Mastectomy: — Types, Procedure, Recovery & Reconstruction

A mastectomy is an operation that removes all of the breast tissue from a breast to treat breast cancer, or sometimes to lower future risk in high-risk women. There are several types. A simple (total) mastectomy removes all the breast tissue including the nipple, leaving the chest muscles intact. A modified radical mastectomy (MRM) removes the breast tissue together with most of the armpit lymph nodes, while preserving the chest muscles. Skin-sparing and nipple-sparing mastectomies keep most of the skin envelope — and, in nipple-sparing, the nipple — for the most natural appearance, and are usually done with immediate reconstruction. The historical radical mastectomy, which also removed the chest muscles, is now rarely needed. The right type depends on your cancer, your breast, whether you are having reconstruction, and your wishes.

A mastectomy is not automatically "safer" than keeping the breast — for many early cancers, mastectomy and breast conservation with radiation give the same long-term survival. It is recommended in specific situations: when a tumour is large relative to the breast, when there is more than one tumour in different areas, in certain genetic situations such as a known BRCA mutation, or when radiation is not advisable (for example, after previous radiation to the same area). Some women also choose mastectomy by personal preference, for peace of mind or to avoid radiation. When both operations are medically sound, it can be a shared decision. At CION, the recommendation is made with the tumour board and with you, and a mastectomy is never the default choice.

A mastectomy is done under general anaesthetic and usually takes a couple of hours, longer if reconstruction is done at the same time. Before the operation, you meet the surgical team, the type of mastectomy and any reconstruction are confirmed, and you are given clear fasting instructions. During the operation, the surgeon removes all the breast tissue through a planned incision, preserving skin — and the nipple, where appropriate — for the best appearance and any reconstruction. The lymph nodes are usually checked at the same time with a sentinel node biopsy, or a fuller clearance if nodes are known to be involved. One or two soft drains are often placed to remove fluid as you heal, and the wound is closed. If immediate reconstruction is planned, that step follows during the same operation.

Most women recover better than they expect. A simple mastectomy usually means a short hospital stay of a day or two, with discomfort well controlled by medication; a modified radical mastectomy or reconstruction may mean a little longer. One or two soft tubes (drains) are often left in to remove fluid that collects after surgery, usually for a week or two — they are simple to care for at home, and the team teaches you how before you leave. Gentle, guided shoulder exercises start early to restore movement and reduce stiffness, with physiotherapy support. If lymph nodes were removed, simple precautions and exercises lower the risk of arm swelling (lymphedema). Most women return to normal activities within a few weeks, longer if reconstruction was done at the same time.

Not for most cancers. For many women with early-stage breast cancer, a mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) plus radiation give the same long-term survival — so removing more tissue is not automatically safer. The choice rests on the cancer's features and your preferences. Breast conservation almost always needs a course of radiation afterwards, while a simple mastectomy often avoids radiation (though it is still needed in some node-positive cases). A mastectomy may suit larger or multiple tumours, certain genetics, or situations where radiation is not advisable. When both are medically sound, your values count — and a good team gives you the facts on appearance, radiation and recovery so you can make an informed, unhurried choice.

Yes — reconstruction is available to most women after a mastectomy, and modern skin-sparing and nipple-sparing techniques can give very natural results. Reconstruction can use an implant or your own tissue (a flap, usually from the tummy or back), and it can be done immediately, at the same operation as the mastectomy, or in a delayed way months to years later. The timing is planned around your wider treatment, including whether you will need radiation, which can influence the type and timing chosen. Reconstruction is a personal choice, not an obligation — many women choose immediate reconstruction, some prefer to wait, and others choose to go flat, with or without a prosthesis, and live full, confident lives. At CION, these options are discussed from the start so they are part of the plan.

A preventive, or risk-reducing, mastectomy is surgery to remove healthy breast tissue in a woman who does not have breast cancer but is at high risk — for example, with a strong family history or a known inherited mutation such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. It can substantially lower the future risk of developing breast cancer. It is always a careful, deeply personal decision made after genetic counselling and testing, so the choice is based on your actual risk and weighed against the alternatives, such as close screening with regular mammograms and MRI. A preventive mastectomy is never urgent and never pressured; the right path is the one you decide on with your team, with full information. You can read more on our preventive mastectomy page.

Yes. CION offers a free first consultation for all cancer patients, including women facing a mastectomy or seeking a second opinion before deciding. It is a full 45-minute consultation — a specialist reviews your reports and imaging, explains whether breast conservation is possible, which type of mastectomy would suit you, and your reconstruction options, so you can choose with confidence. Because every surgical plan is reviewed by a tumour board of 3+ specialists, you can be sure a mastectomy is recommended only when it genuinely fits your cancer — never as a default. There are no rushed decisions and no unnecessary tests, and CION offers up to 50% discounts on diagnostics, with physiotherapy and psycho-oncology support through recovery. You can book on 1800-202-8726 or request a callback through the form on this page.