How long is the healing period?
The healing time after mastectomy is very individual and depends on many factors. In young, fit and otherwise healthy patients, the healing process is usually much faster than in older patients with underlying diseases such as diabetes. The radical nature of the operation (subcutaneous mastectomy vs. radical mastectomy) and the removal of other structures such as lymph nodes also have a decisive influence on the course of the operation.
In addition, complications such as wound infections can occur, which can further delay healing. In most cases, the patient can be discharged home a few days after the operation. However, adequate pain therapy and consistent further observation of the wound are important.
However, it will take months until the scar heals completely. After about 2 weeks, the patient is usually able to work again and has almost sufficient functionality in everyday life. Sport can be practiced again after about 2 months.
If a mastectomy is performed for breast cancer, the treatment is usually not completed with the operation. Rather, radiation therapy and chemo- and hormone therapy extending over several months are often necessary to achieve a cure. The course of the scars after a mastectomy depends on the surgical technique and the respective incision. In many women, the scar after mastectomy runs horizontally over the entire area of the removed breast. Of course, these scars cannot be avoided completely, but they can be minimized by a clean suturing technique and adequate wound care after the operation.
How long are you in hospital?
It is not possible to make a general statement on the duration of the inpatient stay after mastectomy. The duration of the stay depends on the physical fitness of the patient before the surgery (age, underlying diseases, etc. ), possible complications of the surgery and the pain after the surgery. On average, the hospital stay after mastectomy is several days (about 4-10 days). Requirements for discharge are
- An unattractive, well healing surgical scar,
- A good attitude with pain medication,
- An adequate general condition
- And ensuring care and support in the home environment.
