Mastectomy

Facing a mastectomy can bring up a lot of questions about the procedure, your options, and what recovery will look like. At Green Mountain Breast Care Center in Stowe, Vermont, breast surgeon Sarah Waterman, MD, provides personalized surgical care and helps patients understand each step of their treatment. From diagnostic testing, including image-guided biopsy, to surgical planning and follow-up care, Dr. Waterman is there to help you make informed decisions. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What is a mastectomy?

A mastectomy is surgery to remove breast tissue, most commonly as part of breast cancer treatment. In some circumstances, it may also be recommended to significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

The type of mastectomy that’s appropriate for you depends on your diagnosis, the location and extent of the affected tissue, and other individual factors. Dr. Waterman offers several approaches, including:

• Total mastectomy
• Skin-sparing mastectomy
• Nipple-sparing mastectomy

Dr. Waterman takes the time to explain your surgical options, answer questions, and help you understand why a particular approach may be recommended.

How is breast cancer diagnosed before a mastectomy?

Before recommending surgery, Dr. Waterman carefully reviews your breast imaging and other diagnostic test results. If imaging identifies a suspicious area, an image-guided biopsy may be performed to obtain a small tissue sample for laboratory testing.

During an image-guided biopsy, imaging technology helps accurately locate the area that needs to be sampled. The biopsy results can determine whether abnormal cells are cancerous and provide important information that helps Dr. Waterman plan your treatment.

Additional imaging or lymph node evaluation may also be recommended depending on your diagnosis.

What happens during a mastectomy?

During a mastectomy, Dr. Waterman removes the necessary breast tissue while carefully following the surgical plan developed for your diagnosis. In some cases, lymph node surgery, such as a sentinel lymph node biopsy, may be performed at the same time to evaluate whether cancer has spread.

If you’re considering breast reconstruction, Dr. Waterman can discuss how reconstruction may fit into your overall treatment plan and coordinate your care as appropriate.

What can I expect during mastectomy recovery?

Your recovery depends on the type and extent of surgery. You can expect some soreness, swelling, bruising, tightness, and fatigue during the early stages of healing. You may also have surgical drains temporarily to help prevent fluid buildup.

Before you leave, you’ll receive instructions for caring for your incision and drains, managing discomfort, and gradually returning to normal activities. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are typically restricted while you heal. 

Dr. Waterman will see you for follow-up visits to monitor your recovery and review your pathology results. These findings help determine whether additional treatments may be recommended. 

To learn more about mastectomy and your surgical options, call Green Mountain Breast Care Center or schedule an appointment online today.