Prophylactic Mastectomy
What you should know before your surgery
The decision to have a prophylactic mastectomy is a major and irreversible one. I have put together some information that you should have before you make the decision to make sure that you are as fully informed as possible. I will go through all of this with you in your consultation.
- The procedure
- Options for reconstruction
- The Nipple
- What the surgery entails
- Timing of surgery
- Risk reduction
- Implants- if relevant
- Types of implants
- Look and feel of implants
- Risk of infection and how to treat infection
- Longevity of Implants
- Risk of Lymphoma
- Potential complications of surgery
- Pain/discomfort
- Numbing
- Scarring
- Short term/Long term effects on lifestyle
- Suboptimal cosmetic result
- Preparing psychologically
- Potential of depression
- Potential of relief
- Post operative mourning period
- Issues related to body image, sexuality and self-esteem
- Recovery time
- General healing time
- Range of recovery time
- Recovery time related to complications
- Cosmetic Results
- Expectations of cosmetic outcome
- Photos of prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction
- Discussion with a patient who has had the procedure
- Look and sensation of nipples
- Follow up
- Types of bras and where to find them
- Support groups
- Post surgery exercises
- Future imaging and follow up
Please visit my pages on skin sparing mastectomy, nipple sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction for more information.
I would also recommend the following site for further information:
