Mastectomy
A mastectomy is an operation to remove all of the breast tissue, performed to treat breast cancer or to reduce the risk in people at very high inherited risk. Several techniques exist, some preserving the skin or nipple, and breast reconstruction can often be carried out at the same time or at a later stage.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
A mastectomy removes all of the breast tissue and is a long-established, effective treatment for breast cancer. Depending on the situation it may be a total (simple) mastectomy, a skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy that preserves more of the breast envelope to aid reconstruction, or a modified radical mastectomy that also removes underarm lymph nodes. The choice depends on the type, size and location of the cancer, whether lymph nodes are involved, and your own preferences. For some people at very high inherited risk, a risk-reducing (preventive) mastectomy is an option discussed carefully with the team.
Mastectomy is planned within a multidisciplinary breast cancer team of surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, reconstructive surgeons and specialist nurses, so that surgery, any reconstruction and any additional treatment fit together in one clear plan. For international patients, a dedicated coordinator arranges imaging, the surgical and reconstruction plan and a transparent cost estimate before travel, and our specialists can review your mammograms, scans and pathology remotely so the recommendation and the expected length of stay are agreed before you arrive in İstanbul.
Who is a candidate?
- People with breast cancer that is large relative to the breast, in more than one area, or otherwise better treated by removing the whole breast
- Patients who cannot have, or prefer not to have, breast-conserving surgery followed by radiotherapy
- Those whose cancer returns in a breast previously treated with conservation
- People with certain types of breast cancer where mastectomy is the recommended approach
- Individuals at very high inherited risk (for example a strong family history or a known gene change) considering risk-reducing surgery
- Patients fit for surgery who have discussed reconstruction options and their preferences with the team
What happens
- 1
Evaluation and planning
Your breast team confirms the diagnosis and extent of disease with imaging and biopsies, checks your fitness for surgery, and discusses the type of mastectomy and your reconstruction options so you can make an informed, unhurried decision.
- 2
Preparation
You receive clear guidance on fasting and medications, and meet your surgeon, reconstructive surgeon if relevant, and a specialist breast care nurse who supports you through the decision and what to expect.
- 3
The operation
Under general anesthesia, the surgeon removes the breast tissue using the planned technique, and where needed checks or removes underarm lymph nodes to help stage the cancer. Reconstruction may be started in the same operation if chosen.
- 4
Early recovery in hospital
You are monitored with pain well controlled, and the nurse helps you care for the wound and any drains. The stay is usually short for mastectomy alone and a little longer when reconstruction is performed.
- 5
Recovery at home
You gradually resume activity over about four to six weeks, following advice on gentle arm and shoulder exercises and avoiding heavy lifting until your surgeon confirms it is safe. Your care nurse remains a point of contact and support.
- 6
Further treatment and follow-up
Pathology results guide any additional treatment such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy or hormone therapy, and any later-stage reconstruction. International patients leave with a clear aftercare plan and can be supported remotely after returning home.
Benefits
- Removes the breast cancer and is a long-established, effective treatment for many breast cancers
- Can avoid the need for radiotherapy that usually follows breast-conserving surgery, in suitable cases
- Lymph node assessment during surgery helps determine the stage and guide further treatment
- Skin- and nipple-sparing techniques, where appropriate, can give a better cosmetic result with reconstruction
- Reconstruction, immediate or delayed, can restore breast shape and support confidence and well-being
- For people at very high inherited risk, risk-reducing mastectomy substantially lowers future breast cancer risk
Risks & considerations
- Bleeding, infection or fluid collection (seroma) at the wound, which the team monitors and manages
- Numbness or altered sensation of the chest and, sometimes, the inner arm
- Arm or hand swelling (lymphoedema), more likely if underarm lymph nodes are removed
- Shoulder or arm stiffness, which is helped by guided exercises
- With reconstruction, additional risks such as implant problems or healing issues at a tissue-flap site
- Emotional impact of breast loss, for which specialist nursing and psychological support are available
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Comprehensive Oncology Center.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Mastectomy — frequently asked questions
Plan for around one to two weeks for mastectomy alone, and longer if you have reconstruction at the same time. The hospital stay is usually one to three days, with extra time for wound checks and a post-operative review before you fly home. Your coordinator confirms the timeline and a transparent, personalized cost estimate in advance.
Yes. You can share your mammograms, ultrasound or MRI images, biopsy and pathology results and medical history, and our breast cancer specialists will review them remotely. We then confirm the recommended type of mastectomy, discuss reconstruction options and provide a clear plan and cost estimate before you arrange travel.
Often, yes. Immediate reconstruction can be performed during the same operation, using an implant or your own tissue, when it is suitable for your cancer treatment plan. In other situations, delayed reconstruction at a later stage is the better choice. Your surgeon and reconstructive surgeon discuss the options and timing with you.
Many people need additional treatment guided by the pathology results, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted treatment, depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Your multidisciplinary team explains what is recommended and coordinates it as part of one overall plan.
A total (simple) mastectomy removes all the breast tissue; skin-sparing and nipple-sparing techniques preserve more of the breast envelope to help reconstruction; and a modified radical mastectomy also removes underarm lymph nodes. The right choice depends on the cancer and your reconstruction plans, which your surgeon explains clearly.
Most people recover from mastectomy alone over about four to six weeks, gradually resuming activity and following advice on gentle arm and shoulder exercises. Recovery takes longer when reconstruction is performed or when further treatment follows. Your care team supports you throughout and tailors the plan to you.
Related treatments
Considering mastectomy?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.