Mastectomy

Removal of one or both breasts is sometimes necessary when breast cancer has developed or there is an elevated risk in the future of developing breast cancer. This surgery is called mastectomy. Even though some women prefer to have mastectomy with no breast reconstruction, a large proportion of women wish to have breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy.

What to expect during your first visit 

During your first visit, you'll be able to have an open discussion about the pros and cons of mastectomy and the risks and benefits of the operation. We will also discuss what recovery will be like.

At this time, we will also give you an introduction to breast reconstruction options and cosmetic expectations. You'll receive referral information if this is something you are interested in pursuing. 

Why you should choose Nebraska Medicine 

Our team is the only group in the region that offers:

• DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap breast reconstruction (using the patient's own abdominal tissue)
• Immediate lymphatic reconstruction to prevent arm lymphedema after armpit lymph node removal
• Corrective lymph node surgery to cure lymphedema
• Immediate nipple nerve reconstruction during nipple-skin sparing mastectomy (to preserve nipple and breast skin sensation). We are proud to be the first and only in the state to offer this service.
• A multidisciplinary breast treatment team with on-site plastic surgeon availability

We offer a well-established breast clinic with three different sites meeting weekly in each of these sites. Our breast team is part of the only NCI-designated cancer center in the region, and a panel member institution to the NCCN. This means that our team is always up to date on breast disease management, available breast cancer clinical trials and innovative procedures. We recognize the importance of physical and sexual well-being, and offer treatments such as sensation restoration to help you continue to feel like yourself.