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Recovery Time After a Mastectomy

A mastectomy is the surgical removal of one or both cancerous breasts to avoid the spread of cancer to the other parts of the body. Recovery time after a mastectomy depends on a number of factors.

  1. Factors

    • Recovery after a mastectomy depends on the stage of cancer and the type of mastectomy being performed. The patient's adherence to post-surgery instructions is also a factor.

    Time Frame

    • Patients usually stay in the hospital two to three days after a mastectomy. Full recovery from the procedure occurs, on average, in three to six weeks.

    Complications

    • Following a mastectomy, a patient's recovery may be marred by bruising, infection, arm swelling (near the area where the breast was removed) and limited arm movement.

    Considerations

    • Physically, recovery may be completed in six weeks or less but patients may suffer longer with depression and issues related to body image. Therapy and/or breast reconstruction surgery can help.

    Warning

    • Even after recovering from a mastectomy and receiving appropriate cancer treatment, cancer can come back.

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