Summary:

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A simple mastectomy is an operation to remove the entire breast — including the nipple, areola, and most of the overlying skin — while preserving the chest muscles underneath. It is performed to treat breast cancer or to reduce future cancer risk. The procedure can be combined with a sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection, depending on whether lymph nodes need to be checked or removed. A small drain is usually placed, and most patients go home the following day.

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What is a Simple Mastectomy?

 

A simple mastectomy removes all breast tissue from one breast to achieve complete cancer control. The operation removes the breast gland, nipple, and areola, but leaves the underlying chest muscles intact.

 

Depending on your diagnosis, it may be performed together with:

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• Sentinel lymph node biopsy – to check whether cancer has spread to the first few lymph nodes under the arm.

• Axillary lymph node dissection – to remove several lymph nodes if cancer spread has been confirmed or is strongly suspected.

 

This procedure may also be performed as a risk-reducing surgery for people with a strong family history or a known genetic mutation (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2).

Breast reconstruction can be performed at a later stage (delayed reconstruction) or, in selected cases, planned as an immediate procedure.

Before the Procedure

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• You will meet your surgeon and anaesthetist on the day of surgery to review the plan and ask any questions.

• Bring your breast imaging and reports if these were performed outside the hospital.

• You do not need to bring a chest garment — it will be provided for you after the operation.

• You’ll arrive fasting, as instructed.

• The surgical area will be marked before you go to theatre.

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During the Procedure

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• The operation is performed under general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep throughout the procedure.

• An incision is made across the breast, shaped to allow a smooth chest contour.

• The entire breast tissue, including the nipple and areola, is removed.

• A sentinel lymph node biopsy is performed if lymph nodes need to be assessed.

• If cancer has spread to the nodes, or if the disease is extensive, an axillary lymph node dissection may be performed.

• A small surgical drain is placed beneath the skin to remove fluid and help the area heal properly.

• The wound is closed using dissolvable sutures, and the skin is sealed with glue or adhesive strips.

• A chest garment will be applied before you leave the operating theatre to support your chest and minimise swelling.

• The surgery usually takes 90–120 minutes, depending on whether lymph node surgery is performed.

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After the Procedure

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• You’ll wake up in the recovery area and then return to the ward for monitoring.

• The drain typically stays in place for a few days and is removed at your postoperative visit.

• Most patients stay in hospital overnight.

• You may experience some tightness, bruising, or discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication.

• Your dressing is waterproof, and you can shower from the day after surgery.

• Continue wearing your chest garment day and night for at least two weeks to support healing.

• Gentle arm and shoulder exercises will be recommended to maintain flexibility.

• Driving is permitted after your first postoperative review, once movement is comfortable and you’re no longer taking strong pain medication.

 

Your pathology results will usually be available within 7–10 days and will be discussed at your follow-up appointment.

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If further treatment such as radiotherapy, hormone therapy, or chemotherapy is required, it will be arranged after recovery.

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Possible Risks and Side Effects

 

While generally safe, possible risks include:

• Bleeding or haematoma

• Infection

• Seroma (fluid collection under the skin)

• Wound healing delay or flap necrosis

• Numbness or tightness across the chest and upper arm

• Shoulder stiffness

• Persistent discomfort in the chest wall (rare)

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Benefits of Simple Mastectomy

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• Complete removal of breast tissue for local cancer control

• May reduce need for radiotherapy in some cases

• Allows future reconstruction if desired

• Can be safely combined with lymph node surgery when indicated

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Key Points

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• Complete removal of breast tissue for cancer treatment or prevention

• Can be combined with sentinel node biopsy or axillary dissection if needed

• Chest garment provided and fitted immediately after surgery

• You can shower from the day after surgery

• Wear your chest garment continuously for at least two weeks

• Driving allowed after your first postoperative visit

• One-night hospital stay is typical, with a small drain in place for several days