A double mastectomy is a common procedure in women who have breast cancer and those who have a high risk of developing the disease.
Mastectomy recovery can take place in the hospital or at home, but there are various factors that people can consider to help the body heal faster.
So, before getting a double mastectomy, it’s important to know what the procedure includes and what you can expect during your recovery period.
Read on as we’ll answer some of the questions that patients ask us during their visits: “What is a double mastectomy?” “What are the side effects that I’ll experience after the surgery?” and “How do we prepare for the surgery?”
What Is a Double Mastectomy?
We refer to double mastectomy as bilateral mastectomy, as it is a surgical operation that involves the removal of both breasts simultaneously.
There are different types of double mastectomies, such as:
- Skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy: During this procedure, we remove the breast tissue but preserve most of the skin, and sometimes even the nipples and areolas.
- Simple or total mastectomy: We remove the breast tissue, areola, nipple, and the majority of the skin.
- Modified radical mastectomy: Women who undergo this surgery have their breast tissue, areola, nipple, and lining over the chest muscles removed. Sometimes, the operation may also involve the removal of the overlying skin, part of the muscle, and underarm lymph nodes.
- Radical mastectomy: This procedure is not very common nowadays, but it involves the removal of the breasts, areola, nipple, skin, chest muscles, and underarm lymph nodes.
Moreover, a double mastectomy can be beneficial for women at a very high risk of developing breast cancer, including those with close relatives who have also received a breast cancer diagnosis.
In this case, we remove both breasts before they get cancer, and so, we refer to this surgery as preventive or prophylactic mastectomy.
What Should You Know About Double Mastectomy Recovery?
Most of the time, mastectomy recovery takes only a few to several weeks. However, this depends on the severity of cancer.
That said, there are some double mastectomy recovery tips that you can consider for a speedy recovery. Your surgeon may suggest that you recover while in the hospital or at home.
Recovering At The Hospital
After undergoing a double mastectomy, you may have to spend some time in the hospital to help your body recover. This can help the medical staff monitor your breathing and blood pressure, and they may also provide you with pain medication to help suppress and manage discomfort.
You may also notice an unusual sensation in certain parts of the body, such as the chest area or underarms.
That said, before you get discharged, the doctor provides you with instructions on certain things, such as:
- The way you shower.
- How to remove bandages.
- How to take medications
- How to engage in exercise
- How to book a follow-up appointment
- Any possible side effects to look for.
Recovering At Home
Recovering at home takes a few weeks, but it can be longer if you undergo breast reconstruction surgery.
Some of our double mastectomy recovery tips that we recommend our patients follow include:
- Taking pain medication: Ibuprofen or Tylenol can ease the pain in both the armpit and chest.
- Requesting help: Ask your friends and family to help you get on with certain house chores. Do not engage in any tedious work.
- Taking a sponge bath: If you need to freshen up and stay clean, it is best to opt for a sponge bath. Do not shower unless the doctor removes the drains and sutures.
- Relaxing: Rest and relax as much as you can for faster healing.
- Engaging in physical activity: Exercising can help avoid stiffness, maintain flexibility, and aid recovery.
- Avoiding doing tasks on your own: In some cases, the doctor may advise you to remove bandages on your own. You can also ask someone to help you out if you find this distressing. With time, the skin will heal, and if you feel that you need extra medical assistance, you can always reach out to your doctor.
Preparing For a Double Mastectomy Procedure
The following are some things that you should consider doing when preparing for a double mastectomy procedure:
- Cooking in advance and storing your food in the freezer, as you may not feel like cooking
- Wearing loose-fitting tops that you find easy to put on and take off
- Asking someone to drive you back home and buy your prescription drugs
- Making sure you have a water bottle nearby so you stay hydrated, as well as your phone and charger
Double Mastectomy Side Effects
Every surgical operation comes with side effects, and so does a double mastectomy. That said, you may experience:
- Numbness: This is common after the doctor performs the procedure, but medication can help alleviate signs related to it.
- Scar tissue: Scarring can develop at the mastectomy area.
- Bleeding: This is common after the surgery, but request the doctor’s attention if you bleed a lot.
- Depression: This is a common side effect as many patients suffer from a negative body image. They may also be concerned with how their family and friends will look at them after the surgery.
Following Up During Your Mastectomy Recovery Period
After having a successful double mastectomy operation, healing may take time. You may need to attend follow-up appointments with your doctor to help speed up the mastectomy recovery process.
During these visits, we examine the wound and check that it is healing well. You should let your physician know if you have any pain, as you may need more attention, and suggest further treatment options suitable for you.
Also, some common questions that we cover during these visits are:
- What can I do to help my body heal faster?
- Are there any long-term health issues that the mastectomy can cause?
- Now that my breasts are removed, what are the chances that cancer will return?
- Are there any support groups that I can join?
We suggest taking notes when you meet with your doctor and asking whether you can record the conversation so you can refer to these later as needed.
Book Your Appointment Today
Having your breasts removed when you have cancer or are at great risk of developing the disease can cause a lot of pain. Some people may also go through emotional changes and have difficulty accepting their new body image.
Recovery takes time, as this depends on the severity of cancer, age, and home care, among others.
As a result, it’s important to consider some factors when you’re preparing for the procedure, such as how you’re going to travel back home or how you’re going to buy your medications.
More importantly, you will need to take time to rest and need all the support you can get from friends and family. If recovery takes longer than expected, you may need to talk to your doctor.
If you’ve already booked your surgery or you still have questions about what you’re going to do during your double mastectomy recovery period, call us today. Our clinic is open on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
