Mastectomy

Mastectomy surgery treats breast cancer by removing the breast tissue. This process addresses the presence of cancerous cells.

Woman with Smiling with Her Hand on Her Hip

*Real Patient

What Is A Mastectomy?

A mastectomy is a surgery that removes the entire breast. A mastectomy is a treatment option for women who have breast cancer or those who do not wish to have a lumpectomy. In addition, many women who are in a high-risk group elect to have a prophylactic mastectomy, which is a preventive surgery that removes a normal breast to prevent the occurrence of breast cancer. It is important to remember that after a mastectomy, women no longer require imaging (i.e. sonograms, mammograms, MRI), as the breast tissue has been removed. There are different types of surgeries, and your mastectomy surgeon in New York will consult with you about your options.

What are the different types of Mastectomy?

While mastectomy surgery is often thought of as one specific surgery, it is actually an umbrella term for numerous types of surgery. The commonality between these different types is simply that, in most cases, they are designed to treat breast cancer. Before choosing which mastectomy procedure to undergo, patients must receive a full assessment of their medical history and current status to determine which one will best suit their needs.

During the consultation, Dr. Tanna will explain each of the procedures in detail so that you are well informed on what they entail.

As with any surgery, making an informed decision is the most important factor in achieving satisfactory results. Patients who choose Dr. Tanna can rest assured that they are in good hands.

Nipple-sparing Mastectomy

With a nipple-sparing mastectomy, a woman’s existing, natural nipple and areola are preserved. The obvious advantage is the aesthetic benefit, as no further surgery is required to reconstruct the nipple-areola complex. A common misconception is that leaving the nipple-areola complex increases the chance of cancer recurrence, but this is false.

Research reveals, in the appropriately selected patient, there is no increase in cancer recurrence in patients who have had nipple-sparing mastectomy compared to patients who have undergone a traditional mastectomy. There are some limitations to a nipple-sparing mastectomy, the first of which is that not all women are candidates. It may not be the right surgical option for large cancers or those occurring near the nipple.

Since all the ducts terminate at the nipple, the nipple is considered part of the breast and therefore is usually removed when the cancer is in close proximity. Women with very large or ptotic (sagging) breasts may not be ideal candidates. When considering this treatment, you should be aware that there may be a loss of sensation or altered appearance of the nipple areola complex.

*Real Patient

Skin-Sparing Mastectomy

A skin-sparing mastectomy is a technique to save the breast skin while removing all the underlying breast tissue and nipple. The preserved skin structure provides a good shape and form for implant or flap (autologous) reconstruction. This type of mastectomy is one of the more favorable options due to the natural look, feel, and aesthetic results in immediate breast reconstruction – performed in the same surgery as the mastectomy.

Breast Reconstruction Options

Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy

Choosing to have a mastectomy can be a very emotional and difficult decision for many women. For women considering breast cancer surgery in New York, the question often comes up as to what should be done with the other breast. You may elect to have one breast (unilateral mastectomy) or both breasts removed (bilateral mastectomy). Some women with breast cancer in one breast will choose to have the opposite healthy breast removed in what is called a “contralateral prophylactic mastectomy” (CPM).

Why choose Dr. Tanna?

Double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Neil Tanna has years of experience in performing Mastectomy procedures, helping thousands of patients achieve a higher level of self-worth and confidence. His expertise in both aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery enables him to curate treatments that are unique and address the specific needs of his patients.

Dr. Tanna’s lengthy educational and training background includes Albany Medical College, The George Washington University, UCLA, The George Washington University, and NYU. Dr. Tanna is one of the only plastic surgeons in the United States who is formally trained in multiple areas, such as plastic and reconstructive surgery and microvascular surgery. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to helping women who are struggling with breast cancer. He has a strong track record of carrying out successful breast reconstruction procedures for both women who are undergoing cancer treatment and those who are seeking out preventative measures.