Has your doctor told you about breast surgery? Or are you thinking about having surgery because you're worried about the appearance of your breasts? It's normal to feel a little scared and nervous when you hear the word "surgery." But if we are fully informed about it and have a clear understanding of what's going to happen, that fear can be greatly reduced. So today, let's talk, like we're talking to a friend, about what breast surgery is, why it's done, and what you need to know about it.
Why would someone want to have breast surgery?
There are many reasons to have breast surgery. Some are done to treat medical conditions. Some are done to improve one's appearance and self-confidence. Let's take a look at the main reasons.
- Breast Cancer: This is the most common medical reason for breast surgery. Surgery is needed to remove a lump or tissue in the breast that contains cancerous cells.
- Having a noncancerous lump: Sometimes, not all lumps that develop in the breast are cancerous. However, if these lumps are painful, uncomfortable, or grow large, your doctor may decide to remove them surgically.
- High risk of breast cancer: If someone has a family history of breast cancer (such as a mother or sister), or if genetic testing confirms that they have a genetic mutation that increases the risk of cancer, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 , they may be advised to have preventive surgery to remove the breast before cancer develops.
- Pain caused by large breasts: Some women have large breasts that are disproportionate to their bodies. This can cause them to experience constant pain in their back, neck, and shoulders . Breast reduction surgery can help relieve this pain, which feels like a weight being lifted.
- Changing appearance based on personal preference: Someone who is dissatisfied with the size or shape of their breasts may undergo breast augmentation or cosmetic surgeries to increase their self-confidence.
What are these types of breast surgeries?
Breast surgery can be divided into two main categories: those performed for medical conditions like cancer and those performed to change appearance. Let's clearly understand what these are.
| Types of breast surgery and a simple explanation | |
|---|---|
| Surgeries for cancer and diseases | |
| Breast Biopsy | This involves taking a small piece of tissue from a lump or suspicious area in the breast and examining it under a microscope to see if it is cancerous. This is done to diagnose a disease. |
| Lumpectomy | This involves removing the entire breast, but only the cancerous tumor and a small amount of healthy tissue around it. This is also called "breast-conserving surgery." |
| Mastectomy | This surgery involves removing the entire breast. Sometimes, depending on the nature of the cancer, only the breast tissue is removed, leaving the skin and nipple intact. |
| Axillary Lymph Node Dissection | This surgery is done to see if cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes under the armpit or to remove cells that have spread. |
| Prophylactic Mastectomy | Removing one or both breasts in a person at high risk of cancer, with the aim of preventing it before it develops. |
| Cosmetic surgeries | |
| Breast Augmentation | Inserting silicone or saline implants or taking fat from elsewhere in the body to increase breast size. |
| Breast Reduction | Breast reduction is performed by removing excess skin, fat, and tissue to eliminate physical discomfort caused by large breasts or to change their appearance. |
| Breast Reconstruction | Reconstructing the shape and appearance of the breast after a breast has been removed due to cancer (mastectomy). This can be done using implants or tissue taken from elsewhere in the body. |
What happens before surgery?
No matter what type of breast surgery you have, you should definitely meet with your surgeon before it happens. This appointment is very important. This is where you should talk and explain everything that is on your mind.
If it's cancer surgery...
If you are preparing for surgery due to cancer, your doctor will talk to you about the following:
- We will review your complete medical records and reports to confirm the exact size and location of the cancer.
- It explains what types of surgeries you can have, what the pros and cons of each are, and how long it will take to recover after surgery.
- You will be informed about the side effects and complications that may occur as a result of the surgery.
- If the breast is surgically removed, we discuss whether and how breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time or later.
- Your breasts will be measured and some photos will be taken. These are to monitor your healing after surgery. These photos will only be seen by the medical team treating you and are kept strictly confidential.
If cosmetic surgery...
If you are having surgery to change your appearance, your doctor will pay attention to:
- Your medical history will be reviewed to make sure you do not have any other medical conditions and are physically fit to undergo this type of surgery.
- I will talk to you in a friendly manner about why you decided to have this surgery and what your expectations are.
- Explaining the reality of what the results will be like after surgery, and that it may not be 100% what you expect.
- You will be informed about the risks, side effects, and complications that may occur as a result of the surgery.
- Measurements and photographs are also taken here.
This is the best time to ask your doctor all the questions you have, even if they seem small. Write them down in a notebook and ask them. It is very important that you face the surgery with a clear mind.
You can ask questions like these:
- How will my breasts look immediately after surgery? Will their appearance change over time?
- Will the sensation of the breasts change after surgery?
- Will I be able to breastfeed a child in the future?
- What will the scars look like and how long will it take for them to fade?
What happens during the surgery?
Although the steps involved vary slightly depending on the type of surgery, there are several common steps in all breast surgeries.
Anesthesia
You will be given anesthesia so that you will not feel any pain during the surgery. For major surgeries (e.g. Mastectomy, Breast Augmentation), you will be given general anesthesia, which will put you completely to sleep. For minor procedures like a biopsy, you will be given local anesthesia, which will numb only the area involved.
Incisions
The surgeon makes an incision in the skin of the breast. This incision is used to access the tissue inside. These incisions are needed to remove a lump, take a tissue sample, or insert an implant. After surgery, these incisions are closed with stitches.
Surgical drains
After some major surgeries, blood and other body fluids can collect inside the wound. If this collects, the wound can become infected and swell. Therefore, to allow this extra fluid to drain out, a small plastic tube (drain) is inserted through the wound and out into a small bottle connected to it. These are often inserted after surgeries such as mastectomy and breast reconstruction. They are removed after a few days.
What are the risks of these surgeries?
There are risks associated with any surgery. Breast surgery is no exception. However, these are rare. Your doctor will explain the specific risks associated with your surgery to you. The following are some of the common risks:
- Anesthesia complications
- Excessive bleeding
- Feeling more pain than expected
- Surgical scars
- Surgical wound infection
What to expect after surgery?
The recovery period after surgery is very important. Your medical team will help you during this time. They will explain the following to you:
- About a special bra (surgical bra) or bandage to wear after surgery.
- How to keep the wound clean after going home.
- If you have a surgical drain, you should remove any fluid that collects in it and record the amount.
The medical team knows that it's hard to remember all of this at once, so don't be shy about asking again if you don't understand.
Rest is very important for you during the early stages of recovery. You will be asked to avoid heavy lifting and lifting your arms for a while. You may also need to stop driving for a few weeks. Having someone to help you is a great help during this time.
The time it takes to fully recover varies depending on the type of surgery. For example, it can take about a month to fully recover after breast reconstruction surgery. It can take longer, sometimes several months, after a mastectomy.
What are the emergencies that require seeing a doctor?
After you get home, if you develop any unusual symptoms, you should call your doctor immediately. Make a note of what these symptoms are.
| Symptoms to watch out for | Description |
|---|---|
| Unusual bleeding | If the wound is bleeding more than expected or if the bandage is getting wet with blood quickly. |
| Wound dehiscence (breakage of sutures) | If the stitches have broken and the edges of the wound appear to be moving apart. |
| Fever | If the body temperature is 101 Fahrenheit (38.3 Celsius) or higher, this may be a sign of an infection. |
| Constant pain | If the pain persists despite taking the painkillers prescribed by the doctor. |
| Redness and swelling of the wound | If the skin around the wound is red, swollen, and feels warm to the touch. Also, if the hand, palm, or armpit on the side where the surgery was performed is swollen. |
| Severe pain when touching the wound | If the area around the wound is too tender to touch. |
Do men also have breast surgery?
Yes. Although it is not usually talked about much, there are times when men also need breast surgery. Although breast cancer is very rare in men, surgery is performed as a treatment. In addition, surgery is also performed to treat the discomfort and appearance of a condition called gynecomastia , which is an abnormal enlargement of male breast tissue due to hormonal imbalances.
Ultimately, breast surgery is a major life event. Whether it's a cancer treatment or a cosmetic procedure, it can affect you both physically and emotionally. You may have thoughts about your body changing and about the future. These feelings are normal. So be open about your feelings with your medical team, your family, and a close friend. Ask for help. You are not alone in this journey.
Take-Home Message
- Breast surgery is done for medical reasons, such as cancer, as well as for personal reasons related to appearance. Whatever the reason, it is important to be properly informed about it.
- Before the surgery, ask your doctor for any questions you may have. Get a good understanding of the surgery, the results, and the risks.
- The recovery period after surgery is very important. Follow the instructions given by the medical team (wound care, rest) exactly.
- If you experience unusual symptoms such as fever, severe pain, redness and swelling of the wound, do not delay and inform your doctor immediately.
- This is an experience that affects both physically and mentally. Don't hesitate to talk about your feelings with your family and medical team and seek psychological support if needed.
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