Mastectomy

An operation to remove the whole breast, used to treat breast cancer or, in some people at high risk, to reduce the chance of breast cancer developing.

✓ Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant · last reviewed September 2026 · next review September 2027 · how we review

In short

It removes all the breast tissue from one or both breasts, to treat cancer or to reduce risk in some high-risk people.
It is usually part of a wider cancer plan and cannot, by itself, promise a cure; a risk-reducing mastectomy lowers but does not remove cancer risk.
Recovery is often a few weeks, longer with reconstruction or lymph node surgery, and the emotional impact can be significant.
Reconstruction, immediate or delayed, is an option for many people, and your care should be planned by a multidisciplinary team.

A plain-English summary. The detail — including risks and recovery — is below.

At a glance

TypeBreast removal operation

AnaestheticGeneral anaesthetic

How long it takesOften around 90 minutes for one side; longer with reconstruction or both sides

Hospital stayOften one night, sometimes day case; longer with reconstruction

Time off workOften around 3–6 weeks, longer with reconstruction or lymph node surgery

When you'll see resultsLaboratory results on the tissue and lymph nodes usually take about a week or two

On the NHS?Standard NHS treatment for breast cancer and for some high-risk people; private care is also available

A general guide. Your surgeon will give you advice for your situation.

Best fit

Removes all the breast tissue, which is the right treatment for some cancers

Pause if

Breast-conserving surgery would treat the cancer just as well and is preferred by you, where conservation is suitable.

Main recovery point

You are in hospital, often for one night, with pain relief and one or more drains. The team helps you start gentle arm exercises and shows you how to...

Good aftercare

A named breast care nurse and clear contact route.

First few days

You are in hospital, often for one night, with pain relief and one or more drains. The team helps you start gentle...

First 1–2 weeks

Drains are removed once draining slows. Bruising and swelling settle. A seroma is common and may need draining...

Around 2 weeks

You usually get the laboratory results, including the lymph node findings, and discuss the next steps such as...

3–6 weeks and beyond

Wounds heal and arm movement improves with exercises. Many people return to most activities, though full recovery...

Medical line illustration of breast lymphatic drainage for Mastectomy. — Illustration only - not a diagnosis, medical advice or a promise of result. Your anatomy and treatment plan may differ. Vuemedics does not publish before-and-after photos.

What is a mastectomy?

A mastectomy is an operation to remove all of the breast tissue from one breast (or both). It is most often done to treat breast cancer, particularly when the cancer is larger, in more than one area, or when removing the whole breast is the better option for that person.

Some people who are at high risk of breast cancer, for example because of a strong family history or a known gene change, choose a risk-reducing (preventive) mastectomy. This lowers, but does not completely remove, the chance of breast cancer developing.

At the same operation, the armpit lymph nodes are often checked or removed to see whether cancer has spread. Many people can have breast reconstruction, either at the same time (immediate) or later (delayed), using an implant or their own tissue.

A mastectomy is usually one part of a wider plan that may include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone treatment or targeted therapy. It cannot on its own promise a cure. This guide explains what is involved so you can ask better questions; your treatment is planned by a breast multidisciplinary team.

Types & techniques

There isn't one single operation. The right approach depends on you — which is something to discuss with your surgeon.

Total (simple) mastectomy

Removal of all the breast tissue, usually including the nipple, without removing the chest muscles. The most common type.

Mastectomy with lymph node surgery

The breast is removed and the armpit lymph nodes are checked or removed (sentinel node biopsy or axillary clearance) to see whether cancer has spread.

Mastectomy with immediate reconstruction

A new breast shape is made at the same operation, using an implant or your own skin, fat or muscle. Sometimes more skin or the nipple can be kept.

Risk-reducing (preventive) mastectomy

Removal of the breast in someone at high risk of breast cancer to lower the chance of it developing. It reduces but does not remove the risk.

Bilateral mastectomy

Removal of both breasts, for cancer affecting both sides or to reduce risk, often with reconstruction. The operation and recovery take longer.

Mastectomy compared with breast-conserving surgery

Feature	Mastectomy	Lumpectomy (breast conservation)
Breast tissue	Removes the whole breast	Keeps most of the breast
Radiotherapy	Sometimes needed	Usually needed
Reconstruction	Often considered	Not usually needed
Recovery	Usually longer	Usually shorter
Effectiveness	Similar survival for suitable cancers	Similar survival for suitable cancers

For suitable cancers, mastectomy and breast conservation with radiotherapy give similar survival. The right choice depends on the cancer, breast size, your preferences and your team's advice.

Preparing for your surgery

You will meet the breast team, including a specialist nurse, and have scans and a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and plan surgery.
Discuss whether you want reconstruction and, if so, whether it can be done at the same time or later.
Ask whether and how your armpit lymph nodes will be checked, and what that means for your arm.
Tell the team about all your medicines, especially blood thinners, and any other health conditions.
Arrange time off and support at home, more if you are having reconstruction or surgery on both sides.
Prepare front-opening tops and a soft bra or post-surgery garment as advised, and think about a temporary breast prosthesis if not having immediate reconstruction.
Give yourself time to ask questions and consider the emotional impact, and use the support your team offers.

What happens

Under a general anaesthetic, the surgeon removes all the breast tissue, usually including the nipple, through a cut across the breast. The armpit lymph nodes are often checked or removed at the same time.

If you are having immediate reconstruction, the surgeon makes a new breast shape during the same operation, using an implant or your own tissue, and sometimes more of the skin or the nipple can be kept. A mastectomy alone for one side often takes around 90 minutes; reconstruction or surgery on both sides takes longer.

You may have one or more drains to remove fluid, and these may stay in for a few days, sometimes after you go home. The removed breast tissue and any lymph nodes are sent to the laboratory. Many people stay one night, although some go home the same day, and reconstruction usually means a longer stay.

Is this operation right for me?

A good consultation should explore whether it's the right choice for you now — including reasons to wait or consider something else.

May not be suitable if…

Breast-conserving surgery would treat the cancer just as well and is preferred by you, where conservation is suitable.
Your general health means major surgery, or reconstruction in particular, carries too much risk.
For risk-reducing surgery, your actual risk does not justify removing healthy breasts, where screening or medicine may be better.
You have not had enough time or information to make an informed choice, especially for risk-reducing or bilateral surgery.

Delay surgery if…

You have an active infection or are acutely unwell.
The diagnosis or staging is not complete, or key scans or biopsy results are missing.
Blood thinners or other medicines have not been safely managed.
You are still deciding about reconstruction and need time to consider your options.
Other treatment, such as chemotherapy before surgery, is planned first.

Alternatives to discuss

Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) with radiotherapy, where suitable.
Chemotherapy, hormone treatment or targeted therapy before surgery.
For high-risk people, enhanced screening or risk-reducing medicines instead of surgery.
Reconstruction at a later date rather than immediately.
A second opinion if you are unsure about your options.

Before you decide

Use this as a shared-decision checklist. The aim is not just “can this be done?”, but whether it is right for you, now, with the risks and alternatives clearly understood.

What matters most to me?

Think about symptoms, daily life, work, caring responsibilities, sport, fertility, travel, appearance and anxiety — the right choice depends on your priorities, not just the medical facts.

What are all my options?

Ask about waiting, monitoring, medicines, rehabilitation, a smaller or larger procedure, a different test, NHS referral, or a second opinion where that would help.

What would make me pause?

Active infection, pregnancy, unstable medical problems, smoking, medicines that increase bleeding, poor support at home, or feeling pressured are all reasons to slow down and get tailored advice.

What happens if I do nothing today?

For some problems, waiting is safe; for others, delay can make treatment harder. A good consultation should explain the trade-off in plain English.

Anaesthetic choices

The safest option depends on the operation, your health, the facility and your surgeon/anaesthetist. Ask what is planned and why.

General anaesthetic

Mastectomy is performed under general anaesthetic. Reconstruction or surgery on both sides means a longer operation and recovery.

Benefits

Removes all the breast tissue, which is the right treatment for some cancers
For suitable cancers, gives similar survival to breast conservation with radiotherapy
May avoid the need for radiotherapy in some situations
For high-risk people, a risk-reducing mastectomy substantially lowers the chance of breast cancer
Allows reconstruction, immediate or delayed, for many people
Provides tissue and lymph node information that guides further treatment

Risks & complications

More common

Pain, bruising and swelling of the chest and armpit
A collection of fluid (seroma) under the wound or arm, which is very common
Numbness across the chest wall and around the scar, which may be long-lasting
Tiredness and a significant emotional impact

Less common

Wound infection needing antibiotics
A collection of blood (haematoma), occasionally needing another operation
Shoulder stiffness or reduced arm movement
Cording (a tight band of tissue) in the armpit affecting arm movement
Delayed wound healing, particularly of the skin edges

Rare but serious

Long-term swelling of the arm (lymphoedema), more likely with more lymph node surgery or radiotherapy
Blood clots in the legs or lungs
Persistent pain or nerve symptoms in the chest or arm
Problems specific to reconstruction, such as implant or flap complications, if reconstruction is done

Numbness across the chest wall is common and may not fully recover. Lymphoedema is an important long-term risk, especially if many lymph nodes are removed or you also have radiotherapy, and a seroma is very common. If you have reconstruction, there are additional risks specific to the implant or flap. Ask about your personal risks, your lymph node plan, and how to reduce and watch for lymphoedema.

Published figures to discuss

Your risk of complications such as seroma, infection and lymphoedema depends on whether you have lymph node surgery, reconstruction and radiotherapy, as well as your general health. Reconstruction adds its own risks. Figures vary between units and individuals, so they should be discussed in your own context. A seroma is very common and is usually managed easily; lymphoedema is less common but important and lifelong if it develops.

Figure	Reported range	How to interpret it	Source / confidence
Lymphoedema of the arm	Under about 5–8% after sentinel node biopsy in many series; roughly 16–25% after axillary clearance, higher with radiotherapy	Risk rises with the number of nodes removed and with radiotherapy; arm care and early reporting matter.	Sentinel node biopsy and lymphoedema risk after mastectomy — PMCpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govPublished figure
Seroma (fluid collection)	Very common after mastectomy; published rates vary roughly 15–85% depending on definition and whether aspiration is counted	Usually settles or is drained with a needle; sometimes needs draining more than once.	Sentinel node biopsy and lymphoedema risk after mastectomy — PMCpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govPublished figure
Permanent numbness or altered sensation across the chest wall	Common	Nerves are divided during mastectomy; sensation may improve but often does not return to normal.	Sentinel node biopsy and lymphoedema risk after mastectomy — PMCpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govSource-linked context
Local recurrence on the chest wall	A minority, varying with stage, tumour biology, margins, radiotherapy and systemic treatment	Mastectomy removes breast tissue but does not make recurrence impossible.	Guide sourcesClinical context

These are literature figures, not a personalised prediction. Your own risks and likely benefits depend on your circumstances, your health, and how your care is carried out and followed up.

Recovery — what to expect, and when

Recovery from a mastectomy is usually a few weeks, and longer if you have reconstruction or surgery on both sides. The physical recovery is often described as quite manageable, but the emotional adjustment to the change in your body can be just as important, and support is available.

First few days

You are in hospital, often for one night, with pain relief and one or more drains. The team helps you start gentle arm exercises and shows you how to manage any drains, which may go home with you.

First 1–2 weeks

Drains are removed once draining slows. Bruising and swelling settle. A seroma is common and may need draining. You gradually return to light activities, avoiding heavy lifting.

Around 2 weeks

You usually get the laboratory results, including the lymph node findings, and discuss the next steps such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy or hormone treatment.

3–6 weeks and beyond

Wounds heal and arm movement improves with exercises. Many people return to most activities, though full recovery, especially after reconstruction, takes longer. Emotional adjustment continues.

What's normal — and not a worry

Numbness and altered sensation across the chest wall and scar
A fluid collection (seroma) that may need draining one or more times
Tightness and reduced arm movement that improves with exercises
Tiredness, both physical and emotional
A range of strong feelings about the change to your body

Aftercare

Take regular pain relief in the first days so you can move and breathe comfortably.
Manage any drains as shown, and report if the fluid changes or the site becomes red or sore.
Do the arm and shoulder exercises you are given, especially before any radiotherapy.
Keep wounds clean and dry, and watch for redness, swelling, discharge or skin-healing problems.
Take care of the arm on the operated side to reduce lymphoedema risk, following your team's advice.
Wear any post-surgery bra or garment as advised, and ask about a prosthesis if you are not having immediate reconstruction.
Attend all follow-up and onward treatment, and use the emotional support your team offers.

Before-surgery checklist

Front-opening tops and a soft or post-surgery bra
Pain relief and any blood-thinning medicines or stockings as advised
The arm and shoulder exercise sheet from your team
Drain-care instructions if a drain goes home with you
Your breast care nurse's contact number
A note of when you will get results and the date of any follow-up
Information on emotional support and, if relevant, a temporary prosthesis

Scars and how they heal

A mastectomy leaves a scar across the chest, often horizontal or slightly diagonal, and there may be a separate scar in the armpit if the lymph nodes were operated on. The skin over the chest is usually numb at first and may stay so. Scars fade over months. If you have reconstruction, the pattern of scars depends on the type used.

⚠ Get urgent help if…

Spreading redness, heat, swelling or discharge from the wound (signs of infection)
A fever or feeling generally unwell
A rapidly enlarging, painful, firm swelling at the operation site
Skin over the wound turning dark or not healing, especially after reconstruction
A swollen, painful or stiff arm on the operated side
A hot, red or swollen calf, or breathlessness or chest pain

Who to contact: your surgeon or clinic first (keep their number to hand). For urgent advice when you can't reach them, call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.

General guidance — it doesn't replace the specific advice your surgeon gives you.

Results & realistic expectations

A good result means all the breast tissue is removed, the wound heals well, and the lymph node and tissue findings help plan further treatment. The laboratory results usually take about a week or two, and your team will explain what they mean for you.

A mastectomy is usually one part of treatment, which may also include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone treatment or targeted therapy. It cannot on its own promise that cancer will never come back. Whether cancer is controlled long term depends on the type and stage of the cancer, the lymph nodes and the further treatment you have. A risk-reducing mastectomy lowers, but does not completely remove, the chance of breast cancer.

How long it lasts

For suitable cancers, mastectomy gives similar long-term survival to breast conservation with radiotherapy. After surgery you will usually have ongoing follow-up and, where relevant, surveillance of the other breast. If you have reconstruction, implants in particular may need monitoring or further surgery over the years.

Combining with other procedures

A mastectomy is often combined with lymph node surgery and may be combined with reconstruction. Depending on the cancer, it is also commonly part of a plan with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone treatment or targeted therapy, before or after surgery. Your multidisciplinary team should explain how these fit together for you.

Follow-up & long-term care

You will be seen to discuss the laboratory results, including the lymph nodes, and to plan further treatment. Longer-term follow-up usually includes review, surveillance of the remaining breast tissue where relevant, and a clear point of contact. Emotional support and, if wanted, discussion of reconstruction or a prosthesis are part of good follow-up.

Ongoing follow-up and surveillance as advised by your team
Monitoring of any implant and possible further reconstruction surgery over time
Arm care and watching for lymphoedema if lymph nodes were removed
Ongoing treatment such as hormone therapy where part of the plan
Breast and chest-wall awareness and reporting any new changes

Revision and secondary surgery reality

A seroma may need draining one or more times.
A haematoma or wound-healing problem can occasionally need a further operation.
If you have reconstruction, implants may need monitoring or further surgery over time.
The cancer can return, and a risk-reducing mastectomy lowers but does not remove cancer risk, so surveillance continues.

Ask your surgeon for their own revision rate, what counts as a revision, and what is included in the written aftercare policy.

What good aftercare looks like

A named breast care nurse and clear contact route.
A clear process and timeline for results and lymph node findings.
Arm and shoulder exercises and lymphoedema advice where the armpit is operated on.
Practical support with drains, prosthesis or reconstruction follow-up.
Access to emotional support and a coordinated plan for any further treatment and surveillance.

What affects the cost

Costs vary a great deal between people and providers, and we don't publish prices. What matters is understanding what drives the cost and making sure your quote is complete. The main things that affect it:

Whether one or both breasts are removed
Whether reconstruction is done, and the type (implant or your own tissue)
Whether lymph node surgery is done at the same time
Surgeon and anaesthetic team fees and the facility fee
Length of stay, which is longer with reconstruction
Laboratory examination of the tissue and lymph nodes
Follow-up, onward treatment and management of any complications

Make sure your written quote includes

The surgeon's and anaesthetist's fees and the facility fee
Whether reconstruction and lymph node surgery are included
Implant or device costs if relevant
Length of stay and what is included if it is longer
Follow-up appointments and how results are given
What happens, and who pays, if a complication or further surgery is needed
How onward treatment such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy is arranged and funded

On the NHS? Mastectomy is standard NHS treatment for breast cancer and is available for some high-risk people when criteria are met; private care is also available, with the same multidisciplinary planning.

You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including aftercare and any revision — before you decide.

Choosing a surgeon safely

Check your surgeon is on the GMC Specialist Register for this area.
Make sure they practise at a CQC-registered location, and look for membership of bodies like BAAPS or BAPRAS.
You're entitled to a two-stage consent process with time to reflect (a cooling-off period). The surgeon who will operate must consent you — not a salesperson.
Be wary of pressure: time-limited offers, discounts or deposits taken before you've had time to think are red flags, not bargains.
You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including aftercare and any revision — before you decide.

How Vuemedics verifies every consultant →

Questions to ask your medical professional

Take this to your consultation. A good surgeon will welcome every one of these.

Why is a mastectomy being recommended for me rather than breast-conserving surgery?
Can I have reconstruction, and should it be at the same time or later?
How will my armpit lymph nodes be managed, and what does that mean for my arm?
Am I likely to need radiotherapy or other treatment after surgery?
What are my personal risks, including numbness, seroma and lymphoedema?
How will I be followed up, and what emotional and practical support is available?
Are you on the GMC Specialist Register for this area, and which Royal College or professional body are you a member of?
Will you be the surgeon who carries out my operation, and who looks after me afterwards?
What are the risks for someone like me, and how often do your own patients have a problem or need it repeated or redone?
What does a realistic result look like — and what can this operation not achieve?
What are my options, including waiting, doing nothing for now, or choosing a different approach?
Can I have written information, results and aftercare instructions in a format I can use, including any accessibility or communication support I need?
What is the total cost in writing, including any follow-ups, and how much time do I have to decide?

Frequently asked questions

Will I need radiotherapy after a mastectomy?

Sometimes. Whether radiotherapy is needed after a mastectomy depends on the size of the cancer, whether lymph nodes are involved and other features. Your team will advise based on your laboratory results.

Can I have reconstruction?

Many people can, either at the same time as the mastectomy (immediate) or later (delayed), using an implant or their own tissue. Sometimes more skin or the nipple can be kept. Your team will discuss what is suitable for you.

Does a risk-reducing mastectomy remove all risk of breast cancer?

No. It substantially lowers the risk, but because a small amount of breast tissue can remain, it does not completely remove the chance of breast cancer. This is an important point to discuss before deciding.

How long is the recovery?

Often around 3 to 6 weeks for a mastectomy alone, and longer with reconstruction or surgery on both sides. Wounds usually take around 6 weeks to heal fully, and emotional adjustment can take longer.

Will my chest be numb?

Numbness across the chest wall and around the scar is common after a mastectomy and may improve over time, but it often does not fully recover. Your team can explain what to expect.

Can I have this done privately?

Yes, mastectomy is available both on the NHS and privately. Either way, your care should be planned by a breast multidisciplinary team and include the same checks, support and follow-up.

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How we made this page

Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant. Written in plain English, checked against NHS, NICE, GMC and relevant Royal College / specialist-society guidance, and kept under review. No clinic paid to appear on this page, and we publish no pricing. This is general information to help you prepare — it is not a substitute for advice from your own clinician. How we review our guides →

Source hierarchy: UK regulator and NHS/NICE guidance first, then relevant Royal College or specialist-society guidance, then peer-reviewed evidence for procedure-specific figures where available.

Sources & standards: NHS — Mastectomy Cancer Research UK — Mastectomy (removing the breast) Breast Cancer Now — After breast cancer surgery Association of Breast Surgery — patient information Sentinel node biopsy and lymphoedema risk after mastectomy — PMC Postoperative seroma management — StatPearls/NCBI Upper limb morbidity after ALND vs SLNB: systematic review and meta-analysis — PMC

Reviews reflect patients' experience of care, not clinical outcomes. For procedure volumes and outcome data see PHIN.

Last medically reviewed 2026-09-21. Spotted something wrong or out of date? Report an error in this guide.