Duration of a mastectomy
How long a mastectomy takes depends on the extent of the surgical procedure and, of course, whether one or both mammary glands are removed. In general, mastectomies for benign diseases (benign tumor, cosmetic surgery for oversized breasts) have a shorter duration than so-called oncological operations for breast cancer. This is because in the case of breast cancer, additional structures such as lymph nodes have to be removed and examined for malignancy. Thus, an uncomplicated unilateral mastectomy can be over after one hour, but in more complicated cases of cancer treatment, the mastectomy can take several hours. Often the duration of the operation cannot be estimated exactly before it is started, as the findings and complexity only become fully visible during the operation.
Aftercare
A mastectomy is followed by an inpatient stay in hospital for several days. The first step is to ensure that the surgical wound does not become inflamed or that complications such as bleeding occur. In addition, the patient receives appropriate pain medication.
After a few days, the drainage tube can be removed. After an average of about 4 to 7 days, the patient can be discharged for further outpatient treatment, provided no complications arise. Depending on the type of sutures chosen by the surgeon, the stitches of the surgical scar can usually be removed after about 14 days.
This can also be carried out by the patient’s family doctor or gynecologist. In the case of so-called absorbable sutures, it is not necessary to remove them, as they dissolve by themselves during the course of wound healing. If the operation is performed on the basis of the findings of breast cancer, it is usually followed by radiation, chemotherapy and/or hormone therapy.
A so-called tumor board (a group of experts from various disciplines) usually decides on the exact therapy concept before the operation. Meanwhile, there is a selection of special bras for women after mastectomy. Depending on whether the mammary gland had to be removed on one or both sides, the bras have inner pockets into which prostheses (e.g. gel pads) can be inserted.
The prostheses as well as the bras are available in different sizes and shapes, thus enabling a natural result. In addition, visually appealing and modern models are now also available, which also meet the tastes of different age groups. After the operation, many women initially receive a bra as initial treatment, which supports the remaining tissue without making unpleasant incisions or irritating the operation scar.
For additional bras and breast prostheses (e.g. adhesive gel pad inserts), the costs are often covered by the statutory health insurance companies, as these are so-called aids. Many women use these mastectomy bras for the time between breast removal and breast reconstruction.If the breast is not reconstructed, the special bras can also be a permanent solution. In any case, a well-fitting bra with a matching prosthesis, with a beautiful and natural décolleté, allows many women to be more satisfied with their body and their own femininity.
