The recovery period is very short for a simple lumpectomy. You should have little pain. If you do feel pain, you can take pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Most women can resume their usual activities in a week or so. The skin should heal in about a month.

You will need to take care of the incision area. Change dressings as your doctor or nurse tells you to. Watch for signs of infection when you get home (such as redness and swelling).

You may need to empty a fluid drain a few times a day for 1 to 2 weeks. Your doctor will remove the drain later.

Avoid heavy lifting or jogging for 1 to 2 weeks. Your doctor will show you special exercises to prevent arm stiffness and talk to you about clothing and bra options, if necessary.

You may notice slight scarring.

If cancer is found, you will need to schedule follow-up treatment with your doctor.

The outcome of a lumpectomy depends on the type of lump your doctor finds, and whether or not it is cancerous.

A lumpectomy for breast cancer is often followed by radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy. This usually results in the same long-term survival as a mastectomy, depending on the type and how much breast cancer you have.

Women usually do not need breast reconstruction after lumpectomy.