{"id":1287,"date":"2021-11-06T14:51:21","date_gmt":"2021-11-06T14:51:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/?p=1287"},"modified":"2025-11-17T22:49:22","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T22:49:22","slug":"things-you-should-know-before-a-double-mastectomy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/blog\/things-you-should-know-before-a-double-mastectomy\/","title":{"rendered":"Things You Should Know Before A Double Mastectomy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A double mastectomy is a common procedure in women who have breast cancer and those who have a high risk of developing the disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/breast-surgeon-miami-florida\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Mastectomy recovery<\/b><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">can take place in the hospital or at home, but there are various factors that people can consider to help the body heal faster.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">So, before getting a double mastectomy, it&#8217;s important to know what the procedure includes and what you can expect during your recovery period.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Read on as we\u2019ll answer some of the questions that patients ask us during their visits: \u201cWhat is a double mastectomy?\u201d \u201cWhat are the side effects that I\u2019ll experience after the surgery?\u201d and \u201cHow do we prepare for the surgery?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Is a Double Mastectomy?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1289 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/11\/What-Is-a-Double-Mastectomy.jpg\" alt=\"Female Patient Listens to Mammography Technologist During Survey\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/11\/What-Is-a-Double-Mastectomy-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/11\/What-Is-a-Double-Mastectomy-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/11\/What-Is-a-Double-Mastectomy-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/11\/What-Is-a-Double-Mastectomy-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/11\/What-Is-a-Double-Mastectomy-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/11\/What-Is-a-Double-Mastectomy-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/11\/What-Is-a-Double-Mastectomy.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We refer to double mastectomy as bilateral mastectomy, as it is a surgical operation that involves the removal of both breasts simultaneously.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are different types of double mastectomies, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">During this procedure, we remove the breast tissue but preserve most of the skin, and sometimes even the nipples and areolas.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Simple or total mastectomy:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> We remove the breast tissue, areola, nipple, and the majority of the skin.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Modified radical mastectomy:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Women who undergo this surgery have their breast tissue, areola, nipple, and lining over the chest muscles removed. Sometimes, the operation may also involve the removal of the overlying skin, part of the muscle, and underarm lymph nodes.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Radical mastectomy:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> This procedure is not very common nowadays, but it involves the removal of the breasts, areola, nipple, skin, chest muscles, and underarm lymph nodes.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Moreover, a double mastectomy can be beneficial for women at a very high risk of developing breast cancer, including those with close relatives who have also received a breast cancer diagnosis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In this case, we remove both breasts before they get cancer, and so, we refer to this surgery as preventive or prophylactic mastectomy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Should You Know About Double Mastectomy Recovery?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Most of the time, mastectomy recovery takes only a few to several weeks. However, this depends on the severity of cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">That said, there are some double mastectomy recovery tips that you can consider for a speedy recovery. Your surgeon may suggest that you recover while in the hospital or at home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Recovering At The Hospital<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">After undergoing a double mastectomy, you may have to spend some time in the hospital to help your body recover. This can help the medical staff monitor your breathing and blood pressure, and they may also provide you with pain medication to help suppress and manage discomfort.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You may also notice an unusual sensation in certain parts of the body, such as the chest area or underarms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">That said, before you get discharged, the doctor provides you with instructions on certain things, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The way you shower.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">How to remove bandages.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">How to take medications<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">How to engage in exercise<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">How to book a follow-up appointment<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Any possible side effects to look for.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Recovering At Home<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Recovering at home takes a few weeks, but it can be longer if you undergo breast reconstruction surgery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some of our double mastectomy recovery tips that we recommend our patients follow include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Taking pain medication<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Ibuprofen or Tylenol can ease the pain in both the armpit and chest.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Requesting help<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Ask your friends and family to help you get on with certain house chores. Do not engage in any tedious work.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Taking a sponge bath: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you need to freshen up and stay clean, it is best to opt for a sponge bath. Do not shower unless the doctor removes the drains and sutures.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Relaxing: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rest and relax as much as you can for faster healing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Engaging in physical activity: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Exercising can help avoid stiffness, maintain flexibility, and aid recovery.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Avoiding doing tasks on your own<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: In some cases, the doctor may advise you to remove bandages on your own. You can also ask someone to help you out if you find this distressing. With time, the skin will heal, and if you feel that you need extra medical assistance, you can always reach out to your doctor.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Preparing For a Double Mastectomy Procedure<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The following are some things that you should consider doing when preparing for a double mastectomy procedure:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cooking in advance and storing your food in the freezer, as you may not feel like cooking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Wearing loose-fitting tops that you find easy to put on and take off<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Asking someone to drive you back home and buy your prescription drugs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Making sure you have a water bottle nearby so you stay hydrated, as well as your phone and charger<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Double Mastectomy Side Effects<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Every surgical operation comes with side effects, and so does a double mastectomy. That said, you may experience:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Numbness:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> This is common after the doctor performs the procedure, but medication can help alleviate signs related to it.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Scar tissue:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Scarring can develop at the mastectomy area.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bleeding:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> This is common after the surgery, but request the doctor&#8217;s attention if you bleed a lot.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Depression:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> This is a common side effect as many patients suffer from a negative body image. They may also be concerned with how their family and friends will look at them after the surgery.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Following Up During Your Mastectomy Recovery Period<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1290 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/11\/Following-Up-During-Your-Mastectomy-Recovery-Period.jpg\" alt=\"Nurse Consoling a Patient Laying in Bed in a Hospital\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/11\/Following-Up-During-Your-Mastectomy-Recovery-Period-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/11\/Following-Up-During-Your-Mastectomy-Recovery-Period-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/11\/Following-Up-During-Your-Mastectomy-Recovery-Period-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/11\/Following-Up-During-Your-Mastectomy-Recovery-Period-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/11\/Following-Up-During-Your-Mastectomy-Recovery-Period-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/11\/Following-Up-During-Your-Mastectomy-Recovery-Period-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/11\/Following-Up-During-Your-Mastectomy-Recovery-Period.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">After having a successful double mastectomy operation, healing may take time. You may need to attend<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/breast-cancer\/living-as-a-breast-cancer-survivor\/follow-up-care-after-breast-cancer-treatment.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> follow-up appointments<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> with your doctor to help speed up the mastectomy recovery process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">During these visits, we examine the wound and check that it is healing well. You should let your physician know if you have any pain, as you may need more attention, and suggest further treatment options suitable for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Also, some common questions that we cover during these visits are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What can I do to help my body heal faster?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Are there any long-term health issues that the mastectomy can cause?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Now that my breasts are removed, what are the chances that cancer will return?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Are there any support groups that I can join?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We suggest taking notes when you meet with your doctor and asking whether you can record the conversation so you can refer to these later as needed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Book Your Appointment Today<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Having your breasts removed when you have cancer or are at great risk of developing the disease can cause a lot of pain. Some people may also go through emotional changes and have difficulty accepting their new body image.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Recovery takes time, as this depends on the severity of cancer, age, and home care, among others.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As a result, it\u2019s important to consider some factors when you\u2019re preparing for the procedure, such as how you\u2019re going to travel back home or how you\u2019re going to buy your medications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">More importantly, you will need to take time to rest and need all the support you can get from friends and family. If recovery takes longer than expected, you may need to talk to your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you&#8217;ve already booked your surgery or you still have questions about what you\u2019re going to do during your double mastectomy recovery period, call us today. Our clinic is open on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A double mastectomy is a common procedure in women who have breast cancer and those who have a high risk<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1288,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[14,161,73,216,208],"tags":[249,251,197,250,252],"class_list":["post-1287","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-breast-cancer","category-breast-exam","category-breast-health","category-cancer","tag-double-mastectomy","tag-double-mastectomy-recovery","tag-double-mastectomy-recovery-tips","tag-mastectomy-recovery","tag-what-is-a-double-mastectomy"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1287","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1287"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1287\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1288"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1287"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1287"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/breast-care-center-of-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1287"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}