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BREAST SURGERY FAQ’s


 

Will I have any sort of drain?
You may most likely have a drain if you have a mastectomy or an axillary lymph node dissection.

How long does the drain stay in place?
The drain is removed whenever the drainage is below 30 cc’s a day.  Usually, that takes about 7-10 days but can also take up to 3 weeks at times.

What is the drainage supposed to look like?
The first several days the drainage will be red and then turn more yellow. Sometimes, there will be clot-like material within the drain and that is the reason for “milking” the drain several times a day.

How often do I need to empty the drain?
Usually twice a day is fine and record the amount emptied. Empty more often, if needed.

What if I can’t get the drain to hold its suction?
If you can’t get the drain to hold its suction, please call our office for an immediate evaluation or if after hours, go to the Emergency Room.

How long will I stay in the hospital?
With a lumpectomy, you will be considered an outpatient and be able to return home the same day.  With a mastectomy without reconstruction, you will be discharged the same day or spend a single night in the hospital.  With a mastectomy with reconstruction, you will most probably have an extended time in the hospital depending on the type of reconstruction.

How soon can I drive?
Most people can drive and work soon after pain is well controlled. The criteria for driving is that the patient should not be taking any narcotic pain medication and the patient can move around comfortably enough to drive safely.

When can I exercise?
You can begin light exercise such as walking after you get home.  Light arm exercises should start the day after the drain is removed or about 7 days after surgery if you did not get a drain.

Elvira Klause, MD, FACS

General Surgeon located in South Orange County, Laguna Hills, CA

Dr. Elvira Klause, M.D., FACS, is a highly skilled, board-certified general surgeon specializing in hernia repair, hemorrhoids, laparoscopic surgery, abdominal surgery, robotic surgery, breast surgery, oncological procedures and dermatology procedures at her warm and personalized offices in San Clemente, CA. Praised by patients for her small-town hospitality and extreme quality of care, Dr. Klause brings over 15 years of experience in caring for the general, breast, advanced laparoscopic, robotic, colorectal, oncologic, skin cancer and hemorrhoid surgery needs of patients throughout South Orange County. 

Dr. Klause earned a bachelor of science degree from UCLA in 1989. She received her medical training at the University of Missouri in Columbia in 1993 and completed her residency in surgery in 1999 at Martin Luther King Hospital. After earning the Chief Resident Award, she was chosen for a fellowship in trauma surgery and critical care from Martin Luther King Hospital in 2000.

In addition to providing quality care to her patients, Dr. Klause was also a clinical preceptor for the University of Southern California and a clinical associate professor for the Western University of Health Sciences Physician Assistant program for many years.  She was also a member-at-large for Saddleback Memorial Medical Center from 2008–2010, and Chief of Surgery from 2013-2014 also was on the Cancer Committee and the Chart Review Committee.

Dr. Klause is a board-certified diplomat of the American Board of Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She holds hospital privileges at Saddleback Memorial Medical CenterLaguna Hills, Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo and Laguna Beach, Surgery Center at Saddleback, Foothill Ranch Surgery Center and the Laguna Niguel Surgery Center. She is a specialist at the highly advanced single-incision laparoscopic surgery method and Robotic assisted surgery.

Dr. Klause happily lives in South Orange County along with her loving husband and three children. In her free time, she loves being a supermom for her children by helping them with crafting adventures as well as cooking delicious gourmet meals.

Elvira Klause MD FACS

Dr. Elvira Klause, M.D., FACS, is a highly skilled, board-certified general surgeon specializing in hernia repair, hemorrhoids, laparoscopic surgery, abdominal surgery, robotic surgery, breast surgery, oncological procedures and dermatology procedures at her warm and personalized offices in San Clemente, CA. Praised by patients for her small-town hospitality and extreme quality of care, Dr. Klause brings over 15 years of experience in caring for the general, breast, advanced laparoscopic, robotic, colorectal, oncologic, skin cancer and hemorrhoid surgery needs of patients throughout South Orange County. 

Dr. Klause earned a bachelor of science degree from UCLA in 1989. She received her medical training at the University of Missouri in Columbia in 1993 and completed her residency in surgery in 1999 at Martin Luther King Hospital. After earning the Chief Resident Award, she was chosen for a fellowship in trauma surgery and critical care from Martin Luther King Hospital in 2000.

In addition to providing quality care to her patients, Dr. Klause was also a clinical preceptor for the University of Southern California and a clinical associate professor for the Western University of Health Sciences Physician Assistant program for many years.  She was also a member-at-large for Saddleback Memorial Medical Center from 2008–2010, and Chief of Surgery from 2013-2014 also was on the Cancer Committee and the Chart Review Committee.

Dr. Klause is a board-certified diplomat of the American Board of Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She holds hospital privileges at Saddleback Memorial Medical CenterLaguna Hills, Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo and Laguna Beach, Surgery Center at Saddleback, Foothill Ranch Surgery Center and the Laguna Niguel Surgery Center. She is a specialist at the highly advanced single-incision laparoscopic surgery method and Robotic assisted surgery.

Dr. Klause happily lives in South Orange County along with her loving husband and three children. In her free time, she loves being a supermom for her children by helping them with crafting adventures as well as cooking delicious gourmet meals.


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Why My Patients Prefer the THD Treatment
  •  Quick out-patient procedure; allows you to be home the same day!
  • NO cutting or removal of tissue, providing minimal discomfort & rapid recovery!
  • Most patients return to their normal activity within 4 days!

Call my office for an appointment, "let us see if THD can help you too!"

For more information about the noninvasive THD treatment please visit our Hemorrhoids FAQ page. 

 

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    Louise Heffern
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Testimonials

Words from our patients

  • "Dr. Klause performed surgery and left me HAPPY and PAINLESS!!!, I will definitely and highly recommend Dr. Elvira Klause to my family, friends and all."

    Imani L.
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    "I love Dr. Klause. She is very caring and has taken excellent care of me for the last 7 years. She is the best!"

    Verified Patient
  • "Staff couldn't have been nicer. Went above and beyond to help us. I especially want to thank Louise for all her help."

    Sharon T.
  • "I highly recommend her for any kind of procedures that falls into her expertise...Thank you very much Dr. Klause"

    Stephen S.
  • "Each time I used her, despite my fears, she used her knowledge, skill and care to make every procedure very successful. I would recommend her 100%...she is the BEST!!!!"

    Verified Patient
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Elvira Klause, MD, FACS
23961 Calle de la Magdalena
Suite 417
Laguna Hills, CA 92653