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.
Written by Dr. M L Ezhilarasan
Reviewed by Dr. Dhankecha Mayank Dineshbhai MBBS
Last updated on 15th Oct, 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
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
Consult Top Specialists for Personalised Tips
Dr. Anup Dhir
Plastic Surgeon
38 Years • MBBS MS (General Surgery) MCh (Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery) FECSM (Fellow of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine). Senior Consultant- Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery.
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr. M S Senthil Kumar
Endocrine And Breast Surgeon
30 Years • MBBS, MS, MCh (Endocrine)
Chennai
Apollo First Med Hospitals P H Road, Chennai
Dr. Amit Choraria
Surgical Oncologist
18 Years • MBBS, MS (Surgery) Fellow, Surgical Oncology, Tata Medical Center (FSO) Fellow, European Board of Surgery (Surgical Oncology) (FEBS) Fellow, Minimal Access Surgery (FMAS) Fellow, Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endosurgeons (FIAGES) UICC Fellow, Royal Marsden NHS, London, UK Visiting Scholar, Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, CGMH, Taiwan Fellow, Robotic Surgical Oncology, Vattikuti Foundation, USA
Kolkata
Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals , Kolkata, Kolkata
(50+ Patients)
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
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Aniket Dave
Plastic Surgeon
8 Years • MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)
Ahmedabad
Apollo Hospitals - Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad
Consult Top Breast Surgeon
Dr. Anup Dhir
Plastic Surgeon
38 Years • MBBS MS (General Surgery) MCh (Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery) FECSM (Fellow of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine). Senior Consultant- Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery.
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr. M S Senthil Kumar
Endocrine And Breast Surgeon
30 Years • MBBS, MS, MCh (Endocrine)
Chennai
Apollo First Med Hospitals P H Road, Chennai
Dr. Amit Choraria
Surgical Oncologist
18 Years • MBBS, MS (Surgery) Fellow, Surgical Oncology, Tata Medical Center (FSO) Fellow, European Board of Surgery (Surgical Oncology) (FEBS) Fellow, Minimal Access Surgery (FMAS) Fellow, Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endosurgeons (FIAGES) UICC Fellow, Royal Marsden NHS, London, UK Visiting Scholar, Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, CGMH, Taiwan Fellow, Robotic Surgical Oncology, Vattikuti Foundation, USA
Kolkata
Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals , Kolkata, Kolkata
(50+ Patients)
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
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Aniket Dave
Plastic Surgeon
8 Years • MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)
Ahmedabad
Apollo Hospitals - Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad
