Are you worried about a change in your breasts, or something like a lump? Or are you unhappy with the way your breasts look? There are people among us who are thinking about and talking about breast surgery for reasons like these. This can be a big burden on the mind, and it's true. That's why we're going to talk about everything today in a very simple way, in a way that you can understand.
Why is breast surgery necessary?
There are many reasons to have breast surgery. Sometimes it can be for medical reasons, other times it can be for personal preference. Let's take a look at the main reasons.
- Having breast cancer: Surgery is most commonly used to diagnose and treat breast cancer.
- Non-cancerous lump: Sometimes, not all lumps that develop in the breast are cancerous. However, surgery may be required to remove such a lump.
- Increased risk of cancer: If someone in your family has had breast cancer, or if you have been diagnosed with a genetic mutation such as `BRCA1` or `BRCA2` , some people also resort to surgery to reduce their risk of developing cancer in the future.
- Physical discomfort: Some women may experience long-term pain in the neck, back, or shoulders due to breast enlargement. Breast reduction surgery can be performed to reduce this pain.
- The need to change appearance: When you are not satisfied with the appearance, size, or shape of your breasts, there are also surgeries that are performed based on personal preference to change them.
What are the main types of breast surgery?
Breast surgery can be divided into two main categories. One is surgery performed for medical reasons, especially cancer, and the other is surgery performed to change appearance.
| Type of surgery | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Surgery for cancer and medical reasons | |
| Breast Biopsy | Taking a small sample of a lump or suspicious tissue from the breast to test whether it is cancerous or not. |
| Lumpectomy | Removing only the cancerous tumor and a small amount of tissue around it. The entire breast is not removed. |
| Mastectomy | Depending on the type of cancer, the entire breast is removed. Sometimes the lymph nodes in the armpit are also removed (Axillary lymph node dissection). |
| Prophylactic Mastectomy | Removing the breast before cancer develops, when there is a high risk. |
| Cosmetic Surgery | |
| Breast Augmentation | Insertion of implants to increase the size and shape of the breasts. |
| Breast Reduction | Breast reduction to avoid physical discomfort caused by large breasts or to change appearance. |
| Breast Reconstruction | After a breast is removed due to cancer, it is restored to its natural appearance as closely as possible. |
What happens before surgery?
No matter what reason you are having surgery, you should meet with your surgeon before it happens. This appointment is very important.
If you are undergoing cancer surgery, your doctor will talk to you about these things:
- We will review your complete medical history and confirm the exact size and location of the tumor.
- We will explain your treatment options and recovery time.
- You will be informed about possible side effects and complications after surgery.
- If necessary, we also discuss how to reconstruct the breast after it has been removed (Breast Reconstruction).
- Your breast measurements and photographs will be taken (this information will only be kept confidential by the treating medical team).
If you are considering surgery to change your appearance, your doctor will pay attention to these things:
- We will make sure you are physically fit for this type of surgery.
- I'm talking to you about why you decided to have this kind of surgery.
- Explains what results can be expected after surgery.
- Talking about side effects and risks.
- Measurements and photography are also done here.
This is the best time to ask all the questions you have. Don't hold back, even the smallest ones. Ask anything like, "What will my breasts look like after surgery?", "Will they change over time?", "Will I be able to breastfeed?"
What happens during surgery?
Although every surgery is different, these steps are common to all of them.
Anesthesia
For major surgeries (e.g., `Mastectomy`, `Breast Augmentation`), you will be completely anesthetized `(general anesthesia)`. This means that you will be asleep during the surgery. For minor tests like `Biopsy`, only the relevant area of the breast will be numbed `(local anesthesia)`.
Skin incisions (Incisions)
The surgeon makes an incision in the skin to access the breast tissue. This incision is made to take a tissue sample, remove a cancerous lump, remove breast tissue, or insert an implant.
Surgical Drains
After some surgeries, especially mastectomy and breast reconstruction, blood or other fluids may collect inside the incision. This can lead to infection, so a small tube (drain) is inserted to drain the fluid.
Are there any risks to these surgeries?
As with any surgery, breast surgery carries some risks. These risks vary depending on the type of surgery being performed. Your doctor will explain these to you. Common risks include:
- Complications due to anesthesia
- Excessive bleeding
- More pain than expected
- Scars after surgery
- Infection of the incision wound
- Rarely, the stitches break and the wound opens (wound dehiscence).
What to expect after surgery?
The medical team will explain to you in detail what you need to do during your recovery. For example:
- They talk about a special bra or bandage to wear after surgery.
- After you go home, you will be shown how to keep the wound clean.
- If a surgical drain has been placed, you will be instructed on how to empty it.
It is important for you to rest during this time. Your medical team will also advise you on what not to do (e.g., lifting weights, driving). Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery. For example, a `Breast Reconstruction` surgery can take about a month to fully heal. A `Mastectomy` can take even longer, sometimes several months.
When should you call the doctor?
If you experience any of these symptoms after surgery, you should call your doctor immediately .
- If there is more bleeding than expected from the wound.
- If the stitches break and the wound appears to be open, it is called `(wound dehiscence)`.
- If the fever is higher than 101 degrees F (38.3 C).
- If the pain doesn't subside even after taking painkillers.
- If the wound is red, swollen, or painful to the touch.
- If there is swelling in the arm, under the arm, or near the wound.
Do men also have breast surgery?
Yes. Men can also develop breast cancer. In such cases, surgery is required. In addition, surgery is also performed to treat a condition called ``Gynecomastia'', which is the discomfort caused by the enlargement of male breasts like those of women.
Breast surgery is an experience that affects both the body and the mind. You may experience a variety of emotions. That's normal. Your medical team will understand. So never hesitate to ask for help and support during your surgery and recovery.
Take-Home Message
- Breast surgery can be done for both medical and personal reasons, so there's no need to be ashamed or afraid of it.
- Before any surgery, talk openly with your doctor about your options, risks, and expected results.
- It takes time to heal. During that time, be patient and follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
- Be aware of the warning signs that may occur after surgery. If you have any concerns, seek medical advice immediately.
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