Return To Work: Per your doctor

Driving: It is okay to drive afterwards unless you are taking pain medication other than Tylenol.

Physical Activity: Resume your normal activities when you feel comfortable. Avoid strenuous activity (weight lifting, tennis, etc.) at your cryoablation site for three days.

Bandage/Wound Care: Remove the dressing the morning after your procedure. There may be strips of tape underneath- leave these in place. They will fall off on their own in 3-6 days. You may shower or bathe the morning after the procedure. Place a clean gauze pad or band-aid over the site for one more day. After this time, you will no longer need a dressing (though many patients feel more comfortable with a dressing if the site is near a bra pressure point). Most patients are more comfortable if they wear a bra regularly for the first few days after the procedure. Ice packs may help relieve the discomfort as well in the first 24 hours.

It is normal to feel a mass or lump in your breast in the area that has been frozen. This may last for several months and is completely normal. Eventually, the mass will go away. Within 12 months, your mammogram or ultrasound should return to normal without evidence of the original abnormality.

Medications:

Tylenol: 1-2 pills every four hours as needed for pain

Ibuprofen: 200-400mg every six hours as needed for pain

Diet: No restrictions.

Special Instructions: Some bruising may occur- this will go away over time. Please call if you have a fever greater than 101, chills, redness at the incision site, excessive drainage from your wound, or severe pain not relieved by your pain medication.

Follow-up Appointment: 7-10 days with Dr. Akbari.

Please call Dr. Akbari at 703-893-1122 during office hours if you have any additional questions.