Breast Surgery
Surgical care for benign and cancerous breast conditions.
Evaluation and treatment for breast lumps, abnormal findings, and breast cancer.
Breast Surgery Overview
Breast surgery may be used to diagnose or treat breast lumps, abnormal imaging results, high-risk breast lesions, and breast cancer. Procedures may involve removing a small area of breast tissue, a tumor, part of the breast, or the entire breast.
Not every breast condition requires surgery. Our team reviews your imaging, biopsy results, symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals to determine whether surgery is appropriate.
Breast Imaging & Diagnostic Evaluation
Mammography
Mammography uses low-dose X-rays to detect changes in breast tissue, including abnormalities that may not be felt during an exam.
Key benefit: Supports early breast cancer detection.
Breast Ultrasound
Breast ultrasound uses sound waves to closely evaluate a lump or abnormality identified during an exam or mammogram.
Key benefit: Helps characterize breast lumps and abnormalities.
Breast MRI
Breast MRI uses magnetic imaging to further evaluate an unclear finding or assess breast tissue after a cancer diagnosis.
Key benefit: Provides detailed images for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Conditions Commonly Treated
The Clarus Surgery team diagnoses and treats:
- Benign breast lumps
- Fibroadenomas
- Breast cysts requiring surgery
- Atypical or high-risk breast lesions
- Abnormal mammogram or ultrasound findings
- Suspicious breast biopsy results
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
- Breast cancer
- Painful or growing breast masses
When Surgery Is Recommended
Breast surgery may be recommended when:
- A breast lump is growing, painful, or causing symptoms
- Imaging identifies a suspicious breast abnormality
- Biopsy results indicate cancer or precancerous changes
- A lesion requires complete removal for diagnosis
- Cancerous tissue must be removed
- Additional tissue is needed for an accurate diagnosis
- Observation is no longer recommended
Clarus Surgical Approach
At Clarus Surgery, our team explains the recommended procedure, expected incision, possible lymph node evaluation, and recovery process before surgery. When additional breast cancer treatment or reconstruction is needed, we may coordinate care with oncology, radiology, pathology, and plastic surgery specialists.
Have questions about breast surgery? Contact our team to schedule an evaluation.
Preparing for Breast Surgery
Before surgery, our team and the anesthesia team will provide detailed instructions. General preparation instructions include:
- Do not eat solid foods or consume milk, creamer, gum, candy, or mints after midnight before surgery.
- Follow instructions regarding clear liquids. If no stop time is provided, discontinue clear liquids at midnight.
- Follow medication instructions provided by your anesthesia team, and notify the Clarus Surgery team if you are taking or begin taking any prescription blood thinners before surgery.
- Have a care partner remain in the building during surgery to receive updates from your care team.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery and stay with you through the first night after surgery.
Additional preparation instructions may vary depending on your medical history and treatment plan.
Recovery Following Breast Surgery
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed and individual healing.
Diet & Activity Guidelines
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed and individual healing.
Expected Recovery Symptoms
Temporary soreness, bruising, swelling, numbness, and fatigue are common during recovery.
Driving & Daily Activities
Return to normal activities as tolerated. Driving is generally permitted once narcotic pain medication has been discontinued for 48 hours.
Incision Care & Follow-Up Visits
Follow the instructions provided for showering and incision care. Follow-up is typically scheduled two weeks after surgery.
Post-Surgical Medication Guidance
Following surgery, some patients may require prescription pain medication or other medications to support recovery. Recommendations vary based on the procedure performed, medical history, and individual recovery needs.
Pain Management
Take medications as directed by your care team. Many patients gradually transition from prescription pain medication to over-the-counter pain relief as recovery progresses.
Activity & Recovery
Walking is encouraged shortly after surgery, and patients should gradually return to normal activities as tolerated. Strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be resumed according to the instructions provided by your surgical team.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Contact our team immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing
- Significant or rapidly increasing breast swelling
- Persistent bleeding
- Significant swelling of the neck or throat
- Fever greater than 101.5°F
- Pain not relieved with medication
- Increasing redness or warmth around the incision
- White, yellow, or green drainage from the incision
- Separation of the incision
Small amounts of clear or pink-tinged drainage can be normal during early healing. After-hours calls are answered by the on-call service, which will reach the general surgery provider on call. If you feel your situation is an emergency, call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency room and ask the treating team to contact us immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of breast surgery are available?
Breast surgery may include an excisional biopsy, lumpectomy, mastectomy, or sentinel lymph node biopsy. The recommended procedure depends on your diagnosis, the size and location of the abnormal tissue, imaging and biopsy results, and your individual treatment goals.
What is the difference between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy?
A lumpectomy removes a tumor or abnormal area while preserving most of the breast. A mastectomy removes the entire breast. The appropriate procedure depends on the diagnosis, extent of the condition, previous treatment, and patient preference.
How long does recovery take after breast surgery?
Recovery depends on the procedure performed. Recovery after an excisional biopsy or lumpectomy is generally shorter than recovery after a mastectomy, lymph node surgery, or reconstruction. Your surgeon will provide activity instructions based on your procedure and recovery.
Are lymph nodes always removed during breast cancer surgery?
No. Lymph node evaluation depends on the diagnosis and planned procedure. A sentinel lymph node biopsy may be performed to determine whether breast cancer has spread to the first lymph nodes that receive drainage from the breast.
Why might I need more than one type of breast imaging?
Mammography, breast ultrasound, and breast MRI provide different information about breast tissue. Your care team may recommend multiple tests to better evaluate an abnormal finding, confirm a diagnosis, or plan treatment. Additional imaging does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer.
