Mastectomy: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Mastectomy?
A breast surgeon, a surgeon who treats breast problems, usually performs a mastectomy. You may also meet a medical oncologist, a cancer doctor who gives chemotherapy or hormone therapy. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A mastectomy is surgery to remove the breast tissue. Some of the skin and the nipple may also be removed. It is most often done to treat breast cancer. There are different types of mastectomy. Each removes a different amount of breast tissue and lymph nodes. A total, or simple, mastectomy removes your entire breast, nipple, and areola. The areola is the colored circle around the nipple. A nipple-sparing mastectomy leaves the nipple and areola in place. A modified radical mastectomy also removes some of the lymph nodes under the arm.
Why a doctor might recommend it
The most common reason for a mastectomy is breast cancer. Many women with early-stage cancer can choose between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy. In most cases, a mastectomy does not give you a better chance of long-term survival than breast-conserving surgery. Women at very high risk of breast cancer may choose a preventive mastectomy to reduce the risk.
How to prepare
- You may have blood and imaging tests, such as a CT scan or bone scan. They show if the cancer has spread outside of the breast.
- If you smoke, cut back or quit. Smoking can slow healing and raise the risk for blood clots.
- You may be asked to stop blood thinners for a short time. These are medicines that keep your blood from clotting. Ask your surgeon which medicines you should still take on the day of surgery.
- Follow your instructions about when to stop eating and drinking.
What happens during it
You are given general anesthesia. This means you are asleep and pain-free during surgery. The surgeon makes a cut in your breast. The type of mastectomy depends on the type of breast problem you have. One or two small plastic drains or tubes are very often left in your chest to remove extra fluid. A mastectomy will take about 2 to 3 hours.
Recovery
Most women stay in the hospital for 24 hours. Some go home the day of surgery. Many women go home with drainage tubes still in their chest. The drains are removed later during an office visit. Fluid may collect in the area after the drains are removed. This is called a seroma. A seroma most often goes away on its own. It may need to be drained with a needle.
Risks and side effects
Scabbing, blistering, wound opening, bleeding, a seroma, or skin loss along the edge of the surgical cut may occur. Other risks include shoulder pain and stiffness, damage to nerves that go to the muscles of the arm, back, and chest wall, and loss of feeling in the skin of the chest wall. Lymphedema, which is swelling of the arm on the same side as the removed breast, is not common, but it can be an ongoing problem. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, trouble breathing, or chest pain or discomfort lasting for two minutes or more.
Who performs it
A breast surgeon performs a mastectomy.
Common questions
What is the difference between a mastectomy and a lumpectomy?
A lumpectomy removes only the tumor and some normal tissue around it, but not the breast itself. A mastectomy removes the breast tissue.
Can I have breast reconstruction after a mastectomy?
Yes, you may choose to have breast reconstruction. You may have it at the same time as the mastectomy, or it may be done later.
Will I need more treatment after a mastectomy?
You may, because no matter which breast surgery you choose, you may also need other treatments. These could include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Mastectomy
- MedlinePlus - Mastectomy (health topic)
- American Cancer Society - Mastectomy for Breast Cancer
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
