Mastectomy Surgery: Comprehensive Breast Cancer Treatment

Facing breast cancer can be extremely overwhelming—but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our expert breast surgeons offer advanced mastectomy surgery options tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Whether you're newly diagnosed, considering preventive treatment, or seeking a second opinion, we’re here to support you every step of the way with compassion, clarity, and cutting-edge care.

What is a Mastectomy?

Mastectomy

A mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the breast. It is most often performed to treat or prevent breast cancer and may be recommended based on tumor size, location, or genetic risk factors.

Types of Mastectomy:

Total (Simple) Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast.
Modified Radical Mastectomy: Removal of the breast and nearby lymph nodes.
Radical Mastectomy (rare): Removal of the breast, chest muscles, and lymph nodes.
Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: Preserves the nipple and areola for a more natural post-surgery appearance.
Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Removes breast tissue while preserving most of the breast skin to allow for reconstruction.

The goal of a mastectomy is complete cancer removal—especially for larger tumors or multiple cancer sites. Many patients are eligible for immediate breast reconstruction, which we can coordinate seamlessly as part of your surgical care.

Who Needs a Mastectomy?

Your surgeon may recommend a mastectomy based on a variety of factors, including:

Medical Indications

A mastectomy may be needed for large tumors or when cancer is found in more than one area of the breast.

If you’ve had radiation before, surgery may be the best option to treat or remove remaining cancer.

It may also be recommended if breast cancer comes back after other treatments.

Genetic Risk

People with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations have a higher risk of breast cancer. A mastectomy may help lower that risk.

A strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer may also lead some patients to consider a mastectomy to protect their health.

Personal Choice

Some patients choose mastectomy over other surgical options for peace of mind or to reduce the risk of recurrence. We support and respect your decision, providing all the information and guidance you need to make the best choice for your body and life.

The Mastectomy Procedure

Pre-Operative Preparation

Before your mastectomy, you’ll meet with your surgical team for a full medical evaluation and imaging tests, such as a mammogram or MRI, to guide the surgical plan. If you have a family history of breast cancer, genetic counseling may be recommended to assess your risk and inform treatment decisions.

If you are considering breast reconstruction, your breast surgeon will coordinate care with a plastic surgeon to develop a personalized plan. This may include options for immediate reconstruction, allowing both surgeries to take place during the same procedure for a smoother recovery.

During Surgery

Your mastectomy will be performed under general anesthesia, meaning you’ll be asleep and won’t feel any pain during the procedure. The surgery typically lasts between two to four hours, depending on the type of mastectomy and whether reconstruction is included.

In some cases, the surgeon may also remove nearby lymph nodes to determine if the cancer has spread. This helps guide any additional treatment that may be needed after surgery, such as chemotherapy or radiation.

Post-Operative Monitoring

After surgery, you’ll be taken to a recovery room where our team will closely monitor your vital signs and manage your pain to ensure a safe and comfortable start to healing. Nurses will also check your incision sites and provide initial wound care to prevent infection.

Before you leave the hospital, you’ll receive instructions on how to care for your surgical site and manage any drains, if placed. We’ll make sure you understand what to expect in the days ahead and when to return for follow-up care.

Recovery and What to Expect

Healing from a mastectomy is a gradual process, and our team is here to support you through every phase. Here is what to expect:

Hospital Stay

Most patients stay 1 night; some may go home the same day.

First Week

Soreness, fatigue, and limited arm movement
Drain care may be required

Weeks 2–6

Return to light activities
Pain continues to decrease
Begin physical therapy (if recommended)

Long-Term Recovery

Scar healing and emotional adjustment
Final reconstruction (if staged) may occur later
Regular follow-ups for cancer surveillance

We provide detailed post-op instructions and monitor your healing at every follow-up visit.

Follow-Up Care and Additional Treatment

After surgery, we analyze the breast tissue to understand your cancer more deeply.

Follow-up may include:

Pathology review to determine margins and lymph node status
Chemotherapy, radiation, or hormone therapy (if indicated)
Ongoing cancer surveillance and imaging
Support from our multidisciplinary team to help guide the next steps in your treatment plan

Why Choose Premier Surgical Network for Your Mastectomy

Surgeons at Premier Surgical Network blend clinical excellence with compassionate care to ensure you receive the highest level of support before, during, and after surgery.

Our Commitment to You: