Therapeutic Mammaplasty
A therapeutic mammaplasty is the term used to describe a wide local excision of a breast cancer that is performed as part of a breast reduction. It is a great technique to use when a large portion of the breast needs to be removed for a large tumour. It allows reshaping of the breast using a breast reduction pattern. It is almost always followed by radiotherapy. Sometimes a breast reduction is performed on your contralateral breast for symmetry.
The surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic and takes between 2-4 hours. You will have a waterproof dressing and will be able to shower after the surgery. You will stay in hospital for 1-2 nights, or longer should there be any complications. Dr Forsyth will advise you on the post operative bra that you will need to purchase and wear after the surgery.
Scarring
There are various techniques used for this operation but you will most likely have an ‘anchor’ scar for a therapeutic mammaplasty. This entails a circular scar around your areola, a vertical scar from your areola to the crease under your breast, and a horizontal scar along the crease under your breast or ‘inframammary fold’. Dr Forsyth will discuss strategies for scar management following your surgery
Recovery
You will need to take a week off work following the surgery. This may be extended in the event of a complication.
After about a week you should be carrying out your usual day to day activities with minimal discomfort.
It takes around 2-4 weeks to fully recover. You should avoid any strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and swimming during this period.
Dr Forsyth will discuss this in further detail with you at your post op appointment.