What is skin sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction?
Skin-sparing mastectomy is a technique that preserves as much of the breast skin as possible. Skin-sparing mastectomy can be performed as a “simple” or “total” mastectomy or as a modified radical mastectomy to provide the skin needed for immediate reconstruction.
Who is a candidate for skin sparing mastectomy?
Skin sparing is possible as part of simple mastectomies, as well as those that involve the removal of lymph nodes under the arm if cancer has spread to these areas. Most people with breast cancer are potential candidates for a skin sparing mastectomy.
How long does a skin sparing mastectomy take?
During mastectomy surgery Mastectomy with axillary dissection can take 2-3 hours. If reconstruction is performed at the same time, surgery will take longer. Most mastectomy incisions are in the shape of an oval around the nipple, running across the width of the breast.
What is total skin sparing mastectomy?
Total skin-sparing mastectomy (TSSM), also called nipple-sparing mastectomy, has been developed as an extension of skin-sparing mastectomy to further enhance the aesthetic benefit by providing complete preservation of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) skin while still removing all of the breast tissue.
What happens to skin after mastectomy?
The skin may have been thinned too much when tissue was removed during the mastectomy. When there isn’t enough blood flow to the skin, portions of the skin on one or both breasts can wither and scab. This breakdown of tissue is called “necrosis.”
How long does it take to recover from mastectomy and reconstruction?
Average recovery time after mastectomy and reconstruction is about 3-4 weeks, but may be up to 6-8 weeks. During that time, there may be restrictions against driving and activities that involve lifting or raising the arms up over the head.
What do drains look like after a mastectomy?
The Drainage Record sheet will be reviewed by a nurse who will either come to your home or see you at a clinic. The fluid will be red at first and then will become pink in colour. Over time the fluid will look like the colour of apple juice. Small clots of blood or tissue may be seen in the drain – this is normal.
Is mastectomy a major operation?
Mastectomy is considered a major surgery for the below reasons: The procedure involves permanent removal of either one or both breasts, which itself is a major risk factor. Usually, the procedure may last up to 4 hours depending on the severity of the disease. It is performed under general anesthesia.
What kind of bra do you wear after a mastectomy?
In the first year after breast surgery (such as a mastectomy or lumpectomy), it’s best to wear a bra that has: soft seams. a wide underband (the band that goes under the cups and round your back) deep front and side panels.
Why is my skin so sensitive after mastectomy?
During treatment for breast cancer, you may notice that your skin is more or less sensitive to touch than before, especially in the breast area. The increase or decrease in sensitivity is because certain treatments affect the nerve endings in your skin and how they relay messages to the brain.