Mastectomy: Types, Surgery, Recovery and Reconstruction
Updated: 3 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: November 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer: What is a mastectomy?
A mastectomy is surgery to remove breast tissue, most often to treat breast cancer or to lower the risk of it in people at very high risk. Main types include total, skin-sparing, nipple-sparing and modified radical mastectomy. Most people stay one night, drains stay in for one to two weeks, and the wound heals in three weeks. [1]
What the research says
Survival is similar after mastectomy or lumpectomy with radiation. In a 20-year randomized trial of 1,851 women with invasive breast cancer, overall survival was no different after total mastectomy than after lumpectomy plus radiation (hazard ratio for death 0.97). Radiation cut cancer returning in the same breast from 39.2% to 14.3% after lumpectomy. (Fisher et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2002) [2]
Arm swelling depends on how many lymph nodes are removed. A review of 72 studies found that about 1 in 6 women (16.6%) developed arm lymphedema after breast cancer treatment. It affected about 19.9% of women after full underarm node removal but only about 5.6% after sentinel node biopsy, and mastectomy itself was a risk factor. (DiSipio et al., The Lancet Oncology, 2013) [3]
Key takeaways
Mastectomy treats most types of breast cancer and can prevent it in people with high genetic risk, such as BRCA gene changes. [1]
The type of mastectomy depends on the cancer, your risk and whether you plan reconstruction. [1]
Underarm lymph nodes may be removed and tested to see whether cancer has spread. [1]
Recovery usually means one night in the hospital, drains for one to two weeks and about six weeks before full arm use. [1]
Reconstruction can be done during the same operation or later. [1]
Who needs a mastectomy?
A mastectomy is recommended for people with breast cancer and for some people at very high risk of developing it. Removing the cancer is the main way to stop it from spreading, although other treatments may still be needed. [1]
It can treat most types of breast cancer, including: [1]
Invasive lobular carcinoma
Paget's disease of the breast
People with cancer in both breasts, or a high risk in both, may have a double mastectomy. A prophylactic (preventive) mastectomy may be offered to people with genetic changes such as BRCA mutations. [1]
What are the types of mastectomy?
The main types of mastectomy differ in how much skin, nipple and lymph node tissue is removed. Your surgeon recommends one based on the size and position of the cancer, your risk and your reconstruction plans. [1]
Skin-sparing and nipple-sparing types keep more of the breast's outer shape for reconstruction.
Type | What is removed | Learn more |
Total (simple) | All breast tissue, skin, nipple and areola; sometimes some underarm lymph nodes | |
Skin-sparing | Breast tissue, nipple and areola; most skin is kept for reconstruction | |
Nipple-sparing | Breast tissue only; skin, nipple and areola are kept | |
Modified radical | Total mastectomy plus most or all underarm lymph nodes | |
Double (bilateral) | Total mastectomy of both breasts | — |
Sources: [1]
How is a mastectomy different from a lumpectomy?
A lumpectomy, or partial mastectomy, removes only the tumor and a small border of healthy tissue, keeping the breast. It is usually followed by radiation. In a long-term trial, survival after lumpectomy plus radiation matched survival after total mastectomy. [1] [2]
See how the options compare in our guide to breast cancer surgery, and learn about radiation therapy for breast cancer.
How do you prepare for a mastectomy?
Preparing for a mastectomy starts with a treatment plan that sets the type of surgery and whether you will have reconstruction. Before surgery: [1]
Stop smoking, because it slows healing and can limit reconstruction options.
Follow your team's fasting instructions.
Arrange help at home and at work for the first days after you leave the hospital.
Ask about emotional support or counseling, which can help before and after surgery.
Sources: [1]
What happens during a mastectomy?
A mastectomy is done under general anesthesia. A total or double mastectomy can take several hours, and reconstruction adds time. [1]
Drains placed at the end of surgery help prevent fluid build-up.
You receive general anesthesia, IV fluids, a breathing tube and possibly a urinary catheter.
The skin is cleaned and IV antibiotics are given.
The surgeon makes the incision and removes the breast tissue.
Underarm lymph nodes are removed and tested if needed.
A plastic surgeon may begin reconstruction in the same operation.
Drains are placed and the wound is closed.
Sources: [1]
What is recovery like after a mastectomy?
Recovery after a mastectomy usually starts with one night in the hospital. You are encouraged to walk the same day to lower the risk of blood clots and pneumonia. [1]
Numbness across the chest is common and may improve slowly.
Milestone | Typical timing |
Hospital stay | Usually 1 night |
Drains | Usually removed after 1–2 weeks |
Wound healing | About 3 weeks |
Fatigue, soreness and stiffness | Up to about 6 weeks |
Limited arm use (no overhead reaching or heavy lifting) | Up to about 6 weeks |
Lab results on removed tissue | Usually a couple of weeks |
Some return of chest sensation | After about 2 years, if at all |
Sources: [1]
Early on, avoid lifting anything heavier than about a gallon (4 liters) of milk. Gentle arm exercises, and sometimes physical therapy, help restore movement. [1]
What are the risks of a mastectomy?
Most people recover from a mastectomy without serious problems, but there are some early and delayed risks: [1]
Risk | What it means |
Wound infection | Less than 1% risk |
Hematoma | Blood collecting under the skin; rare |
Seroma | Fluid collecting under the skin |
Flap necrosis | Skin tissue dying from poor blood supply |
Post-mastectomy pain syndrome | Burning or shooting nerve pain that lasts |
Lymphedema | Arm swelling from blocked lymph drainage; more likely when more lymph nodes are removed [3] |
Sources: [1]
What are the options for breast reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction can be done during the mastectomy or later, usually by a plastic surgeon. Options include implants, temporary tissue expanders or tissue moved from another part of your body. Some people wait until radiation or chemotherapy is finished, and more than one operation may be needed for the final result. [1]
Scars and chest appearance vary with incision placement, healing and reconstruction, and scars often fade over time. [1]
When should you call a doctor after a mastectomy?
Contact your care team if you have: [1]
Pain that does not improve with pain medicine
Swelling, redness or tenderness at the surgery site, which may signal infection
Keep every follow-up visit, which checks for complications and for any return of cancer. [1]
Conclusion
A mastectomy is a central treatment for breast cancer and a preventive option for people at very high risk. The type you have shapes your recovery and reconstruction choices. Most people go home after one night, have drains for one to two weeks and regain full arm use in about six weeks. Ask your team early about reconstruction, lymph node surgery and emotional support so your plan fits your goals.
Keep learning: Read our main breast cancer guide or compare options in our breast cancer surgery guide. For more background, see this breast cancer treatment summary from the National Cancer Institute.
FAQ
What is a mastectomy?
A mastectomy is surgery that removes breast tissue. It is a main treatment for breast cancer and can also be done to prevent it in people at high risk.
What are the types of mastectomy?
Main types are total (simple), skin-sparing, nipple-sparing and modified radical mastectomy. A double mastectomy removes both breasts.
Who might choose a preventive mastectomy?
People at very high risk of breast cancer, such as those with BRCA gene changes, may choose a prophylactic mastectomy to lower their risk.
How long does a mastectomy take?
A total or double mastectomy can take several hours, and adding reconstruction makes the operation longer.
How long will I stay in the hospital after a mastectomy?
Most people stay one night, or longer after more extensive surgery. You are encouraged to walk the same day.
How long do drains stay in after a mastectomy?
Drains usually stay in for one to two weeks to stop fluid from building up under the skin.
How long is recovery after a mastectomy?
The wound usually heals in about three weeks. Tiredness, soreness and limited arm movement can last about six weeks.
What are the risks of a mastectomy?
Risks include infection (under 1%), blood or fluid build-up, tissue death of the skin flaps, nerve pain and lymphedema, an arm swelling.
Can I have breast reconstruction after a mastectomy?
Yes. Reconstruction with implants or your own tissue can be done during the mastectomy or later, often after radiation or chemotherapy.
How do I prepare for a mastectomy?
You and your provider first make a cancer treatment plan that sets the type of mastectomy. [1] Quit smoking, because it affects blood flow and can slow healing and limit reconstruction options; follow instructions not to eat or drink for a set number of hours; and arrange for someone to stay with you for the first few days at home. [1]
Does a mastectomy hurt, and what anesthesia is used?
A mastectomy is done under general anesthesia, so you are asleep throughout. [1] Pain, swelling and bruising are common in the first weeks; you get pain relief as needed, and soreness and stiffness can last about six weeks. [1]
When should I call my doctor after a mastectomy?
Call for pain that medicine does not control or signs of infection, such as swelling, redness or tenderness at the surgery site.
Related Reading
Prophylactic Mastectomy: Who It's For, Types and Recovery explains prophylactic mastectomy.
DIEP Flap Surgery: Breast Reconstruction, Recovery and Results explains DIEP flap breast reconstruction.
Breast Reconstruction: Implant and Flap Options, Surgery and Recovery explains implant and flap breast reconstruction.
Breast Surgery Options: Cancer, Cosmetic and Reconstructive compares the types of breast surgery.
Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment explains how breast cancer is found, staged and treated, including when a mastectomy is advised.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment covers the most common type of breast cancer and its surgical options.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment describes this fast-growing cancer, which is usually treated with a modified radical mastectomy after chemotherapy.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment — What You Need to Know explains how surgery fits with chemotherapy for this subtype.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Mastectomy: What It Is, Surgery & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated December 7, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/21221-mastectomy
Fisher B, Anderson S, Bryant J, et al. Twenty-year follow-up of a randomized trial comparing total mastectomy, lumpectomy, and lumpectomy plus irradiation for the treatment of invasive breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2002;347(16):1233-1241. PMID 12393820. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa022152
DiSipio T, Rye S, Newman B, et al. Incidence of unilateral arm lymphoedema after breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Oncol. 2013;14(6):500-515. PMID 23540561. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(13)70076-7
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general education only and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor about your own diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care right away for severe or sudden symptoms.
Comments