question

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MASTECTOMY SUGERY?

answer

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. If you are having a skin-sparing mastectomy, the incision will be smaller, including only the nipple, areola, and the original biopsy scar. If you’re having a nipple-sparing mastectomy, a variety of incisions can be used.
After the incision is made, the breast tissue is separated from the overlying skin and from the chest wall muscle underneath. All of the breast tissue — which lies between the collarbone and ribs, from the side of the body to the breastbone in the center — is removed. Your breast surgeon will also perform sentinel node dissection or axillary lymph node dissection if it is part of your surgery plan.
After your breast surgeon has removed your breast tissue, if immediate breast reconstruction is part of your plan, your plastic surgeon will perform the reconstruction.
In the final stages of the surgery, your breast surgeon will check the surgery areas for bleeding and insert surgical drains. Drains are long tubes that are inserted into your breast area or armpit to collect excess fluid that can accumulate in the space where the tumor was. The tubes have plastic bulbs on the ends to create suction, which helps the fluid to exit your body. After the drains are inserted, your surgeon will stitch the incision closed. The surgery site will then be covered by a bandage that wraps closely around your chest.