Recovery Time After a Mastectomy

A mastectomy is the surgical removal of one or both cancerous breasts to avoid the spread of cancer to the other parts of the body. Recovery time after a mastectomy depends on a number of factors.

Factors

• Recovery after a mastectomy depends on the stage of cancer and the type of mastectomy being performed. The patient's adherence to post-surgery instructions is also a factor.

Time Frame

• Patients usually stay in the hospital two to three days after a mastectomy. Full recovery from the procedure occurs, on average, in three to six weeks.

Complications

• Following a mastectomy, a patient's recovery may be marred by bruising, infection, arm swelling (near the area where the breast was removed) and limited arm movement.

Considerations

• Physically, recovery may be completed in six weeks or less but patients may suffer longer with depression and issues related to body image. Therapy and/or breast reconstruction surgery can help.

Warning

• Even after recovering from a mastectomy and receiving appropriate cancer treatment, cancer can come back.