they enter the skin and make sleeping awkward. Most women are glad when they come out.

Tiredness is real

Surgery, disturbed sleep and worry about results can leave you exhausted, even with little activity.

Emotions can be raw

Tears, irritability or low mood are common this week, often when seeing the chest or waiting for results.

What this page cannot tell you

It cannot replace your team's instructions, which may differ for your surgery or reconstruction.

Most women have a check within the first one to two weeks.

Wound and drain review

The nurse checks the scar, changes or removes the dressing and decides whether the drain can come out.

Drain removal

Taking the drain out takes seconds. You may feel a brief pulling sensation. A small dressing covers the hole.

Results

Pathology results may be ready at this visit or shortly after, and the next steps in treatment are discussed. Bring your drain chart, your questions and someone to support you.