Physical recovery time from a double mastectomy is typically 4 to 6 weeks, but this can vary. In addition to physical recovery, people also need to consider their emotional recovery in the following weeks and months.

A double mastectomy is the surgical removal of both breasts. The recovery time from a mastectomy can vary from person to person. While mastectomy recovery is often 4 to 6 weeks, it can range anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the reconstruction.

Some surgeries involve removing breast tissues, while others remove the whole breast. As part of a mastectomy, many people also undergo breast reconstruction, which can add additional time and complexity to their recovery. These procedures can also spare or reconstruct nipple tissue if affected by a mastectomy.

In this article, we provide information and tips on recovering from a double mastectomy.

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Doctors will help a person prepare for a double mastectomy by:

  • explaining the procedure in detail
  • taking a medical history
  • performing a physical examination
  • doing blood tests or other tests if necessary
  • answering questions

These conversations may include speaking with multiple doctors. For example, a surgeon will discuss the removal procedure and aftercare with a person, such as what to expect with drains in recovery. These are tubes that help remove fluid from the surgery site and reduce swelling in the affected area.

Meanwhile, a plastic surgeon will discuss the reconstructive aspects of the surgery, such as nipple-sparing, reconstruction methods, and breast size and shape.

The doctor may also instruct the individual to avoid eating or drinking for a while before the surgery. Anyone taking aspirin or other blood-thinning medications may need to stop taking them for several days or weeks before the procedure.

Other preparations to consider include:

  • Packing: People often go home on the day of surgery, but sometimes a short stay may be required. In preparation for the surgery, the individual must pack a hospital bag for this stay. It is best to include loose-fitting tops, cardigans, and zip-up hoodies, as these clothes allow room for drainage tubes following surgery.
  • Researching prosthetic options: Some who are not having reconstruction surgery may wish to wear prosthetics. However, it is a good idea to wait for a number of months after surgery before buying mastectomy bras, as the chest size will change as the swelling goes down.
  • Preparing the home: It can be helpful to cook and freeze meals in advance of the surgery and ask friends or family to help with cooking and cleaning. Placing books, bottles of water, and other important items within easy reach of the bed or sofa can also help.

Following the surgery, the person will spend some time in the recovery room. Here, the medical staff will monitor their heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.

Although several drain lines will come from the chest, the area will typically be numb. The individual will receive pain medication to manage any discomfort.

Leaving the hospital

In most cases, a person will leave the hospital either on the day of surgery or after one night.

However, if a person has undergone autologous reconstructionTrusted Source, they may be required to stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 nights. During this time, staff will continue to monitor their pain and other symptoms.

Before leaving the hospital, individuals will get instructions on:

  • showering
  • removing the bandages
  • caring for the drains
  • using medication
  • performing arm exercises
  • experiencing possible side effects and complications
  • booking a follow-up appointment

In the immediate days following surgery, a person may experience unusual sensations in the chest and underarm areas.

Following discharge from the hospital, It is essential to arrange a ride home because driving after being under anesthesia is dangerous. The seatbelt may hurt the newly sensitive chest area, so bring a small pillow to place between the chest and belt.

At-home recovery from a double mastectomy usually takes a few weeks. It may take longer for people who have had breast reconstruction.

The surgeon will provide detailed instructions for the recovery period, but the following tips may help:

  • Rest: Rest and relax as much as possible. A double mastectomy is a major surgical procedure, and adequate rest gives the body time to heal.
  • Ask for help: Ask friends and family to help with housework, meal preparation, and childcare. Avoid doing strenuous work or taking on too much.
  • Seek support: Knowing where to get postsurgery support can help some people stay calm before the procedure. Make a list of helpful organizations and contacts, including cleaning services, taxi companies, and pet sitters.
  • Take pain medication: Take pain medication as necessary to manage pain or discomfort in the armpit or chest following surgery.
  • Exercise: The surgeon will recommend arm exercises to speed up recovery. Do these every day to prevent stiffness and maintain flexibility.
  • Do not face everything alone: A doctor may tell some people to remove the surgical bandages themselves. Some people find the wounds distressing, so it may be a good idea to have a loved one nearby for support and reassurance. Over time, the skin will heal. Call a doctor for extra assistance if necessary.
  • Expect to feel emotional: Some days will be better than others. Accept and allow whatever emotions arise, and know that it is normal to feel grief, anger, sadness, and fear after this type of procedure. It is also common to feel happiness and relief as the recovery progresses.

A double mastectomy can cause some physical side effectsTrusted Source of varying severity. There is also a risk of complications following the surgery.

Potential side effects and risks include:

  • Fatigue: Many people feel tired for days or weeks after the surgery.
  • Pain and stiffness in the arms: The shoulders and arms may be stiff, sore, or otherwise uncomfortable. Medications and exercises can reduce these symptoms.
  • Phantom feelings: Phantom breast pain or numbness can occur after a mastectomy. It is best to speak with a doctor about this, as they may be able to prescribe medications to reduce these symptoms.
  • Lymphedema: This occurs when fluid builds up under the skin. If the surgeon removes the lymph nodes during the procedure, the individual will have a higher risk of infection and the arm swelling. Call a doctor immediately if there is swelling in the arms, fever, or any other signs of infection.
  • Scar tissue: There may be a lump or hard area at the point where the surgeon made the incision. There will probably be scarring at the site of the mastectomy.
  • Bleeding: All surgeries carry the risk of excess bleeding.
  • Seroma: This clear fluid can collect in the breast after a mastectomy, but a surgeon can drain it. Some people receive an injection to harden the space in the breast to prevent fluid from building up.
  • Depression: It is not uncommon to experience feelings of depression or a loss of sexual identity following a double mastectomy. Seek advice and support from a doctor or therapist if these feelings persist.

Rarely, breast reconstruction surgery may cause complications that affect or delay a person’s existing radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Strong emotions are common among those who undergo a single or double mastectomy. These emotions can come and go and typically change over time.

Common responses include:

  • sadness
  • grief and mourning
  • loss of sexual identity
  • fear and anxiety, especially about being intimate with another person
  • concerns around body image
  • fear of the cancer returning or of undergoing other types of cancer treatment

Support

These and other responses are all perfectly valid, and it is vital to acknowledge emotions as they arise. Take time alone if necessary and seek support from loved ones. Also, try to engage in enjoyable activities, such as reading, socializing, and hobbies.

People may find itTrusted Source beneficial to speak with a therapist or seek out support groups as part of their recovery.

Support groups bring together people who have undergone or are undergoing similar experiences. Connecting with these groups can help people share concerns and coping techniques and lend an empathetic ear.

Some support groups are community-led, while others may involve specialized counselors. Meetings may be in-person, remote, or online. All people respond to cancer and recovery differently; it is important for a person to move at their speed and find the right support group for their wants and needs.

If a person is not ready to join a support group, one-on-one counseling and therapy may be a better, more private option.

There is no right or wrong way to cope with recovery, but talking about it in safe settings can often be of great benefit.

The American Cancer SocietyTrusted Source offers a range of support programs throughout the United States.

Recovery from a double mastectomy takes time. The recovery process varies from person to person and involves both physical and emotional changes.

Before the surgery, a person can prepare as much as possible and ask family and friends to support them throughout the process. People who have any concerns about the recovery process should speak with a doctor.