Am I a candidate for a mastectomy?
Candidates for this procedure are women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Some women who find themselves at a high risk of developing cancer choose to have a mastectomy to reduce the chances of developing it in the future.
How do I prepare for a mastectomy?
Before surgery, your doctor will perform a mammogram in addition to a biopsy to locate the tumor; in some cases, an MRI might also be necessary. Surgeons recommend you to stop eating at least 12 hours before surgery and will discuss with you if you need to stop taking certain medications.
What can I expect after surgery?
You will have to take some precautions to improve your recovery period, like replacing the bandages over your incision and having to exercise your arm to improve your strength.
Can I have a breast reconstruction after a mastectomy?
Breast reconstruction can be done during the same surgery or later. Some patients need to wait after chemotherapy or radiation. Visit our
breast surgery section to get more information about the procedure and top specialists.