Preserve Your Natural Look,
Protect Your Health
Skin & Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy at Athenaa

What is
Skin & Nipple Sparing Mastectomy

Skin- and nipple-sparing mastectomies are advanced surgical options that remove breast tissue while preserving the skin/nipple areola complex 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, 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

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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 or the lateral mammary crease (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

Healing at Apollo Athenaa is supported through structured post-operative care, counselling, and rehabilitation support.

Hospital Stay

The patient is usually discharged in 2–3 days. Drains remain in place for 10–15 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

At Apollo Athenaa, surgery is thoughtfully planned with a personalized approach, ensuring safety, precision, and optimal outcomes.

Skin Preservation

Preserves the natural breast skin and, when suitable, the nipple–areola complex, allowing for highly aesthetic reconstruction.

Immediate Reconstruction

Enables reconstruction during the same surgery with superior cosmetic outcomes and emotional benefits.

Oncologic Safety

Provides equivalent cancer control to traditional mastectomy in appropriately selected patients.

Risk Reduction

Ideal for preventive surgery in BRCA mutation carriers and women with strong family histories.

Continuum of Care

At Apollo Athenaa, our teams remain involved at every stage, ensuring that recovery is not only physical, but also emotional and empowering. Post-surgery, each woman is supported through:

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a skin and nipple-sparing mastectomy?

01

It’s a surgery where breast tissue is removed but the skin, nipple, and areola are preserved, allowing for a more natural look, especially with reconstruction.

Am I a candidate for this surgery?

02

Ideal candidates are women with early-stage breast cancer or those at high genetic risk, whose tumor is not directly under the nipple. Your surgeon will evaluate your eligibility.

Does keeping the nipple increase cancer risk?

03

When carefully selected, preserving the nipple does not significantly raise recurrence risk. Tissue under the nipple is tested during surgery to ensure safety.

What are the benefits of nipple-sparing mastectomy?

04

More natural breast appearance after reconstruction, Fewer scars, Potentially better emotional and psychological recovery

How long does recovery take and when can I resume normal activities?

05

Most patients gradually recover within 4–6 weeks. Light daily activities can often be resumed within 1–2 weeks, while strenuous exercise may take longer. Your surgeon will provide a personalized recovery plan.

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Preserve Your Natural Look, Protect Your Health Skin & Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy at Athenaa

Preserve Your Natural Look,
Protect Your Health
Skin & Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy at Athenaa