Mastcetomy plus breast reduction

pilotpair

I am 72 with D size breasts and cancer in my right one. My female surgeon is going to do a mastectomy (I don't want reconstruction) but suggested I also have my left breast reduced as well as lifted.

From what I've read, the breast reduction is a more complex surgery than the mastectomy itself, but my surgeon says the recovery time will be about the same.

I would love to have a smaller breast, especially as I age, but not sure if it's worth it.

Has anyone had this?

P. S. I am also considering bilateral mastectomy instead. I had lumpectomy in right breast 9 years ago.

Moderators

Hi pilotpair and welcome to Breastcancer.org!

We're so sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis, but we're really glad you've decided to post, even though it looks like you've been a member for quite a while. You're sure to get some great advice here soon!

In the meantime, we wanted to point out this page from the main Breastcancer.org site on Altering the Opposite Breast -- there's some helpful information on Breast Reduction and Breast Lift.

We hope this helps! Please keep us posted with what you decide and how you're doing.

--The Mods

MountainMia

I didn't have mastectomy and reduction, but I did have lumpectomy and reduction. The reduction was the more complicated surgery, but the recovery was still pretty easy. Good luck with the decisions and the surgery.

Carpe-Diem

Hi Pilotair

When I had my first mastectomy and reconstruction of one breast back in 2014, I went to the plastic surgeon a few months later, to have my good breast reduced and lifted so that they would be the same size. I had to go back for a second reconstruction a few years later. The reduction and lift was not very difficult at all. It was an hour or so and you head home. I felt a little tender for a week, but that was it. Ironically, I recently was diagnosed with second breast cancer in reconstructed breast, and I had another full mastectomy and decided to go flat. My healthy breast is still there. I am considering getting it reduced again so to take some pressure off my back and also I don't have to wear such a large prosthesis form on the other side of my chest. I found the reduction and lift to be a relatively simple surgery and recovery. If it makes you feel good, why not?

reflect

I had reduction to match lumpectomy breast size. it wasn't difficult and I am very glad I did it.