What to Expect After a Mastectomy

More than 100,000 women undergo a mastectomy every year, either to treat breast cancer or to eliminate a significant risk. At Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, in Jackson, Mississippi, our team recognizes that, although breast cancer surgery is life-saving, it can also be scary and overwhelming. 

We want you to have an understanding of the recovery process after mastectomy so you feel more comfortable going into the procedure. Read on to learn what to expect after a mastectomy, including the emotional, physical, and practical aspects of healing. 

Immediately following surgery

After the surgery, you'll wake up in a recovery room where our medical staff monitors your vital signs. Pain and discomfort are normal, and we provide appropriate pain medication to manage it. 

Depending on the type of your mastectomy (partial, simple, or radical), we may have placed drains near the incision sites to prevent fluid buildup. These drains typically stay in place for a week or so, and we teach you how to care for them at home.

Most people stay in the hospital for 1-3 days after a mastectomy. However, the length of your stay depends on the type of mastectomy, your overall health, the pace of your recovery, and whether you had reconstructive surgery at the same time.

At-home recovery

Once discharged, your recovery continues at home. We advise you to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities, and excessive arm movements on the side of the surgery for several weeks. Pursue light activities, like walking, to promote circulation and healing.

Due to nerve disruption, you may also experience numbness, tightness, or pulling sensations around the chest and underarm area. These sensations should improve over time. However, in some cases, they may become a long-term side effect. Our team may recommend physical therapy or exercises to regain mobility and strength in your arms and shoulders.

Management of surgical drains and incisions

If you were sent home with surgical drains, you’ll need to care for them diligently to avoid infection and monitor fluid output. For most women, the process is manageable once they receive instructions from our healthcare team. 

You’ll also need to care for any incisions to ensure proper healing. Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid submerging the incisions in water until they’ve healed fully.

If you have sutures or staples, we typically remove them during a follow-up appointment with your surgeon, which is usually scheduled 1-2 weeks after surgery. 

Be sure to monitor your incisions for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or unusual discharge, and report these symptoms to us immediately.

Recovering emotionally

It’s understandable if you have an emotional reaction to having a mastectomy. You may have feelings of loss, anxiety, or concern about changes in your body image after the procedure. 

These feelings are completely valid, and it’s important to give yourself time to process them. 

We can put you in contact with support groups, counseling, or a mental health professional to help you work through these emotions.

If you’re considering breast reconstruction, we may discuss options either prior to the mastectomy or during the recovery period. Some women choose to undergo reconstruction immediately, while others wait until after healing or opt for external prosthetics.

Long-term recovery

Full recovery from a mastectomy can take several weeks to months, depending on the type of surgery and whether you undergo additional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. 

During this time, it's essential for you to attend all follow-up appointments at our office and with any other providers. These visits allow our team to monitor your healing, adjust medications, and discuss any additional treatments you may need.

If your surgeon removed any lymph nodes during your mastectomy, you may be at risk for lymphedema, a condition where fluid collects in the arm and causes swelling. We’ll work with you to reduce this risk and may recommend wearing a compression sleeve or performing exercises to improve circulation.

Reconstructive surgery and your body image

Many women find that reconstruction helps restore their body image, while others may prefer to use prosthetics or embrace their body as it is after a mastectomy. There is no right or wrong choice. We want you to feel comfortable and confident in your decision.

If you opt for breast reconstruction, recovery timelines depend on the type of reconstruction performed. Reconstructive surgery may require additional healing time and follow-up procedures. 

Reach out to Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, by phone today, or use the online tool to talk to our expert team. We can help guide you through the mastectomy process, including recovery.