How long does it take to recover from a prophylactic mastectomy?
The recovery time from a double mastectomy can vary from person to person, but it typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. Some surgeries involve removing the breast tissue but saving the nipple, while others remove the whole breast. More radical mastectomies also remove chest muscle and, rarely, the lymph nodes.
Can you get breast cancer after prophylactic mastectomy?
Approximately 10% of women will develop breast cancer, even though their breast tissue has been removed. But in most studies, patients did not develop breast cancer after prophylactic mastectomy. However, many of these patients would not have been considered high risk for developing cancer.
How much does a prophylactic mastectomy reduce cancer risk?
Bilateral prophylactic mastectomy has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer by at least 95 percent in women who have a deleterious (disease-causing) mutation in the BRCA1 gene or the BRCA2 gene and by up to 90 percent in women who have a strong family history of breast cancer (2-5).
How painful is a prophylactic mastectomy?
93% of patients answered the questionnaire. 69% reported pain and 71% discomfort in the breasts. Lost or much reduced sexual sensations were reported by 85% and enjoyment of sex was negatively impacted for 75% of patients.
When can you raise your arms after mastectomy?
You should not lift your arm above shoulder level until cleared by your plastic surgeon. You may return to low-impact exercises four weeks after surgery.
Can you keep your nipples if you have a mastectomy?
A nipple-sparing mastectomy leaves the nipple, areola and breast skin intact. Its use is increasing, and it has gained acceptance as a safe option in patients with breast cancer.
Is mastectomy a high risk surgery?
Like any type of surgery, a mastectomy can have risks and side effects, some of which could affect your quality of life. Because of this, preventive surgery is not usually a good option for women who are at average risk of breast cancer, or for those who are at only slightly increased risk.
What is the average hospital stay for a double mastectomy?
Hospital stays for mastectomy average 3 days or less. If you have a mastectomy and reconstruction at the same time, you may be in the hospital a little longer.
Why can’t you lift your arms after breast surgery?
However, you should refrain from strenuous activities such as lifting your arms above your head, which can result in irritation and bleeding. At this time, your breast implants will begin to settle in place.