Aftercare instructions: vacuum assisted biopsy
- You must stay in the department for at least half an hour after the biopsy.
- Leave the dressing on your breast for 48 hours if there is no obvious bleeding.
- Do not undertake any vigorous exercise or heavy lifting for 48 hours following your biopsy.
- Some bruising around the biopsy area quite commonly occurs during the first five to seven days after the biopsy (or longer if the initial bleeding during the biopsy was greater than usual). This temporary bruising of the breast after a biopsy is normal and usually not a medical concern and will gradually fade away.
- If your biopsy site begins to bleed, apply a clean dressing over the existing dressing and apply firm pressure directly to the biopsy site. A cold pack wrapped in a towel and applied for 30 minutes can also be used to reduce swelling, bruising and pain
- In exceptional circumstances it is possible for heavy bleeding to occur. Apply pressure immediately to the biopsy site for at least 10 minutes and contact us on the number below, so that we can advise you of any further action to take.
- If it is not possible to contact us on the number shown, please contact or visit your local Accident & Emergency department for advice.
- If you experience any excessive swelling, redness or heat in the area of biopsy or the breast contact us on the number below, so that we can advise you of any further action to take, in case of infection or contact your own GP.
- If your breast is tender you can take pain relief as you would for a headache, for example paracetamol. Do not take any medicine which contains aspirin (unless prescibed). Sleeping in a soft bra may help to support the breast and ease any discomfort.
Appointments for results
You will receive your results by letter, phone or an appointment to return to the Breast Unit within 14 days. If your results are not ready, or we need to rearrange your appointment, the clinic coordinator will contact you which may be at short notice.
If you are attending an appointment in clinic to discuss your results you are welcome to bring your partner, a friend or relative should you wish for support.
Contact telephone number: (01524) 584170 Monday to Friday 9am-5pm,
Breast Care Nurses,Royal Lancaster Infirmary: option 3, then option 1
Breast Care Nurses, Furness General Hospital option 3, then option 2
Date of Publication:17/02/2016
Reference code: PIL030/IND031
Date of next review: 01/12/2027