How long for dressing to come away?

Hi I had the same surgery last Mon so 9 days ago now. I was given written instructions saying top dressing should be removed in 48hrs and steri-strips in 10-14 days, I could remove these myself, not to panic though if they came off before this time just monitor the wound for signs of infection. Mine came off on Sun after getting wet in the shower and then caught on the towel. The nurse did say though if I didn't feel happy about removing them myself they could do it when I go back for my results. Which are on the 11th April.

So going on that I  would say leave or remove whichever you feel happiest doing. You could always ring you BCN and ask her if you are uncertain though . Hope this helps.x 

I had lumpectomy and SNB on Friday but my instructions are to leave the dressing for 10 days and not to get it wet ?

Mine was just to keep dry for 48hrs then could shower but no soap on wound. Funny how they vary for identical things at different hospitals. Mines Leicestershire where's yours?

Have you got to wait long for a follow up appointment and results?

Hi everywhere must differ with their procedures- I had same surgery and was given an appointment at the hospital 1 week post op for removal og dressings and cleaning of wound and they reapplied new dressings - smaller ones and then I had another appointment 1 week later with consultant for pathology results and next steps etc and the nurse took the second lot of dressings off then. I had to go and have the wound on my cancer side checked last Friday, I was 6 weeks post op as there was  a little bit of blood and pus on my bra so wanted to get it checked. They prescribed an antibacterial cream just in case but seems to be healing back up now. Not sure why that happened.xx

Cheshire . 10th April for results .

Thanks for your response Kat1.

The dressings are very clean so I will give it a few more days and maybe they will start to come away.  I can use it as an excuse for an extra long shower

Wishing you well for the rest of your recovery.  I have my results appointment on 9th April, so fingers crossed.

Jules

HI klf.

There seems to be different advice from different hospitals. I was originally told not to get the dressing wet for 7 days.  As I was high on morphine I worried I had misheard so rang the hospital and they said to keep dry for 48 hrs and then remove waterproof dressing on day 5.  

Hope you are feeling ok after Friday and recovering well.

Jules

Hi Skyemum,

Wow those results are quick.  I hope you got the news you wanted and your healing continues.

Jules

I am in Manchester and my results are on 9th April. 

Hi Jules . Yes I’m doing better than expected . I have it in my discharge notes about the 10 days but I think I’ll ring the nurse , as they gave me spare dressings . My hubby can’t remember !! 
hope you’re okay too x