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How Long Mastectomy Take?

Find out how long a mastectomy takes, including surgery duration, preparation, and recovery time. Get a clear understanding of what to expect during this breast cancer treatment procedure.

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Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt

Last updated on 12th Jul, 2025

Introduction

If you or a loved one is scheduled for a mastectomy, you might be wondering how long the procedure takes and what to expect. A mastectomy is a surgery to remove one or both breasts, often performed as part of breast cancer treatment or as a preventive measure for high-risk individuals. The duration of the surgery depends on several factors, including the type of mastectomy, whether reconstruction is done, and individual health conditions.

Types of Mastectomy and Their Duration

1. Simple (Total) Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast, including the nipple and areola, but not the lymph nodes.

Time: About 1 to 2 hours.

2. Modified Radical Mastectomy: Removal of the breast, nipple, areola, and some lymph nodes under the arm.

Time: Around 2 to 3 hours.

3. Skin-Sparing or Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: The breast tissue is removed, but most of the skin (and sometimes the nipple) is preserved for reconstruction.

Time: 2 to 3 hours (longer if reconstruction is done simultaneously).

4. Double (Bilateral) Mastectomy: Removal of both breasts, often done for cancer prevention.

Time: 3 to 6 hours, depending on reconstruction.

5. Mastectomy with Reconstruction: If breast reconstruction is performed immediately, the surgery will take longer.

Time: 4 to 8 hours, depending on the type of reconstruction (implants vs. tissue flap).

Factors Affecting Surgery Duration

Factors affecting surgery duration are as follows:

  • Type of mastectomy (as listed above).

  • Lymph node removal (sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection adds time).

  • Immediate reconstruction (if done, surgery takes longer).

  • Patient’s overall health (complications may extend surgery time).

Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Tips

Dr Nita S. Nair, Breast Surgeon

Dr Nita S. Nair

Breast Surgeon

11 Years • "MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Surgical Oncology) MRCS (Ed.) "

Mumbai

Apollo Hospitals CBD Belapur, Mumbai

recommendation

96%

(75+ Patients)

2300

200 Cashback

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No Booking Fees

Dr. Anup Dhir, Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Anup Dhir

Plastic Surgeon

38 Years • MBBS, MS, MCh (Plastic & Reconstructive Surg.), FECSM

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

1500

150 Cashback

2000

No Booking Fees

Dr. Sudip Roy, General and Laparoscopic Surgeon

Dr. Sudip Roy

General and Laparoscopic Surgeon

33 Years • MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DA, FRCS - General Surgery (RCPS , Glasgow)

Kolkata

Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals , Kolkata, Kolkata

recommendation

92%

(175+ Patients)

2000

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No Booking Fees

What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery?

Here’s what to expect before, during and after a mastectomy surgery:

1. Before Surgery

  • You’ll meet with your surgeon to discuss the procedure, risks, and recovery.

  • Pre-operative tests (blood work, imaging) may be done.

  • You’ll be given fasting instructions (usually no food or drink after midnight).

2. During Surgery

  • General anaesthesia is used, so you’ll be asleep.

  • The surgeon removes breast tissue (and lymph nodes if needed).

  • If reconstruction is planned, a plastic surgeon may work right after the mastectomy.

3. After Surgery

  • You’ll wake up in the recovery room with bandages and possibly drains (tubes to remove excess fluid).

  • Hospital stay: 1 to 2 nights (longer if reconstruction is done).

  • Recovery at home takes 4 to 6 weeks (longer for reconstruction).

Recovery Tips After Mastectomy

Recovery tips after a mastectomy surgery are as follows:

1. Follow Post-Op Instructions: Keep the surgical area clean and dry.

2. Manage Pain: Take prescribed pain medication as needed.

3. Care for Drains: Empty and measure fluid as instructed.

4. Avoid Heavy Lifting: No strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks.

5. Physical Therapy: Gentle arm exercises can prevent stiffness.

6. Emotional Support: Counselling or support groups can help with emotional healing.

When to Call the Doctor?

Contact your surgeon if you experience:

  • Fever or chills

  • Increased redness, swelling, or drainage from the incision

  • Severe pain not relieved by medication

  • Shortness of breath (could indicate a blood clot)

Conclusion

A mastectomy is a major surgery, but knowing what to expect can ease anxiety. Recovery varies, but with proper care and support, most patients regain strength and resume daily activities. If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team.

Consult Top Breast Surgeon

Dr Nita S. Nair, Breast Surgeon

Dr Nita S. Nair

Breast Surgeon

11 Years • "MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Surgical Oncology) MRCS (Ed.) "

Mumbai

Apollo Hospitals CBD Belapur, Mumbai

recommendation

96%

(75+ Patients)

2300

200 Cashback

2300

No Booking Fees

Dr. Anup Dhir, Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Anup Dhir

Plastic Surgeon

38 Years • MBBS, MS, MCh (Plastic & Reconstructive Surg.), FECSM

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

1500

150 Cashback

2000

No Booking Fees

Dr. Sudip Roy, General and Laparoscopic Surgeon

Dr. Sudip Roy

General and Laparoscopic Surgeon

33 Years • MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DA, FRCS - General Surgery (RCPS , Glasgow)

Kolkata

Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals , Kolkata, Kolkata

recommendation

92%

(175+ Patients)

2000

200 Cashback

2000

No Booking Fees

Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Tips

Dr. Jayanti Thumsi, Breast Surgeon

Dr. Jayanti Thumsi

Breast Surgeon

21 Years • MBBS,MS,Clinical Attachment

Bengaluru

Apollo Hospitals Sheshadripuram, Bengaluru

900

No Booking Fees

Dr. Ashwini R K, Breast Surgeon

Dr. Ashwini R K

Breast Surgeon

5 Years • MBBS, MS(General Surgery), FMAS, Fellowship in Breast Cancer

Bengaluru

Apollo Cancer Centres, Electronic City, Bengaluru

1000

No Booking Fees

Dr Nita S. Nair, Breast Surgeon

Dr Nita S. Nair

Breast Surgeon

11 Years • "MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Surgical Oncology) MRCS (Ed.) "

Mumbai

Apollo Hospitals CBD Belapur, Mumbai

recommendation

96%

(75+ Patients)

2300

200 Cashback

2300

No Booking Fees

Dr. Anup Dhir, Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Anup Dhir

Plastic Surgeon

38 Years • MBBS, MS, MCh (Plastic & Reconstructive Surg.), FECSM

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

1500

150 Cashback

2000

No Booking Fees

Dr. Sudip Roy, General and Laparoscopic Surgeon

Dr. Sudip Roy

General and Laparoscopic Surgeon

33 Years • MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DA, FRCS - General Surgery (RCPS , Glasgow)

Kolkata

Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals , Kolkata, Kolkata

recommendation

92%

(175+ Patients)

2000

200 Cashback

2000

No Booking Fees

Consult Top Breast Surgeon

Dr. Jayanti Thumsi, Breast Surgeon

Dr. Jayanti Thumsi

Breast Surgeon

21 Years • MBBS,MS,Clinical Attachment

Bengaluru

Apollo Hospitals Sheshadripuram, Bengaluru

900

No Booking Fees

Dr. Ashwini R K, Breast Surgeon

Dr. Ashwini R K

Breast Surgeon

5 Years • MBBS, MS(General Surgery), FMAS, Fellowship in Breast Cancer

Bengaluru

Apollo Cancer Centres, Electronic City, Bengaluru

1000

No Booking Fees

Dr Nita S. Nair, Breast Surgeon

Dr Nita S. Nair

Breast Surgeon

11 Years • "MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Surgical Oncology) MRCS (Ed.) "

Mumbai

Apollo Hospitals CBD Belapur, Mumbai

recommendation

96%

(75+ Patients)

2300

200 Cashback

2300

No Booking Fees

Dr. Anup Dhir, Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Anup Dhir

Plastic Surgeon

38 Years • MBBS, MS, MCh (Plastic & Reconstructive Surg.), FECSM

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

1500

150 Cashback

2000

No Booking Fees

Dr. Sudip Roy, General and Laparoscopic Surgeon

Dr. Sudip Roy

General and Laparoscopic Surgeon

33 Years • MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DA, FRCS - General Surgery (RCPS , Glasgow)

Kolkata

Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals , Kolkata, Kolkata

recommendation

92%

(175+ Patients)

2000

200 Cashback

2000

No Booking Fees

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