How long is a double mastectomy surgery without reconstruction?

Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the hospital. A mastectomy without reconstruction usually takes one to three hours. The surgery is often done as an outpatient procedure, and most people go home on the same day of the operation.

What is the average recovery time for a double 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.

Is double mastectomy major surgery?

A double mastectomy—also known as a bilateral mastectomy—is exactly what it sounds like: a surgery in which both breasts are removed at the same time. It’s major surgery that removes both breasts to remove cancer, or to reduce the risk of breast cancer in a woman who may be at high risk for the disease.

What to expect after having a double mastectomy?

Recovery and what to expect after surgery You can expect temporary soreness in your chest, underarm and shoulder, as well as possible numbness across your chest that may be permanent. The surgical drains that were inserted inside your breast area during surgery typically stay in for about one week to 10 days.

How long do you wear a compression bra after a mastectomy?

Some patients will benefit from wearing a compression bra around the clock for the first four to six weeks, but many will be advised not to, Dr. Liu says. Underwire bras and bras that don’t provide much support generally aren’t recommended in the first six weeks after surgery.

How soon can you drive after a mastectomy?

When you can start driving again typically depends on how you feel during recovery. For some people, this may be about 10 days after surgery. For others, it may be longer. You should be off narcotic pain medication before driving again.

How do you sleep after a double mastectomy?

Sleep Position After Breast Surgery While it is possible to sleep on your side after breast surgery, it comes with some medical concerns that aren’t worth the risk. Instead, most plastic surgeons recommend that patients who have had breast surgery sleep exclusively on their backs until they are fully healed.

What is the healing time for a double 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.

When should you have a double mastectomy?

A bilateral (double) mastectomy is the surgical removal of both breasts to treat or prevent breast cancer. In some cases, it is a necessary procedure—such as when an advanced cancer is found in both breasts simultaneously.

Is double mastectomy necessary, or healthy?

A bilateral (double) mastectomy is the surgical removal of both breasts to treat or prevent breast cancer . In some cases, it is a necessary procedure-such as when an advanced cancer is found in both breasts simultaneously.

How long does recovery from mastectomy take?

For these reasons, patients should not expect recovery from a mastectomy procedure to be a simple process. In fact, mastectomy recovery may take approximately three to six weeks. Some patients experience symptoms such as slight swelling for up to six months after the procedure is performed.