Hearing the word "mastectomy" can feel overwhelming. This guide explains what the operation involves, the different types, and what recovery usually looks like — so you can come to your consultation with clearer questions.

What is a mastectomy?

A mastectomy is the surgical removal of breast tissue. It is most often done to treat breast cancer, and sometimes to lower risk in women with a strong family history or a BRCA gene change. For many women, breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) is an equally safe option — the right choice depends on the size and position of the tumour, breast size, genetics and your own preferences.

Types of mastectomy

Simple (total) mastectomy — removal of the breast tissue, nipple and skin over the area.
Skin-sparing mastectomy — most of the breast skin is kept, which helps when reconstruction is planned at the same time.
Nipple-sparing mastectomy — the skin and nipple are preserved where it is oncologically safe.
Risk-reducing mastectomy — for selected high-risk women, after genetic counselling.

The lymph nodes in the armpit are usually assessed at the same time, most often with a sentinel lymph node biopsy rather than removing all the nodes.

Planning together

Your treatment is planned with a multidisciplinary team — oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, plastic surgeons and physiotherapists. If reconstruction is an option for you, it can be discussed before surgery and sometimes done in the same operation. Oncoplastic principles guide the placement of incisions so that the result looks and feels as natural as possible.

The day of surgery

The operation is done under general anaesthetic. Most women stay in hospital for a short while, depending on whether reconstruction is done. You may go home with a small drain, which is removed at a follow-up visit.

Recovery at home

Expect tiredness and some discomfort for the first weeks; pain medication and a supportive bra help.
Gentle arm exercises, guided by a physiotherapist, protect shoulder movement.
Avoid heavy lifting and driving until you are comfortable and cleared at follow-up.
Numbness around the scar or upper arm is common and often improves over time.

Feelings of loss or anxiety are normal. Support from family, counsellors and patient groups is part of good recovery, and we are always available to talk.

When to contact the rooms

Call if you notice fever, increasing redness or swelling, a wound that opens or leaks, or pain that is getting worse rather than better.

Medical aid and costs

The practice provides a written quotation with procedure codes. You submit it to your medical aid to obtain pre-authorisation before surgery.

If you have questions about whether a mastectomy is right for you, book a consultation with Dr Broeze.