Answer
The technique described below is the standard approach to a simple mastectomy. However, the following variations on the procedure have been developed and may be considered:
-
"Lazy S" skin incision - This incision is preferred by some surgeons, especially if they are not contemplating breast reconstruction; it also allows old scars to be incorporated in the excised skin
-
Hydrodissection - A mixture of saline, local anesthetic, and epinephrine can be infiltrated into the subcutaneous plane of the flaps before the skin incision is made; the flaps can then be raised by means of sharp dissection with scissors or a blade
-
Nipple- and skin-sparing mastectomy [7] - This modification allows the nipple-areola complex to be preserved; the procedure is performed through a periareolar incision around approximately half the circumference of the areola with a lateral horizontal extension
-
Elliptical skin incision enclosing nipple-areola complex.
-
Superior flap being raised.
-
Raised superior flap, with breast being dissected off underlying pectoralis major.
-
Pectoralis major and serratus anterior visible at completion of mastectomy.
-
Postmastectomy scar.
-
Mastectomy scar 10 days after operation.
