EASTERN SUBURBS BREAST CENTRE
Mastectomy
What is a Mastectomy?
A mastectomy is an operation to remove the breast. It is recommended when breast conserving surgery is not appropriate — due to the size, position, or extent of the cancer, the presence of multiple areas of disease, or in some cases a patient’s personal preference or genetic risk profile.
There are several different types of mastectomy procedures, and the operation can be performed with or without immediate breast reconstruction. At Eastern Suburbs Breast Centre, your breast surgeon and plastic surgeons work together from the outset to ensure that the most appropriate surgical approach — and the best possible reconstructive plan — is considered as part of your overall treatment from the very beginning.
Your surgeon will take the time to explain which technique is most appropriate for your situation, and to discuss all available reconstructive options with you before any decisions are made.
Types of Mastectomy
Simple Mastectomy
A simple mastectomy involves removal of the entire breast, including the overlying skin and nipple. You will be left with a flat chest wall and a horizontal scar that extends from the sternum across to under the arm. This approach is commonly chosen when immediate reconstruction is not planned or not suitable. Many women who have a simple mastectomy choose to wear a breast prosthesis in a specially fitted bra afterwards — your breast care nurse can guide you through this.
Skin-Sparing Mastectomy
A skin-sparing mastectomy involves removal of the breast tissue and nipple, while preserving the natural skin envelope of the breast. By keeping the overlying skin intact, this technique creates an ideal foundation for breast reconstruction, allowing for a more natural shape and contour. A skin-sparing mastectomy is always performed in conjunction with immediate reconstruction.
Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
A nipple-sparing mastectomy removes the breast tissue while preserving both the skin and the nipple-areolar complex. Where oncologically appropriate, this technique offers the most natural reconstructive result. As with a skin-sparing mastectomy, this procedure is performed together with immediate reconstruction. Your surgeon will assess whether a nipple-sparing approach is suitable based on the size and location of your tumour, the anatomy of your breast, and other clinical factors.
The Operation
A mastectomy is performed under general anaesthetic. The duration of the operation and the length of your hospital stay will depend on the type of mastectomy and whether reconstruction is performed at the same time. Your surgical team will give you a clear guide to what to expect before your admission.
At the time of surgery, one or more drains will be placed to prevent fluid collecting at the operation site. These drains will remain in place when you go home and will typically be removed at a wound review appointment one to two weeks after surgery. Your breast care nurse will show you how to manage your drain at home before you are discharged.
You will have a waterproof dressing over your wound and will be able to shower normally after surgery. Your surgeon will advise you on the appropriate post-operative bra to purchase and wear during your recovery.
In most cases, a sentinel lymph node biopsy will also be performed at the time of mastectomy to assess the lymph nodes under the arm. Your surgeon will discuss this with you.
Your Recovery
Recovery following a mastectomy varies depending on the type of surgery performed. As a general guide:
Time off work: A minimum of one week for a simple mastectomy; longer — often several weeks — if reconstruction is performed, depending on the type and complexity
Bathing and swimming: Avoid soaking in a bath or swimming until cleared by your surgeon
Exercise and lifting: Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise until your post-operative appointment
Driving: Usually once you are comfortable, off strong pain medication, and have your surgeon’s approval — typically one to two weeks for a simple mastectomy, longer following reconstruction
Your first post-operative appointment with your surgeon is an important one. At this visit your pathology results will be discussed, and your return to work and activity plan, ongoing treatment recommendations, and scar management will all be addressed.
Risks & Complications
Your surgeon will discuss the risks of mastectomy with you in detail at your consultation. General considerations include:
General surgical risks
Bleeding or haematoma
Infection
Wound healing difficulties
Anaesthetic risks
Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
Risks specific to mastectomy
Seroma (fluid collection), particularly under the arm
Altered or lost sensation across the chest wall
Scarring
Lymphoedema (swelling of the arm) if axillary lymph nodes are removed
Where reconstruction is performed, additional risks specific to the reconstructive technique will also be discussed
This page is intended as general patient information only and does not replace individualised medical advice. Please discuss your specific situation with your treating surgeon.
We Are Here to Help
Facing a mastectomy is a significant and often overwhelming experience. At Eastern Suburbs Breast Centre, we are committed to ensuring you feel informed, supported, and genuinely heard at every step. Our team — breast surgeons, plastic surgeons, and breast care nurses — work together to guide you through your options and your recovery with honesty, care, and continuity.
If you have any questions after reading this page, or would like to arrange a consultation, please do not hesitate to contact our rooms.