Mastectomy Surgery in Ankara, Turkey

Mastectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the breast tissue. It is most commonly performed as part of breast cancer treatment. The extent of surgery is determined by the tumor type, size, and the patient’s overall health condition.

Radical mastectomy, simple mastectomy, and skin-sparing mastectomy are among the most frequently used techniques. The surgical approach is planned according to the stage of the disease. In some cases, breast reconstruction can be performed during the same operation.

Recovery after mastectomy varies depending on the scope of the procedure. Patients usually stay in the hospital for a few days. A drain may be placed after surgery, and early mobilization is encouraged with appropriate pain control.

In the long term, psychological support and reconstructive surgery options are important for patients who undergo mastectomy. Regular oncologic follow-ups and imaging are used to reduce the risk of recurrence.

You can contact Prof. Dr. Ebru Soy, one of the doctors performing Mastectomy Surgery in Ankara, to get information about Mastectomy Surgery prices, the process, and the hospital where Mastectomy Surgery is performed.

What Is Mastectomy Surgery?

In its simplest form, mastectomy is the surgical removal of the entire breast tissue. The main goal is to completely remove cancerous tissue from the body or to significantly reduce the risk in individuals with a very high likelihood of developing breast cancer. In the past, these operations were extensive procedures that removed not only the breast but also the chest muscles and all axillary lymph nodes—causing major physical changes. However, as we have understood cancer biology better, surgical approaches have fundamentally evolved. Today, the goal is not to perform “the biggest possible surgery,” but rather “the most oncologically effective and tissue-sparing surgery.”

Currently, there are different types of mastectomy tailored to each patient’s condition. The chosen method depends on tumor characteristics, the patient’s overall health, and aesthetic expectations. The main mastectomy types include:

• Total (Simple) Mastectomy
• Modified Radical Mastectomy
• Skin-Sparing Mastectomy
• Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

In total mastectomy, all breast tissue is removed along with the nipple-areola complex and a portion of overlying skin, while the chest muscles are preserved. Modified radical mastectomy is more extensive and includes removal of most axillary lymph nodes at risk of spread. In modern practice, the most frequently used techniques are the tissue-sparing approaches that prioritize aesthetic outcomes. In skin-sparing mastectomy, the nipple-areola complex is removed while most of the breast skin is preserved. This preserved skin acts as a natural pocket for immediate breast reconstruction. In the most advanced technique—nipple-sparing mastectomy—both the skin and nipple are preserved while the internal breast tissue is removed. This approach offers the most satisfying cosmetic results and is typically completed with immediate reconstruction using an implant or the patient’s own tissue.

When Is Mastectomy Recommended?

The decision to proceed with mastectomy should be made jointly by the patient and physician after discussing all details. In early-stage breast cancer, long-term outcomes of breast-conserving surgery (removing only part of the breast followed by radiotherapy) are very close to those of mastectomy. Therefore, mastectomy is generally considered when breast-conserving surgery is not possible, or when the patient specifically prefers it.

Common indications for therapeutic mastectomy include:

• Multiple tumor foci in different areas of the breast
• Diffuse suspicious calcifications that cannot be fully removed
• Prior radiotherapy to the same breast/chest area
• Failure to achieve clear margins despite attempts at breast-conserving surgery
• A tumor that is too large relative to breast size
• Inability to receive radiotherapy during pregnancy
• Patient preference (e.g., avoiding radiotherapy or anxiety about recurrence)

In addition, risk-reducing (prophylactic) mastectomy can be performed in individuals who have not been diagnosed with cancer but have a very high future risk—reducing that risk by about 90–95%. Situations where this decision is commonly considered include:

• Presence of high-risk genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
• Strong family history with multiple relatives affected or early-onset breast cancer
• Radiotherapy to the chest region at a young age (under 30) for another condition
• Detection of certain high-risk lesions on biopsy combined with other risk factors

What Are the Risks of Mastectomy?

As with any surgical procedure, mastectomy carries potential risks. Knowing these risks helps you feel more prepared and recognize possible problems early. Risks can be grouped as short-term and long-term.

Short-term risks that may appear within the first days or weeks include:

• Seroma (fluid collection in the surgical area)
• Hematoma (blood collection in the surgical area)
• Infection
• Skin flap necrosis (impaired blood supply leading to tissue loss)
• Delayed wound healing

Seroma is the most common issue and reflects fluid produced as part of healing accumulating in the surgical space; it can usually be drained with a simple intervention. Hematoma presents with swelling, pain, and bruising, and if large, may require reoperation.

Long-term risks that may develop months or even years later include:

• Lymphedema (arm swelling)
• Chronic pain (post-mastectomy pain syndrome)
• Axillary web syndrome (cording under the arm)
• Shoulder stiffness and reduced range of motion
• Body image concerns and psychological challenges

Among long-term risks, lymphedema requires particular attention—especially in patients who have had a full axillary lymph node dissection, as it can cause persistent swelling. To reduce this risk, sentinel lymph node biopsy is now commonly used in many patients, where only the “sentinel” nodes are removed. Chronic pain can occur due to injury to superficial nerves during surgery and may require specialized management.

How Is Mastectomy Performed?

Mastectomy is performed under general anesthesia, meaning the patient is fully asleep. The patient lies on the back, and the arm on the operated side is positioned on a support to allow safe surgical access.

The procedure proceeds step by step. First, the surgeon plans an elliptical incision that typically includes the nipple-areola complex. The shape and size of the incision are carefully adjusted based on breast anatomy and whether reconstruction is planned—aiming both to remove all diseased tissue and to leave a cosmetically acceptable scar.

Next comes one of the most delicate stages: creating the skin flaps. The surgeon carefully separates the skin from the underlying breast tissue. The key is to keep the flap thick enough to preserve blood supply, yet thin enough to avoid leaving cancerous tissue behind. Achieving this balance depends on surgical experience.

Once the flaps are prepared, the entire breast tissue is removed as one unit by dissecting it off the fascia over the chest muscle. The anatomical boundaries—up to the collarbone, down to the inframammary fold, toward the sternum, and laterally toward the back muscles—are cleared. If there is concern for spread to the axilla, lymph node surgery is performed in the same session. In many cases, removing only a few sentinel lymph nodes is sufficient.

After the breast tissue is removed, the surgical field is checked carefully and bleeding is controlled. Then one or two thin plastic tubes (drains) are placed to prevent fluid buildup. These drains remove postoperative fluid and help the skin adhere to the underlying tissues, supporting faster healing. Finally, the wound is closed in layers—often with cosmetic (subcuticular) sutures—and covered with a sterile dressing. If immediate reconstruction is planned, the plastic surgery team typically begins breast reconstruction at this stage.

Recovery After Mastectomy

Postoperative recovery varies based on the extent of surgery and overall health. This period requires patience and active participation from the patient—not just rest.

Hospital stay is usually short. If only mastectomy is performed, many patients stay one night and are discharged the next day. If reconstruction is done at the same time, hospitalization may extend to a few days. Pain is expected but is typically well controlled with modern pain management methods. Pain medications are prescribed for home use.

Drain care is one of the most important parts of recovery. Before discharge, the patient and a family member are taught how to empty the drains and record the amount of fluid. Drains are usually removed painlessly in the outpatient clinic once daily output drops below the target level—typically within 1 to 3 weeks.

Activity restrictions are critical to protect healing tissues. In general, the following rules should be followed for the first 4–6 weeks:

• Avoid heavy lifting with the operated arm (often a 2–5 kg limit)
• Do not drive while drains are in place and/or while using strong pain medications
• Avoid strenuous exercise such as running and weightlifting
• Avoid repetitive arm movements such as vacuuming
• Avoid bathtubs and pools until wounds heal completely (showering is usually allowed)

Full healing and return to normal daily life typically take about 4 to 8 weeks. Eating a balanced, protein-rich diet and staying well hydrated support recovery.

Important Points to Keep in Mind After Mastectomy

Life after mastectomy continues with some new habits and long-term precautions. These measures are important both for protecting physical health and maintaining quality of life.

The first priority is physiotherapy and exercise. Gentle arm and shoulder exercises—often started in the hospital—are essential to prevent shoulder stiffness and reduced range of motion. These exercises should be performed regularly, ideally under guidance of a physiotherapist or as instructed by your surgeon, and progressed gradually as mobility improves. Regaining full function largely depends on consistent exercise.

For patients who had axillary lymph nodes removed, lymphedema prevention should become a lifestyle. Helpful precautions include:

• Do not have blood drawn from that arm
• Do not have blood pressure measured on that arm
• Avoid vaccines or injections in that arm
• Protect from cuts, burns, and insect bites (use gloves when appropriate)
• Avoid tight jewelry or tight sleeves
• Keep the skin clean and well moisturized
• Contact your doctor immediately if you notice swelling, heaviness, or fullness in the arm

Finally, do not ignore the emotional and psychological side of this journey. Mastectomy changes body image and can deeply affect identity, confidence, and social relationships. Support from family, friends, and—when needed—mental health professionals (psychologists or psychiatrists) is very valuable. Emotional recovery matters just as much as physical healing, and seeking help is a natural and healthy part of the process.