A nipple-sparing mastectomy is a surgical procedure in which the breast tissue is removed, but the nipple and areola are left intact along with the skin envelope. This type of mastectomy is typically used for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and wish to preserve the appearance of their breast. The procedure is more complex than a traditional mastectomy, and not all women are candidates for it. It is usually done in combination with breast reconstruction surgery.
Nipple-sparing mastectomy is typically done for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and wish to preserve the appearance of their breast after surgery. This type of mastectomy can result in a more natural-looking breast shape and can also help to preserve sensation in the nipple and areola.
Additionally, it is also done for women who have high risk of breast cancer or genetic predisposition to breast cancer, where prophylactic (preventative) mastectomy is done to remove the breast tissue to lower the risk of developing breast cancer. It is important to note that not all women are candidates for nipple-sparing mastectomy, as the technique is more complex and the nipple and areola must be free of cancer for the procedure to be safe.
Before a nipple-sparing mastectomy surgery, the patient will typically have a consultation with a surgeon to discuss the procedure and determine if they are a candidate for the surgery. The patient will also have a mammogram or other imaging tests to check the breast tissue and ensure that the cancer has not spread to the nipples. The patient may also meet with a plastic surgeon to discuss reconstruction options. The patient will also be given instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, such as fasting the night before the procedure.
After a nipple-sparing mastectomy surgery, the patient will typically spend some time in recovery before being discharged from the hospital. To treat any discomfort, the patient will be given painkillers, and it’s possible that drains may be inserted to clear the surgical site of extra fluid. For several weeks as the incision site heals, the patient will be advised to refrain from heavy lifting and intense activities. In order to track their progress and make sure the cancer has been completely removed, the patient will also need to go to follow-up consultations with the surgeon. If reconstruction is done with breast implant, the patient will need to attend follow-up appointments with the plastic surgeon to monitor the healing of the implant and the shape of the breast.
Nipple-sparing mastectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the breast tissue while preserving the nipple and areola. To prepare for this surgery, it is important to:
It is also important to understand that the success of nipple-sparing mastectomy depends on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the overall health of the patient and the expertise of the surgeon.
It’s crucial to adhere to your surgeon’s recommendations for recovery and aftercare after a nipple-sparing mastectomy. This might comprise:
The operation for NSM normally takes two to three hours and is typically carried out under general anaesthesia. Individual recovery times following NSM vary, however most people can resume their regular activities in 4 to 6 weeks.
Recoveries might take various periods of time for different people, so it’s vital to be patient during the process. Additionally, you might have to wait a specific amount of time before getting breast reconstruction or breast prosthesis.
Additionally, you should be informed that your breast sensation can temporarily change and that your surgeon might suggest you to refrain from sexual activity for a while.
About
Dr. Mansi Chowhan
Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon-Surgical Oncologist
MS (Gold Medalist), FIAGES, MCh Breast Oncoplasty (UK), Fellow Breast Surgery (Paris), Fellow Head & Neck Surgery, IFHNOS – MSKCC (New York)
Dr. Mansi Chowhan is an expert Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon with experience of more than 14 years and has been awarded with a gold medal during her surgical post-graduation. Dr. Mansi is well-trained from world renowned surgeons and cancer institutions like the Paris Breast Centre, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre (New York), University of East Anglia (U.K.) and Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. She is a skilled surgeon with over 14 years of experience in some of the best hospitals in the Delhi- NCR region including Fortis Hospital, Artemis Hospital, Paras Hospital and Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, CK Birla Hospital. She works with utmost dedication and compassion to deliver international standard and personalized cancer care to the patients.
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