Mastectomy

What is a Mastectomy Surgery?

Mastectomy surgery is a key treatment option for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. This procedure involves the removal of one or both breasts and can be performed for various reasons, including cancer treatment, prevention, or to alleviate other health concerns.

Types of Mastectomy

Simple (Total) Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast, including the nipple and areola, but leaving the muscles underneath intact.
Modified Radical Mastectomy: Removal of the breast, nipple, areola, and some lymph nodes from the armpit.
Radical Mastectomy: Removal of the breast, chest wall muscles, and surrounding lymph nodes (rarely performed today).
Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Removal of the breast tissue but leaving most of the skin intact for potential reconstruction.
Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: Removal of the breast tissue but preservation of the nipple and areola.

Learn more about types of Mastectomy

Mastectomy Recovery: What to Expect

Recovering from a mastectomy can vary
greatly depending on the type of surgery performed, whether additional
treatments like radiation or chemotherapy are involved, and the
individual’s overall health.

Initial Recovery (First Few Weeks):

Hospital Stay: Most mastectomy surgeries require a short stay in the hospital for monitoring and pain management.
Pain Management: Pain and discomfort are common in the first few days after surgery. Your doctor will provide pain relief options, including medications or nerve blocks.
Wound Care: Following the surgery, you will need to care for your incision sites to avoid infection and promote healing. Drain tubes may be placed temporarily to help remove excess fluid from the surgical site.
Rest and Activity: While it’s important to rest in the initial stages, light movement and gradual exercise will be encouraged to help prevent stiffness and promote healing.

Long-Term Recovery (Several Weeks to Months):

Swelling and Bruising: It’s normal to experience swelling, bruising, and some tightness around the surgery site. These symptoms will gradually subside as you heal.
Emotional Adjustment: The physical changes following a mastectomy can bring about a range of emotions, including sadness, grief, or even a sense of empowerment. Seeking support through counseling, support groups, or connecting with others who have undergone similar experiences can be beneficial.
Lymphedema: If lymph nodes were removed during surgery, you may be at risk for lymphedema (swelling in the arms or chest area). It’s important to discuss strategies for managing this risk with your healthcare provider.

Learn more about Mastectomy recovery

After surgery, many individuals opt for reconstructive surgery to rebuild the breast or choose breast prosthetics to restore a natural appearance. For those who do not undergo reconstruction, or while waiting for reconstruction, mastectomy fitters play an important role in helping individuals find the right fit for their prosthetic and supporting garments.

A certified mastectomy fitter can assist with selecting appropriate prostheses, bras, and other garments that offer both comfort and confidence.

Book a free fitting

Personalized Support

Explore the different types of ostomies, including colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy. Understanding these different types helps in effectively managing care and adjusting to life with an ostomy.

Have a question?