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.

How painful is mastectomy recovery?

Right after the surgery, you will probably feel weak, and you may feel sore for 2 to 3 days. You may feel pulling or stretching near or under your arm. You may also have itching, tingling, and throbbing in the area. This will get better in a few days.

How long do you have to take off work for a mastectomy?

Recovering from a mastectomy: What to expect

Most women should be fairly functional after going home and can often return to their regular activities within about 4 weeks. Recovery time is longer if breast reconstruction was done as well, and it can take months to return to full activity after some procedures.

Do you stay in the hospital after a double mastectomy?

If you are in pain or feel nauseous from the anesthesia, let someone know so that you can be given medication. You'll then be admitted to a hospital room. Hospital stays for mastectomy average 3 days or less. If you have a mastectomy and reconstruction at the same time, you may be in the hospital a little longer.

Is a mastectomy major surgery?

Mastectomy is a common but major surgery with serious risks and potential complications. You may have less invasive treatment options. Consider getting a second opinion about all of your treatment choices before having a mastectomy. The type of mastectomy you receive depends on the stage and type of your breast cancer.

What to Expect Following Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy Surgery — Mayo Clinic

25 related questions found

What is the fastest way to recover from a mastectomy?

7 Tips for Recovering from a Mastectomy

1. Focus on Getting Better. Having a mastectomy to treat breast cancer is a big step. ...
2. Learn to Let It Go. You might find it hard to let other people do for you. ...
3. Take Your Meds. ...
4. Exercise Your Shoulder and Arms. ...
5. Learn to Say No. ...
6. Be on the Move. ...
7. Eat Right. ...
8. Sleep Tight.

Is there life after a mastectomy?

A 2016 study found that rates of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy more than tripled from 2002 to 2012. A study suggests that women who have contralateral prophylactic mastectomy have poorer quality of life up to 18 months after the surgery compared to women who have single mastectomy.

Is a double mastectomy painful?

Side effects of a double mastectomy

You may have: Pain in and near the surgical area, such as soreness in your arm, shoulder or chest.

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.

Does it hurt to have drains removed after mastectomy?

Your drain will come out when the drainage is less than 30 millilitres (just over 2 tablespoons) in 24 hours for 2 days in a row. A nurse can remove your drain. You may take pain medication 30 to 60 minutes before the drain is removed. This does not usually cause pain.

Is double mastectomy an outpatient surgery?

The surgery is often done as an outpatient procedure, and most people go home on the same day of the operation. If you're having both breasts removed (a double mastectomy), expect to spend more time in surgery and possibly an additional day in the hospital.

Is a mastectomy painful?

You will have some pain after breast surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy or breast reconstruction). For most people, this pain is temporary and goes away after you heal from the surgery. About 20 percent of people have pain that lasts longer [240]. Pain right after surgery is usually due to injury to the skin or muscles.

How much does a double mastectomy cost?

How Much Does a Double Mastectomy Cost? On MDsave, the cost of a Double Mastectomy ranges from $8,774 to $16,126. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can save when they buy their procedure upfront through MDsave.

What do I need at home after a mastectomy?

If opting for a mastectomy and reconstruction at the same time, patients can expect to stay longer.
...
What to bring to the hospital:

1. Front button and loose-fitting shirts.
2. Yoga pants.
3. Pillow for support under the arm or seatbelt.
4. Slip-on shoes.
5. Snacks.
6. Phone charger.

What kind of bra do you wear after a mastectomy?

In the first year after breast surgery (such as a mastectomy or lumpectomy), it's best to wear a bra that has: soft seams. a wide underband (the band that goes under the cups and round your back) deep front and side panels.

What should I wear after a double mastectomy?

Immediately after your surgery, you will be most comfortable wearing a soft cotton camisole. There are special camisoles that include a removable pocket for any surgical drains. They also have built in bras (like those in some bathing suits) that can hold a cotton puff.

Can you walk after mastectomy?

Activity. Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting and vigorous exercise until the stitches are removed. Tell your caregiver what you do and he or she will help you make a personal plan for "what you can do when" after surgery. Walking is a normal activity that can be restarted right away.

Do you have to take tamoxifen after double mastectomy?

Do I need to take hormone therapy—tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor—if I have had a double mastectomy to treat invasive breast cancer? Hormone therapy is still recommended for women with early-stage breast cancer who have had mastectomies because it can help prevent a distant recurrence (metastatic disease).

How long do drain tubes stay in after mastectomy?

The surgeon closes the skin with stitches and puts in 1-2 tubes (surgical drains) so fluid from the wound can drain out (see image below). The drain(s) stays in for about a week to 10 days after surgery.

How long after a mastectomy do you start chemo?

Doctors recommend starting treatment as soon as possible after breast cancer is diagnosed. Timely treatment reduces the risk that the cancer will spread and increases the chances for survival.

How do you feel after a double mastectomy?

Fatigue: Many people feel tired for days or weeks after the surgery. Pain and stiffness in the arms: The shoulders and arms may be stiff, sore, or otherwise uncomfortable. Medications and exercises can reduce these symptoms. Phantom feelings: Phantom breast pain or numbness can occur after a mastectomy.

When is a double mastectomy recommended?

When is bilateral mastectomy recommended? Having both breasts removed is recommended for women at very high risk of breast cancer. For example, those who have tested positive for a breast cancer (BRCA) gene change are at very high risk.

When can you raise your arms after mastectomy?

You should not lift your arm above shoulder level until cleared by your plastic surgeon. You may return to low-impact exercises four weeks after surgery.

Does insurance pay for double mastectomy?

In most cases, yes, as long as the insurance plan also covers medical and surgical benefits for mastectomies.

Does insurance cover mastectomy for BRCA?

No federal laws require insurance companies to cover prophylactic mastectomy.