Surgery for breast cancer may include reconstruction with a plastic surgeon, and many reconstruction options are available. Radiation therapy usually is recommended after lumpectomy, and may also be needed after mastectomy.
Which surgery is right for you depends on your specific cancer type, the size of your tumor, the size of your breast, and your personal preferences. The decision is made in conjunction with your breast surgical oncologist, who can discuss the particulars of your diagnosis with you and the pros and cons of each surgery. Below are some common questions about breast cancer surgery; details specific to your situation will be provided by your surgeon.
How long from breast cancer diagnosis to surgery?
In general, the goal is to have you on your first treatment for breast cancer within 30 days of your diagnosis whenever possible. For some women, this means surgery up front before other treatments. For others, you may need chemotherapy prior to surgery, so surgery may occur months after your diagnosis.
How urgent is breast cancer surgery?
Breast cancer surgery usually is performed as quickly as possible where appropriate. For certain types of breast cancers, there may be more of an urgency to having the surgery if the tumor is aggressive and/or rapidly growing. For most patients, having surgery within 30 days of your diagnosis is a typical target, as long as you do not need chemotherapy first.
How long does breast surgery take?
Breast surgery can take anywhere from 1-6 hours or more depending on the specific surgery. Average times include:
- Lumpectomy without lymph node surgery: 1 hour
- Lumpectomy with lymph node surgery: 1-2 hours
- Lumpectomy with or without lymph node surgery with oncoplastic reconstruction by plastic surgeon: 3-4 hours
- Mastectomy with or without lymph node surgery and without reconstruction: 2-3 hours
- Mastectomy with or without lymph node surgery and with reconstruction: 4-6 hours
How long does it take to recover from breast surgery?
Recovery from breast surgery is surgery-specific. On average, the smaller the surgery, the less recovery time is needed. In general, recovery from a lumpectomy is 1-2 weeks, and recovery from a mastectomy is 4-6 weeks. Reconstruction by the plastic surgery team may add to the recovery time.
How soon can you exercise after breast surgery?
The day of your breast surgery, we want you up and walking around! Walking is a terrific form of exercise both before and after your surgery. Depending on your specific surgery, more intense forms of exercise and weight training may be added back in slowly over time. Often, your body will let you know when it is ready for additional activity. If something hurts during recovery, listen to your body and stop! Typically, low and slow is the name of the game and will aid in your overall healing.
Does it hurt to have drains removed after breast surgery?
Most patients experience a slight discomfort with removal that is over quickly, since drain removal takes about 10-15 seconds per drain. Usually, there is relief that comes with the drain being out that overrides the experience of it being removed!
If you are looking for additional information regarding breast surgery, your breast surgeon is your best resource to answer all of your specific questions! In addition, the American Society of Breast Surgeons hosts a website full of helpful breast-related topics at www.breast360.org.
