How long does it typically take to recover after a mastectomy?

It depends.: When a mastectomy is performed without a reconstruction, most women are hospitalized for only 1-2 days, and may return to full activities in 2-3 weeks. If a reconstruction is performed simultaneously, this may double the recovery time. These estimates may vary depending on the type of mastectomy performed, the age of the patient, and their overall health.

1-8 weeks: If you are having a mastectomy with no plastic reconstruction, usually you will stay in the hospital for 1 night and then be functional. You will be able to take care of yourself (brush your hair, cook) with some mild stiffness/soreness throughout the following week. If you are having reconstruction it will be several weeks depending on what type of reconstruction.