4How to Prepare for a Mastectomy and What to Expect During a Mastectomy
After getting the schedule for a mastectomy, your doctor will provide instructions to show you how to prepare for the procedure. Basically, you should:
– Avoid wearing makeups, jewelry, nail polish, deodorant, or lotion
– Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothes
– Stop taking some drugs for a few days before the procedure
– Stop eating after midnight before the procedure
– Ask a friend or family member to take you home after discharge
– Bring some personal items, such as smartphone, hairbrush, or toothbrush [4]
Below is the basic procedure in a mastectomy:
– The surgeon will start with making a small incision, around 6 inches in length, from the inside of the breast, around the breastbone, to the armpit
– Breast tissue in the affected area, sometimes also the lymph nodes under the armpit, are removed
– The incision is closed with stiches
– A drain would be inserted to get rid of excess fluid, which helps speed up healing and reduces swelling
– A bandage is placed to protect the affected area [5]
