When to Call Your Surgeon

Call your surgeon if you have any of the following:⁴⁰

• A fever over 100.4°F or 38°C⁶⁷
• Redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage at your incision site
• A cough or chest congestion, which may be signs of a respiratory infection

• Hematoma is a collection of blood in the wound. Seroma is a collection or pocket of clear fluid in the wound. Hematoma and seroma often resolve on their own. If not, both usually respond well to treatment. Treatment may include taking Ibuprofen such as Motrin or Advil for your pain and your surgeon may have to use a needle to drain the fluid.
• Increased bleeding from your wound (soaking a dressing in a 24-hour period).
• Increased or continuous bright red drainage or foul smelling drainage from your drain.
• Your wound is oozing drainage and has an unpleasant smell.
• You notice an open part of your incision.
• You have increased swelling at the incision or in your arm, hand, or underarm. Some swelling will be normal for about 1 month after surgery.
• Continued numbness, tingling, or shooting pain in your armpit, upper arm, shoulder, or chest wall. Nerves will usually repair themselves, but it can take weeks or months.⁴¹

Lymphedema Monitoring

Remember: you may not see this until 18-24 months after your operation.⁵³

• Swelling, heaviness or tightness in your arm, chest, or torso⁵²
• Hot, red, painful arm(s) or chest⁵²

If you are experiencing any of the following, call 911 or go to your local hospital immediately.

• Sudden numbness or weakness in arms or legs
• A painful, red, swollen leg that may feel warm to touch. These are signs of a blood clot.
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in your chest or upper back, or arm
• Coughing up blood