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Jay's avatar
Jay
Member
1 month ago

Wound care after lumpectomy

Hello everyone,

This is my first time posting, and I am still learning how to use this platform, so I apologise if this question has already been asked.

Been dx with Hormone positive DCIS in left breast and did lumpectomy.

I am looking for some advice regarding incision care after my surgeon removed the waterproof dressing. It has been 20 days since my surgery, and the dressing was removed today.

My surgeon recommended using Micropore tape for a few weeks and then starting a silicone gel afterwards.

I was hoping to clarify a few things based on others' experiences. Do you shower with the Micropore tape in place and wait for it to naturally loosen before replacing it, or do you remove it daily to clean the incision and apply a new strip?

I have done some research but would really appreciate hearing what others have done. I would also be interested to know when you started using silicone gel and when you began scar massage.

Thank you in advance for your advice and experiences.

incision care
invasive dictal carcinoma
lumpectomy
micropore tape
surgery
wound care

6 Replies

  • AuDreHDer's avatar
    AuDreHDer
    Member
    18 days ago

    Sorry no one has replied. I hope you're recovering well and your surgeon's office got back to you!

  • Christina_BCNA's avatar
    Christina_BCNA
    Community Manager
    17 days ago

    Hi Jay​ 

    I'm sorry to hear about your DCIS diganosis, and hope you are travelling as well as you can at this stage.

    While everyone's surgeon seems to have slightly different preferences, some people find they can shower with the Micropore tape in place and simply pat it dry afterwards, replacing it when it starts to lift or as directed by their care team. Others are advised to change it more regularly, so it's always best to follow your surgeon's specific instructions.

    The timing of silicone gel and scar massage can vary too. Many people are told to wait until the incision is fully healed and closed before starting either, but your surgeon or breast care nurse is the best person to confirm when it's appropriate for you.

    How are you going with your surgery recovery?

    • Jay's avatar
      Jay
      Member
      17 days ago

      Hi! I'm recovering well. 

      I've decided to wear the silicon tape every 24hours and it's been healing very well/starting to fade a bit...will start massaging it soon. 

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    17 days ago

    Hi Jay​ - Sorry to see you joining us here ... but well done on joining too - as we've all 'been there, done that' and can give practical advice on most things xx

    I hope your Micropore tape worked out well - to be honest, I've forgotten what I covered my nipple with, once the waterproof dressing was taken off!!   I DO remember that the soft bra irritated the wound & made it bleed a bit ... so I didn't wear the bra until I was driving home (I live in a rural area) and didn't want my boob bouncing around on our rough roads!!

    Have you started your silicon gel treatment yet?  I used Kelocote Gel after my surgery (my nipple was removed to access the tumours & then replaced ....) but didn't start using it until the 'wound had healed' ....  so it was some weeks before I started - possibly even after I had my radiation!

    The Kelocote worked brilliantly in reducing scarring and also kept it very soft too!  A little bit went a LONG way!!   

    Wishing you all the best for your ongoing treatment xx

    • Jay's avatar
      Jay
      Member
      17 days ago

      Thank you for your response...I will definitely look into the kelocote. Hope all is well with you!  

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    17 days ago

    Thank you xx I am going well - 8.5 years for me! xx

    Check out Amazon.com.au for the Kelo-Cote gel - it has a significantly lower price than most pharmacies! ....
    I didn't even finish the one 6g tube (as a tiny bit really DOES go a LONG way!) You only put it on the scar - not all over the flesh ....  But depending on the size of your scar, getting the next size up (15g) could be the way to go. 
    I am almost SURE that you do NOT put it onto broken skin tho - so the wound needs to have healed before starting it xx (No weeping/scabs etc)
    All the best xx