Skip to main content

Mastectomy

A mastectomy is surgery to remove 1 of your breasts. A double mastectomy is where both breasts are removed.

Why a mastectomy is done

A mastectomy is usually done to treat breast cancer in women or breast cancer in men.

Sometimes you may choose to have a mastectomy to prevent breast cancer if you're at high risk of getting it.

Preparing for a mastectomy

You'll usually have an appointment a few days or weeks before having a mastectomy to check your general health. You may have tests such as blood tests, X-rays or an electrocardiogram (ECG).

You'll have a chance to talk with your surgeon or specialist nurse about your surgery, and ask questions.

You’ll usually be asked to not eat or drink for up to 6 hours before surgery. You'll usually also be asked to not smoke for a few weeks before your surgery.

You may also be offered compression socks to wear before surgery which can lower your risk of getting a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis or DVT).

What happens during a mastectomy

A mastectomy is done using general anaesthetic so you'll be asleep during the surgery and will not feel any pain.

A mastectomy usually takes about an hour and a half. A double mastectomy can take around 3 hours. It can take longer if you're having breast reconstruction surgery at the same time.

During a mastectomy:

  1. The surgeon will usually make a cut (incision) from your armpit to the middle of your chest.
  2. The amount of breast you have removed will depend on the type of mastectomy you’re having. Usually your breast, and sometimes the lymph glands in your armpit, will be removed. Often, the skin around your breast and your nipple are also removed.

Breast reconstruction

You may have a breast reconstruction at the same time as a mastectomy. This is where a new breast is made using a breast implant, or sometimes skin, fat or muscle from another part of your body.

If you're having breast reconstruction at the same time as your mastectomy, the surgeon may be able to keep your nipple and the skin around your breast. The reconstruction will be done before the wound is closed.

If you’re not having breast reconstruction at the same time, the surgeon will close the wound with stitches. If your breast, nipple and skin have been removed, the stitches usually run from your armpit to the centre of your chest.

After the operation

You'll spend some time in the recovery room after surgery, where you'll be given medicines to help with pain and swelling. You'll usually be given fluids through a vein in your arm.

You may also have thin plastic tubes, called drains, coming out of your wounds. These drain away fluids and bleeding caused by the surgery. They're temporary, and will usually be removed within a few days or weeks.

Depending on the kind of surgery you're having, you may be able to go home the same day as the operation, or after 1 or 2 days.

If you had a breast reconstruction at the same time as your mastectomy, you'll usually need to stay in hospital for a few days to recover.

Find out more about breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy on the Cancer Research UK website.

Recovering from a mastectomy

It can take several weeks for you to recover from a mastectomy.

You may be able to get back to doing most of your usual activities in around 3 weeks, but it can take longer. It can take around 6 weeks for your wounds to fully heal.

It's normal to feel tired and sore while you recover, and you may find it difficult to do small tasks at first.

Your surgeon or specialist nurse will give you advice on how to take care of yourself and your wound while you recover.

There are some things you can do to help your recovery.

Do

  • rest and take the time you need to adjust to the changes in your body

  • gradually start some of your usual daily activities when you feel ready

  • do the exercises you've been given by the hospital

  • eat a balanced diet

  • talk to family, friends or support groups about how you're feeling

  • ask your specialist nurse or care team for help if you're worried about anything or have questions

Don’t

  • do not do any heavy lifting or strenuous activities for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery

  • do not drive until your wounds have healed and you feel comfortable using a seatbelt

  • do not smoke - smoking can cause problems with your wound healing

Complications of a mastectomy

Not everyone has complications after a mastectomy, but like any surgery, they can happen. Your surgeon or specialist nurse will explain the risks to you before surgery.

Complications can include:

  • bleeding from your wounds
  • a build-up of fluid around your wounds (seroma)
  • infection
  • painful scarring
  • deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • numbness or loss of feeling in your arm
  • frozen shoulder or loss of mobility in your shoulder
  • swelling (lymphoedema)

You can talk to your surgeon or specialist nurse if you're worried about anything after surgery.

Urgent advice: Call NHS 111 now if:

You've recently had a mastectomy and you have:

  • sudden pain or swelling
  • bleeding from your wounds
  • sudden loss of feeling in your arm

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:

  • you have severe difficulty breathing
  • you feel pain in your chest or upper back
  • your heart is beating very fast
  • someone has passed out

These could be signs of a pulmonary embolism, or another serious condition.

Find your nearest A&E
Information:

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines you take with you.

Help and support

Your specialist nurse and team will support you before and after a mastectomy. They can give you information about local services and support groups.

There are also charities and organisations that can provide information and support on mastectomy.

Page last reviewed: 08 May 2025
Next review due: 08 May 2028