- What is a subcutaneous mastectomy?
The removal of all the breast tissue under the skin of the breast is called a subcutaneous mastectomy. The nipple and areola will be left in place. The breast will usually be flat after the operation.
- Anaesthetic
This procedure will require an anaesthetic.
- What are the risks of this specific procedure?
There are risks and complications with this procedure. They include but are not limited to the following:
General risks:
- Infection can occur, requiring antibiotics and further treatment.
- Bleeding could occur and may require a return to the operating room. Bleeding is more common if you have been taking blood thinning drugs such as Warfarin, Asprin, Clopidogrel (Plavix or Iscover) or Dipyridamole (Persantin or Asasantin).
- Small areas of the lung can collapse, increasing the risk of chest infection. This may need antibiotics and physiotherapy.
- Increased risk in obese people of wound infection, chest infection, heart and lung complications, and thrombosis.
- Heart attack or stroke could occur due to the strain on the heart.
- Blood clot in the leg (DVT) causing pain and swelling. In rare cases, part of the clot may break off and go to the lungs.
- Death as a result of this procedure is possible.
Specific risks:
- A collection of fluid may develop under the skin which the doctor may need to drain with a needle and this may have to be done several times.
- The edges of the wound may lose blood supply and change colour and may have to be excised.
- Depression of the nipple may occur due to adherence to the muscle.
- Healing of the wound may be abnormal and the wound can be thickened and red (a keloid scar) and the scar may be painful
- All the breast tissue may not be removed.
- Increased risk of smokers of wound and chest infections, heart and lung complications and thrombosis.
