Breast surgery

Breast surgery can treat a range of conditions affecting the breasts. These include breast cancer, benign (noncancerous) breast lumps, breast pain, infections, and structural concerns such as overly large breasts or breast asymmetry. Breast surgery may also include reconstructive procedures after cancer treatment or cosmetic procedures to improve breast shape or size. 

There are several types of breast surgery depending on your needs. Common procedures include breast biopsy, lumpectomy, mastectomy, breast reconstruction, breast reduction, breast augmentation and breast lift surgery. Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate option based on your diagnosis, symptoms and goals. 

You may need breast surgery if imaging tests or exams detect a lump, abnormal tissue or another breast condition that requires treatment. Surgery may also be recommended if you have chronic breast pain, very large breasts causing discomfort, or if you’re considering reconstruction or cosmetic changes. A breast specialist can evaluate your symptoms and discuss whether surgery is the best option.

Recovery time depends on the type of breast surgery performed. Many patients return to light activities within a few days to a week after minor procedures, while more complex surgeries, such as reconstruction or reduction, may require several weeks of recovery. Your care team will provide personalized guidance to help ensure a safe healing process. 

No. Many breast lumps are benign and don’t require surgery. In some cases, your provider may recommend monitoring the lump with imaging or performing a minimally invasive biopsy to determine the cause. Surgery is typically recommended only when a lump is cancerous, suspicious or causing symptoms.