Skin-sparing mastectomy

I just read an article that said a lot of board-certified surgeons in CA reported they are still using traditional techniques for mastectomy, cutting across the whole breast and leaving unnecessary scars.

Why would surgeons do that instead of using skin-sparing mastectomy technique? Is there any reason that would justify not performing a skin-sparing mastectomy in favor of a traditional (and disfiguring) mastectomy?

5 answers to “Skin-sparing mastectomy”

A: Mastectomy depends upon training and the cancer

By John P. Di Saia, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Hello, When I assist in breast reconstruction for a patient, I prefer to be present during the Mastectomy to help with the skin sparing part if it is feasible. It is not always due to the nature of the cancer (size and location.) Not all general surgeons are comfortable performing skin sparing... more

A: All breast cancers, like all breasts, are not the same

By Shahram Salemy, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

The choice of the type of incision for a mastectomy should first be aimed at treating the disease and second at getting the best cosmetic result. Cancers can be advanced, large, and found in larger breasted women, all of which do not lend themselves to a skin sparing approach. Remember, a longer incision... more

A: All breast cancers are not the same

By David Shafer, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Skin sparing mastectomies are a great advancement for breast cancer surgery. An extension of these is the nipple/areolar sparing mastectomy which give great results in the right patients. However, all breast cancers are not the same. Skin sparing mastectomy is best for small cancers that are not close to... more

A: Skin sparing isn't for everyone

By Richard P. Rand, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

The best candidates for a skin sparing mastectomy are those with early breast cancers and small to medium sized breasts. Those with larger breasts are often better served with a traditional mastectomy.

A: Large tumors is one

By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Skin sparing mastectomies can be performed in many situations. Some situtations where you would not use this technique would be in patients with larger tumors close to the skin, and also in patients that have very ptotic (sagging) breasts.