If you have a mastectomy without breast reconstruction, the surgery will likely take between 1 to 3 hours. But if you choose to have reconstruction at the same time, surgery time increases to 3 to 4 hours if you’re getting implants or tissue expanders, and 6 to 8 hours for tissue flap reconstruction.
Most women do not need radiation therapy after mastectomy. But in some situations, radiation may be used to target the chest wall and lymph nodes. If chemotherapy is part of your treatment, radiation typically follows once chemotherapy is complete.
Having a preventive bilateral mastectomy can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer by 95% or more if you carry the BRCA1 or BRCA 2 gene mutation. It can reduce your risk by up to 90% if breast cancer runs in your family. But a small risk remains, because a mastectomy can’t eliminate all breast tissue cells.
At Texas Oncology, we strive to provide affordable care. That includes accepting a wide range of insurances. We accept most insurance plans and work with other insurance companies to establish coverage for patients whenever possible.
Texas Oncology is a leader in groundbreaking cancer research and clinical trials in Texas, paving the way for new breakthroughs in cancer care.
