Mastectomy is a surgical procedure whereby an individual removes the breast tissues or the entire breast for particular reasons. This surgery is commonly done to prevent or treat breast cancer in both men and women, although according to statistics, it is rare for a man to have breast cancer. Since mastectomy is a general surgery for breast or breast tissue removal, men with gynecomastia can also get this surgery performed. Not only that, but trans men who transition from Female to Male can also do this surgery to align physically with their gender as gender-affirming surgery ,mastectomy surgery cost may depend on the type that one requires or is recommended by the mastectomy surgery doctor.
Types Of Mastectomy
- Simple mastectomy includes the total removal of the breast tissue from the surrounding skin to the nipple and areola.
- A Modified Radical Mastectomy is the same as a simple mastectomy. The only difference lies in that the modified radical mastectomy removes the lymph nodes under the armpits.
- Skin-sparing mastectomy is a procedure where most of the skin is removed. Still, there are possibilities of leaving the nipple and areola if an individual prefers so, leaving room for breast reconstruction.
- Radical mastectomy is the most broad yet occasionally used procedure. It involves the removal of the breast tissue, areola, nipple, lymph nodes and chest wall muscles. This procedure is usually the last resort when considering breast cancer treatment. It is done when breast cancer has spread to chest wall muscles; when this occurs, that is when radical mastectomy is considered.
Mastectomy After Care
Just like any other surgery, taking care of yourself before, during and after surgery is imperative to see and achieve maximum results and, most importantly, avoid stitch ruptures. Below are ways to take care of yourself post-mastectomy.
- The most critical aftercare for mastectomy surgery is to keep the surgical site clean and avoid dampness or moisture. Failure to do that will likely harbour bacteria and cause infections if this is not followed.
- Try to avoid strenuous weight lifting and exercises, as this will allow the wound to heal.
- Avoid sleeping on your chest.
- Take the medicine prescribed by the doctor to relieve pain.
- Try to do more stretching and locomotion without exerting any pressure on your chest and top area.
- Eat a healthy and nutritious diet.
- If you see any changes like swelling and redness, visit the doctor to know more; in most cases, it could be a collection of fluids on the chest, also known as lymphedema. Lymphedema can be managed by manual lymphatic massage, which solely focuses on alleviating the pain by messaging the area and draining the build-up fluids. Sometimes, a compression garment is used to manage swelling, like how it is done in liposuction aftercare.
Reasons for considering a mastectomy may differ according to an individual. There are quite a number of reasons why people may opt for mastectomy surgery, and most of them are due to medical conditions. The most important thing is to follow the doctor’s advice and frequently visit their office for checkups and any other cause of concerns before and after surgery. At VJ`s Transgender Clinic, we provide all surgeries that resonate with one’s identity regardless of their physical appearance. We have qualified mastectomy surgery doctor.