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A 27-year-old member asked:
How long does a double mastectomy take?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Barry Rosenanswered
General Surgery 35 years experience
2-5 hours.: The length of surgery is dependent on the technique (simple-, modified radical-, nipple sparing-, etc) and whether reconstruction is performed simultaneously. A bilateral simple mastectomy alone may take less than 2 hours; this time may increase 1-3 hours with reconstruction.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Greg Pahnkeanswered
Surgery - Oncology 45 years experience
3 to 6 hours: Double simple mastectomy d cup 2 1/2 hours. Add sentinel ln to both sides make it 3. If you add reconstruction with tissue expanders by the plastic surgeons- at the same time starting when you are done one side - it is 4ish. Add formal axillary dissection to one or more sides adds 1 1/2 hours therefor 5 to5 1/2. Tram flaps 6 to 7 total. You need to know 1 any node procedure 2 what reconstruct.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 37-year-old member asked:
How long di double mastectomy procedure take?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Daniel Paraanswered
General Surgery 31 years experience
Not long: The actual procedure should take no more than 2 hours, perhaps a bit less, depending on the pathology and indication for the procedure.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
For how long does a mastectomy take?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

A Verified Doctoranswered
A US doctor answeredLearn more
Two hours on average: The actual length of the operation depends on the type of mastectomy performed and the type of lymph node procedure that is performed at the same time. Immediate reconstruction (if planned) must also be factored in. But in general, the mastectomy operation takes about 2 hours with wound closure taking up about 1/4 of the time.
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
How long is hospital stay for a double mastectomy?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

A Verified Doctoranswered
Surgical Oncology 19 years experience
Reconstruction?: It really depends on what kind of reconstruction you decide upon. The double mastectomy usually involves a 1 night hospital stay if no reconstruction is utilized. However, if a reconstruction is done using flaps, then you will probably be in the hosptial a few days to make sure everything is healing properly.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
For how long after a double mastectomy does chemo begin?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Sewa Leghaanswered
Medical Oncology 51 years experience
After wound has heal: Typically, it takes 2 weeks for the surgery wound to heal. So once the wound has healed and there is no infection, chemotherapy can be started. Most patients start their chemotherapy in 2 to 4 months after removal of the breast tumors.
4.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
How long does it take to recover from a mastectomy?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Addagada Raoanswered
General Surgery 57 years experience
3 to 4 wks: Most of the patents will recover in 3 to 4 wks, then also most of them under go chemotherapy or radiation which will prolong the recovery for months.
5.6k viewsReviewed Jun 25, 2020
Last updated Apr 23, 2019
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