Preventive Action Peace of Mind
Prophylactic Mastectomy at Athenaa

What is Prophylactic Mastectomy

Prophylactic mastectomy (or risk-reducing mastectomy) is a preventive surgery to remove one or both breasts in individuals at significantly elevated risk of developing breast cancer. This procedure is not performed to treat cancer, but to reduce the chance of developing it in the future. It is most often considered by women who carry a high-risk gene mutation (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2), have a strong family history of breast cancer.

At Apollo Athenaa, prophylactic mastectomy is offered as part of a thoughtfully personalized risk-reduction strategy, combining surgical precision, psychological support, and expert reconstruction planning.

How the Procedure
is Performed

At Apollo Athenaa, every surgical step is carefully
planned and performed by experienced
breast surgeons with focus on safety, precision
and recovery.

The procedure is done under general anesthesia.
Depending on eligibility, skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy techniques are used to preserve the breast’s skin/nipple areola complex.
The entire breast tissue is removed from one or both breasts to minimize future cancer risk.
A sentinel lymph node biopsy may be performed if there is any clinical or imaging abnormality.
Immediate breast reconstruction is always performed during the same procedure, using autologous tissue flaps or implants.
Incisions or surgical cuts are planned for optimal cosmetic outcome, often concealed along the breast fold or around the areola.
The entire surgery usually lasts between 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

Most patients stay in the hospital for 2-3 days.
Drains are placed to prevent fluid accumulation
and are removed within 5–10 days.

Pain Management

Mild to moderate discomfort is managed
with oral pain medications.

Resuming Routine

Light activity may resume within 1–2 weeks;
full recovery typically occurs within
4–6 weeks.

Follow-up Care

Support garments are recommended during the healing phase.
Emotional readiness and post-operative counselling
are integrated into the recovery process.

Key
Advantages

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

Risk Reduction

Reduces breast cancer risk by up to 90–95% in high-risk individuals when both breasts are removed.

Aesthetic Benefit

Enables aesthetic reconstruction, often through nipple- and skin-sparing techniques.

Preventive Control

Can be performed before cancer develops, empowering women to take control of their future health.

Holistic Strategy

Part of a larger preventive strategy, sometimes paired with ovarian cancer risk management or genetic counselling.

Continuum of Care

At Apollo Athenaa, prophylactic mastectomy
is never a standalone event, it is
part of a broader, carefully
coordinated journey that includes:

Comprehensive genetic counselling and risk assessment

Post-surgery rehabilitation, including physiotherapy, wound care, and scar management

Psychological support and peer groups helping women process the emotional aspects of preventive surgery

Long-term survivorship care, including annual health evaluations and continued support for body image, hormonal health, and wellness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is prophylactic mastectomy?

01

It is a preventive surgery to remove one or both breasts in order to significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, especially in high-risk individuals.

Who should consider this surgery?

02

Women with a strong family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations (like BRCA1 or BRCA2), or other high-risk factors may consider prophylactic mastectomy. Your doctor will evaluate your personal risk before recommending it.

Does it completely eliminate breast cancer risk?

03

While it greatly reduces risk — up to 90–95% in high-risk women — it does not eliminate it entirely, as some breast tissue may remain. Regular follow-up and screening may still be advised.

Can I have reconstruction after prophylactic mastectomy?

04

Yes. Immediate or delayed reconstruction is possible. Options include implants or using your own tissue (autologous reconstruction). Skin- and nipple-sparing techniques may also be considered depending on your anatomy.

What are the risks and recovery time?

05

Risks include infection, bleeding, delayed wound healing, and changes in sensation. Recovery usually takes 4–6 weeks, with light activities resumed sooner. Your surgeon will provide a personalized recovery plan.

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Preventive Action Peace of Mind Prophylactic Mastectomy at Athenaa

Preventive Action Peace of Mind
Prophylactic Mastectomy at Athenaa