A breast biopsy can help a doctor diagnose breast cancer. Breast biopsy recovery times can depend on the type of biopsy and the anesthetic involved.
A doctor may recommend a breast biopsy if there is an irregularity on a mammogram or a person has a lump or other symptoms of a potential health problem in the area.
This article explores what to expect after a breast biopsy, how long recovery may take, how to care for the biopsy site, and when a person may need to contact a doctor.
A person’s recovery may depend on the type of biopsy they had and whether it involved a local or general anesthetic.
To perform a nonsurgical biopsy, a doctor injects a local anesthetic to numb the breast, which means the person stays awake but feels no pain. Following the procedure, they may be able to return home after a short period of monitoring. However, they will need someone to drive them.
General anesthesia is typically only required for surgical excisional biopsies, which are much less common than nonsurgical biopsies. Doctors may use this procedure to confirm a diagnosis from a core needle biopsy.
A person who receives a general anesthetic will not be awake during the biopsy. They will spend time in a recovery room afterward, where a healthcare professional will monitor them, measuring their blood pressure, pulse, and breathing.
Once these measurements have stabilized and the person is fully alert, they may be able to go home, or the doctor may recommend resting in the hospital. The person will need someone to drive them home.
It is important to follow aftercare instructions from a healthcare professional following a breast biopsy.
After a nonsurgical biopsy
A person who has had a nonsurgical biopsy may need to do the following:
- Keep the area clean and dry.
- Wait for 24 hours after the procedure to shower, following instructions from their healthcare team about bandage removal. This may involve removing bandages but leaving Steri-Strips, if present, in place.
- Apply a clean Band-Aid if there is still drainage from the wound after showering.
- If swelling and bruising occur, apply an ice pack to the area for 10 to 15 minutes several times during the first 24 to 48 hours after the biopsy.
- If bleeding or significant swelling occurs, press firmly on the area with a gauze pad. Call 911 if bleeding does not stop or becomes heavier.
- Wear a tight-fitting bra for support. A healthcare professional will let a person know whether they may need to wear a special type of bra after the procedure.
For 3 days after the biopsy, a person will need to avoid:
- any form of strenuous exercise, including lifting anything heavier than 2.3 kilograms (kg), or 5 pounds (lb)
- bathing, swimming, or soaking the biopsy site with water
Caring for a surgical biopsy site
As well as the steps above, aftercare following a surgical biopsy might involve:
- leaving any tape strips over the wound until they fall off, which may take around 7 to 10 days
- cutting away the edges of the tape if it begins to peel
- not showering for up to 2 days
A person can contact the doctor if the tape begins to irritate their skin.
After a biopsy, there may be some bleeding, swelling, or bruising in the area, and swelling can make the breast seem larger. The swelling is
If a person had a general anesthetic, they may have a sore throat due to the use of breathing tubes. Soreness in the throat should resolve without treatment, though gargling and taking pain relief medications can help. People should contact a healthcare professional if the symptoms do not resolve after a few days.
How to ease breast pain after a biopsy
The following steps may help with pain during breast biopsy recovery:
- Ice packs: Applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time may help reduce bruising.
- Safe pain relief: People should be aware that certain pain relievers, such as aspirin, can increase bleeding risk. A doctor can recommend safe options.
- A supportive bra: People may find wearing a supportive bra helps ease breast pain.
People may experience soreness, tenderness, and bruising for several days after a breast biopsy.
The type of biopsy can influence how long recovery takes. Surgical biopsies may require more recovery time than nonsurgical types.
A person can continue eating their usual diet after a breast biopsy, unless a doctor instructs them otherwise.
Pain relief medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), can help ease mild soreness after a breast biopsy.
Experts do not typically recommend taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) unless a doctor recommends it, as these drugs may cause bleeding. However, a doctor may still recommend them if a person’s bleeding risk is low.
Anyone who is taking aspirin or any blood-thinning medications should check with a doctor about which drugs are safe to take during recovery.
People can usually return to most of their usual nonstrenuous daily activities 1 to 2 days after a breast biopsy. However, they will need to follow a doctor’s aftercare advice.
- intense exercise, including running and jogging
- lifting anything heavier than 2.3 kg, or 5 lb
A doctor can give more specific guidance, taking into account the nature of a person’s job.
Gentle stretches can help a person regain arm and shoulder movement and prevent stiffness, but it is important to check with a doctor first.
The following can help support a person’s breast biopsy recovery:
- getting plenty of rest and sleep
- eating a balanced diet
- staying hydrated
It is important to have help with lifting heavy items, such as groceries, for the first week after a biopsy.
A person may also wish to reach out to loved ones for emotional support, or it may help to join a local support group or online community of people who have had similar experiences.
A breast biopsy is a safe procedure. However, it is important to contact a doctor if any of the following occur afterward:
- a fever above 101ºF
- chills
- inflammation or unusual swelling around the biopsy site
- bleeding, drainage, or pus at the biopsy site
- worsening pain in the area
- an increase in breast size
Contact emergency services if a person experiences any of the symptoms below after a breast biopsy:
- shortness of breath
- coughing up blood
- chest pain
- signs of a blood clot in the leg, such as pain, swelling, or redness or other color changes
- excessive bleeding
- fainting
A breast biopsy involves taking a sample of fluid or tissue from the breast for analysis. Biopsies help doctors diagnose breast cancer. A doctor may perform a surgical or nonsurgical procedure, depending on the size of the area they need to examine.
Afterward, the person may experience bleeding, bruising, swelling, and soreness in their breast, which will ease over time. Taking certain pain relief medications, using cold compresses, and resting can help speed up the recovery process.
If a person experiences any unusual or severe symptoms after a breast biopsy, it is important to contact a healthcare professional.
