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Treatment for breast cancer often involves surgery to remove part or all of the breast. When the whole breast is surgically removed (usually including the skin and nipple) it is called a mastectomy. If both breasts are removed it is called a double mastectomy. Sometimes the surgeon may be able to perform a nipple-sparing mastectomy.

If both breasts are removed it is called a double mastectomy. Sometimes the surgeon may be able to perform a nipple-sparing mastectomy.

If both breasts are removed it is called a double mastectomy. Sometimes the surgeon may be able to perform a nipple-sparing mastectomy.

A mastectomy may be recommended if:

• the size of the cancer is large in comparison to your breast
• there is more than one cancer in your breast
• cancer has returned to the same breast
• you have previously had radiotherapy to the same breast

A mastectomy usually takes one-to-two hours, with up to a week or more for recovery depending on individual circumstances.

After a mastectomy, you are likely to stay in hospital between one day and one week, depending on how you are recovering. If you have breast reconstruction at the same time as the mastectomy, surgery will probably take longer.

In addition to your surgeon’s instructions, here are some general guidelines to follow at home:

When you get home from the hospital, you will probably be fatigued from the experience. Allow yourself to get extra rest in the first few weeks after surgery.

You will probably feel a mixture of numbness and pain around the breast incision and the chest wall (and the armpit incision, if you had axillary dissection). If you feel the need, take pain medication according to your doctor’s instructions.

You can take your first shower when your drains and any staples or sutures have been removed. A sponge bath can refresh you until showers or baths are approved by your doctor.

It’s important to continue doing arm exercises on a regular basis to prevent stiffness and to keep your arm flexible.

Recovery from mastectomy can take time. Ask friends and family to help with meals, laundry, shopping, and childcare. As your body heals, don’t feel you should take on more than you can handle.

It is a good idea to discuss potential side effects from a mastectomy with your doctor, as most can be managed or even prevented. Side effects may include:

• fatigue
• numbness and tingling
• stiffness in the shoulder
• a build-up of fluid around the scar (seroma)
• fluid build-up after lymph node removal (lymphoedema).

Breast reconstruction involves surgery in which a breast shape is created using an implant or skin, fat and muscle from another part of your body. Breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as a mastectomy or at a later time.

Not all women have reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy. Some may choose to wear a synthetic breast, called a breast prosthesis. A prosthesis can take a partial-breast or full-breast form. A breast prosthesis can be attached to the skin or inserted into clothing such as a bra or swimwear. It is advisable to see a trained fitter to help you choose the best prosthesis and mastectomy bra.

At Exquisite Bodies we offer a range of high-quality compression garments and scar care to aid in your post surgical recovery.

Contact Exquisite Bodies on 1300 855 617 or visit the range here.

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Ref: https://www.breastcancer.org/, Cancer Council Australia