Tolnitch Surgical Associates, PA
2301 Rexwoods Drive, Ste 116
Raleigh, NC 27607

Lisa Tolnitch, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Nancy Crowley, M.D., F.A.C.S
Gayle DiLalla, M.D., F.A.C.S
Keith D. Amos, M.D.

Telephone: 919-782-8200   Fax: 919-781-0440

GUIDELINES TO PREVENT LYMPHEDEMA
POST MASTECTOMY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Consult your physician for increase swelling in the arm, hand, or fingers or any rash, blistering, redness or inflammation.
2. Avoid having blood drawn, IVs, injections or blood pressure to be taken in your affected arm(s).
3. Avoid any type of trauma; bruising, cuts, sunburns, insect bites, cat scratches, sport injury and burns. Wear gloves while doing housework and gardening.
4. Do not wear tight jewelry or clothing around affected fingers and arm(s).
5. Avoid heavy lifting with affected arm.
6. Aircraft flight has been linked to the onset of lymphedema; consider wearing a compression garment when flying.
7. Consider using a electric razor to remove underarm hair.
8. Please ask your physician for a consult with physical therapy if you have any additional concerns about lymphedema.