Simple Mastectomy
A simple mastectomy, also known as a total mastectomy, is a surgical procedure that removes the breast tissue, nipple, and areola as part of breast cancer treatment or risk-reducing surgery.
Modern mastectomy surgery focuses not only on effective cancer treatment, but also on personalised surgical planning, recovery, comfort, and long-term wellbeing. Depending on the individual patient and treatment goals, reconstruction options may also be discussed as part of the surgical pathway.
A/Prof Farid Meybodi provides comprehensive breast cancer surgery with a focus on oncological safety, multidisciplinary care, and compassionate patient-centred treatment planning.
When Is a Simple Mastectomy Recommended?
A simple mastectomy may be recommended for:
- breast cancer involving multiple areas of the breast
- larger tumours relative to breast size
- recurrent breast cancer
- widespread ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
- patients with increased genetic or familial breast cancer risk
- patients choosing mastectomy over breast-conserving surgery
The most appropriate surgical approach depends on tumour characteristics, imaging findings, pathology, genetic risk, breast anatomy, and patient preference.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
During a simple mastectomy, the breast tissue is removed along with the nipple and areola. The chest wall muscles are preserved.
Depending on the patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan, surgery may also involve:
- sentinel lymph node biopsy
- targeted axillary procedures
- axillary lymph node surgery in selected cases
- immediate breast reconstruction where appropriate
Surgical planning is carefully individualised to ensure the safest and most appropriate treatment pathway.
Breast Reconstruction Options
Some women undergoing simple mastectomy may also consider breast reconstruction either immediately at the time of surgery or at a later stage.
Reconstruction options may include:
- Implant-based reconstruction
- Autologous (tissue-based) reconstruction
- Goldilocks reconstruction
- Fat grafting or staged revision procedures
Some patients may choose not to undergo reconstruction, and all decisions are guided by individual preferences, cancer treatment requirements, and overall health considerations.
Recovery After Surgery
Patients may experience:
- swelling and bruising
- tightness or discomfort across the chest
- temporary numbness or altered sensation
- fatigue during the early recovery period
- limited upper body movement initially
Surgical drains may sometimes be required temporarily following surgery.
Detailed post-operative instructions are provided regarding:
- wound and drain care
- activity restrictions
- pain management
- physiotherapy and shoulder mobility
- follow-up appointments
Most patients gradually return to normal activities over several weeks depending on the procedure performed.
Risks & Considerations
As with all surgical procedures, simple mastectomy carries potential risks and complications which may include:
- bleeding or infection
- seroma (fluid collection)
- delayed wound healing
- scarring
- numbness or altered sensation
- asymmetry
- shoulder stiffness
- lymphoedema in selected patients undergoing axillary surgery
All treatment options, risks, benefits, and recovery expectations are discussed carefully during consultation and surgical planning.
Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Care
Simple mastectomy often forms part of a broader multidisciplinary breast cancer treatment plan involving:
- breast surgeons
- breast radiologists
- medical oncologists
- radiation oncologists
- breast care nurses
- physiotherapists and lymphoedema specialists
- reconstructive surgery teams where appropriate
This collaborative approach helps ensure personalised, evidence-based care focused on both cancer outcomes and long-term wellbeing.
Compassionate, Personalised Care
A/Prof Farid Meybodi understands that breast cancer surgery can feel emotionally and physically overwhelming.
Our goal is to provide clear communication, thoughtful surgical planning, and compassionate support throughout every stage of diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and survivorship while ensuring patients feel informed, supported, and confident in their care journey.
