Breast surgery is a procedure that alters the appearance of a person’s breasts, whether male or female, for various reasons. Some seek cosmetic changes, such as breast reconstruction for a more youthful look or size augmentation. Others undergo surgery out of medical necessity, like breast reduction for back pain or cancer removal.

What is breast surgery?

Breast surgery involves procedures performed on a person’s breast(s), addressing medical or cosmetic concerns. Examples include:

Medical reasons:

• Breast cancer surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy)
• Preventative surgery (mastectomy)
• Removal of non-cancerous breast lumps
• Breast reduction

Cosmetic reasons:

• Breast reconstruction
• Breast augmentation
• Breast reduction

What conditions are treated with breast surgery? 

Breast surgery is needed for medical issues like breast cancer, non-cancerous lumps, and breast reduction for back pain. Cosmetic reasons include personal desires for a different size, appearance, or shape of the breast(s).

Is breast surgery outpatient or inpatient?

The type of procedure determines if breast surgery is outpatient or inpatient. For instance, breast cancer, breast augmentation, and breast reduction surgeries can be either inpatient or outpatient.

Do males have breast surgery?

Yes, men may undergo breast surgery for conditions like gynecomastia or to address breast cancer.

Procedure Details

What happens before breast surgery?

Before any procedure, a consultation with the surgeon assesses candidacy. Discussions include reasons for surgery, allergies, medical history, medications, lifestyle habits, and family history of breast cancer. Preparing for surgery may involve adjusting medications, blood tests, and lifestyle changes.

Will I be asleep during breast surgery?

Yes, anesthesia is administered, and options are discussed with the healthcare provider.

What happens during breast surgery?

Procedures vary, but breast augmentation involves anesthesia, incisions, implant insertion, incision closure, and immediate results. Breast reduction includes anesthesia, incisions, tissue removal, nipple relocation, and incision closure.

How long does breast surgery last?

Procedure duration depends on the type; for example, lumpectomy takes about one to two hours, while breast reduction surgeries take three to five hours.

What happens after breast surgery?

Post-surgery, patients are monitored, wear support garments, and receive instructions for care, pain management, and follow-up appointments. Prescription medications may be provided.

Risks / Benefits

Risks include anesthesia complications, bleeding, infection, changes in sensation, scarring, implant issues, pain, and potential need for revision surgery. Breast implants may hinder cancer detection.

Is breast surgery painful?

Pain varies; breast augmentation discomfort typically lasts one to five days, while breast reduction may cause pain due to scar tissue. Post-cancer surgery may involve bruising, numbness, and tingling.

Recovery 

Recovery times range from one week to six weeks or longer, depending on the surgery type. Lumpectomy recovery may allow return to work after two weeks, while mastectomy recovery may take four to six weeks.

How should I care for myself once I’m home?

Tasks include changing bandages, keeping areas dry, wearing support bras, cleaning incision sites, caring for drainage devices if installed, and following surgeon instructions on showering and bathing restrictions.

Will I have to limit my activity?

Activity limitations are advised until given clearance by the surgeon. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise may be restricted for up to a month.

In conclusion, breast surgery serves a dual purpose, addressing both medical necessities such as breast cancer treatment and cosmetic aspirations like breast augmentation. The prevalence of these procedures underscores their significance in enhancing individuals’ physical and emotional well-being. A crucial precursor to any breast surgery is a comprehensive consultation with a qualified surgeon, considering associated risks and benefits. The recovery process necessitates attentive self-care and adherence to post-operative guidelines, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nuances specific to each procedure. Beyond physical transformations, breast surgery carries emotional and psychological dimensions, requiring open communication, realistic expectations, and commitment to post-operative care. Ultimately, the decision to undergo breast surgery is deeply personal, shaped by individual motivations, preferences, and the pursuit of holistic well-being.