Her Fight is Our Mission

Skin-sparing and nipple-sparing mastectomies are advanced surgical options that remove breast tissue while preserving the external appearance of the breast. These procedures offer the same level of cancer control as a traditional mastectomy in appropriately selected patients, while enabling more natural and aesthetically refined breast reconstruction.

At Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre, these techniques are offered to women with early-stage cancer, DCIS, or those undergoing preventive mastectomy. These surgeries combine good outcomes and safety regarding the cancer with cosmetic preservation, helping women feel physically and emotionally restored.

How the Procedure Is Performed

• The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
• Depending on the approach, skin-sparing mastectomy removes the entire breast tissue and nipple–areola complex while preserving the skin envelope. Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) removes breast tissue while preserving the skin, nipple, and areola.
• Incisions are typically made along the inframammary fold (where the breast and the chest meet) or around the edge of the areola to conceal scars. 
• Immediate breast reconstruction is performed in most cases using either autologous tissue or silicone implants.
• Surgical drains are placed temporarily to prevent fluid accumulation.
• Total surgical time ranges from 3 to 5 hours, depending on reconstruction complexity.

Recovery

• Hospital stay: The patient is usually discharged in 1–2 days. Drains remain in place for 5–10 days based on fluid output.
• Pain management: Mild to moderate pain is managed with oral medication.
• Physiotherapy: Arm mobility exercises are introduced early, and heavy lifting is avoided for 4–6 weeks. Supportive bras or compression garments may be recommended during recovery.
• Resuming routine: Full healing takes about 4–6 weeks, with scheduled follow-ups for wound care, scar management, and reconstruction monitoring.

Key Advantages

• Preserves the natural breast skin and, when suitable, the nipple–areola complex, allowing for highly aesthetic reconstruction.
• Enables immediate reconstruction with superior cosmetic outcomes and emotional benefits.
• Equivalent oncologic safety to traditional mastectomy in properly selected patients.
• Ideal for risk-reducing surgery in BRCA mutation carriers and women with strong family histories.

Continuum of Care

At Apollo Athenaa, skin- and nipple-sparing mastectomies are part of a personalised treatment pathway that extends well beyond the operating room. Each patient receives:

• Pre-surgical planning with detailed imaging and tumour board review to determine eligibility
• Intraoperative assessment of nipple viability and margin clearance to ensure safety
• Coordinated breast reconstruction, planned in collaboration with plastic and reconstructive surgeons from the outset
• Post-operative support, including physiotherapy, psychological counselling, and scar care
• Adjuvant treatment planning, including medical oncology and radiation therapy where indicated
• Ongoing surveillance and survivorship care, helping women return to life after treatment with strength and confidence

At Apollo Athenaa, our state-of-the-art cancer centre for women, surgical choices are guided not only by medical necessity but by what matters most to each woman, her safety, her sense of self, and her life after cancer.