Breast cancer operations

Most women will have one of the operations on the breast from the first table and one of the operations on the axillary lymph nodes from the second table at the same time. Recovery from surgery takes up to a few weeks. There may be slightly reduced range of shoulder movement and reduced shoulder strength on the operated side for several months.

Breast operations

Axillary lymph node operations

What is a breast prosthesis?

After any type of surgery to the breast, the shape of the chest may be noticeably different to the other side, even when wearing clothes. Most women will wear a prosthesis or a partial prosthesis inside their bra to even out the shape. Wearing a prosthesis may be uncomfortable and can be hot and sweaty. The prosthesis may slip out of position. These problems with the prosthesis are a common cause of social embarrassment and anxiety, which may be alleviated by breast reconstruction.

What is a breast reconstruction?

This surgery is offered to women who need a mastectomy. Not all women will be able to have this type of surgery. The breast is rebuilt using either,

• Breast implants alone or
• A flap of skin with muscle or fat from the back, the abdomen or the buttock; an implant may be placed under the flap in addition
• Further surgery on the opposite side to achieve symmetry may be required at a later date, and also more minor surgery such as nipple reconstruction using a small flap of skin or nipple tattooing.

The breast does not look normal after reconstruction but the shape of the reconstruction can pass for normal when a woman is wearing clothes. Recovery can take up to three months and occasionally longer. The usual disabling effect of this type of surgery is limited movement of the arm and inability to drive a car during the recovery period. If tissue from the abdominal wall is used (TRAM flap reconstruction) there is likely to be permanent weakness of the abdominal muscles.

Amended May 2009