What should you know about intraductal papilloma surgery recovery?

Excision removes the papilloma and a small surrounding area of breast tissue when indicated. Afterward, bruising, swelling, tightness, altered sensation, or aching around the incision can occur. The breast may look different while swelling settles, and a small amount of drainage can be expected if a dressing is used.

The removed tissue is examined so your team can confirm what was present and whether the edges are clear. Recovery differs with the size and position of the excision, the type of closure, and your general health.

Follow the written instructions about dressings, washing, prescribed medicines, and follow-up. Wear the recommended supportive bra if it makes movement more comfortable. Keep the incision protected from rubbing, avoid strenuous lifting until your surgeon allows it, and gradually return to normal activity as soreness improves.

Arrange follow-up so the wound and pathology result are discussed. If surgery has not yet been decided, [Breast Lump Excision](/treatments/breast-care/breast-lump-excision/) describes the treatment context. A [Breast Biopsy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/breast-biopsy/) may be used before or instead of excision in selected situations.

Call your surgical team for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pain, pus-like drainage, fever, wound separation, or bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, faintness, or rapidly expanding swelling.

Ask how to care for the dressing, when to shower, which activities to pause, when results should be reviewed, and which changes should prompt a call. Ask how expected bruising differs from a wound infection.