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Mastectomy: Types, Surgical Process, Recovery, and Reconstruction Options

Mastectomy Types

  • Total (simple): Entire breast, nipple, areola removed.
  • Skin-sparing: Breast tissue removed; skin envelope preserved for reconstruction.
  • Nipple-sparing: Breast tissue removed; nipple-areola complex preserved (if oncologically safe).
  • Modified radical: Breast + axillary lymph node dissection.
  • Lumpectomy (partial mastectomy): Tumor + margin only; breast conservation.

Surgical Process

  1. Pre-op: Evaluation, imaging, surgical marking, IV access, antibiotics.
  2. Anesthesia: General.
  3. Incision: Per planned approach (type-dependent).
  4. Tissue removal: Per type; sentinel lymph node biopsy often included.
  5. Reconstruction (optional): Immediate (implants, autologous flaps) or delayed.
  6. Closure: Drains placed; layered closure.

Recovery

  • Hospital stay: 1–3 days (longer with reconstruction)
  • Drains: 1–3 weeks
  • Activity restrictions: 4–6 weeks
  • Follow-up: Pathology review, adjuvant therapy planning (radiation, chemo, endocrine)

A multidisciplinary team (breast surgeon, oncologist, plastic surgeon, nurse navigator) coordinates comprehensive care.

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