Having a double mastectomy is life-changing. Whether you’re facing a breast cancer diagnosis, managing genetic risk, or still exploring your options, you likely have lots of questions.
This guide brings together the most common questions women ask about this surgery. The answers are warm, straightforward, and designed to help you feel informed and supported.
👉 Related reading: The 101 Guide to a Double Mastectomy
Can a double mastectomy prevent cancer?
A double mastectomy can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer by up to 95% if you carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. But it does not eliminate risk completely, since some breast tissue usually remains.
👉 Learn more: National Cancer Institute – Risk-Reducing Surgery
Can a double mastectomy be performed as an outpatient?
Some women go home the same day (I did), but some stay at least one night in the hospital. It depends on your health, surgeon, and whether reconstruction is done.
How long is a double mastectomy surgery?
The surgery usually takes 2–3 hours without reconstruction. With reconstruction, surgery can take 6–10 hours, depending on the technique.
Can you breastfeed after a double mastectomy?
No. The surgery removes breast tissue, ducts, and glands needed for milk production, making breastfeeding impossible.
Can I request a double mastectomy?
Yes, in most countries you can request one. Doctors will consider your medical history, risk factors, and preferences before recommending or approving surgery.
👉 Related: The 101 Guide on a Double Mastectomy
How is a double mastectomy done?
Surgeons remove breast tissue from both breasts. Depending on your needs, skin-sparing or nipple-sparing approaches may be used, with or without reconstruction.
👉 Mayo Clinic – Mastectomy Overview
Which actresses and celebrities have had a double mastectomy?
Public figures who’ve spoken about their surgery include Angelina Jolie, Olivia Munn, Christina Applegate, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Shannen Doherty, Suzanne Somers, Jessie J, and Olivia Newton-John.
👉 Related: Celebrities Who’ve Shared Their Double Mastectomy Journey
Why a double mastectomy for stage zero breast cancer?
Some women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), also known as stage zero breast cancer, choose a double mastectomy for peace of mind or risk reduction.
Why chemotherapy after a double mastectomy?
Chemotherapy may still be needed if cancer has spread beyond the breast to the lymph nodes, or if your breast cancer type responds best to systemic treatment.
Why radiation after a double mastectomy?
Radiation may be recommended if cancer cells were found in the lymph nodes or if margins were not clear after surgery.
How long is a hospital stay after a double mastectomy?
It is now more common for a double mastectomy to be performed as a day surgery, especially if it does not involve reconstruction. If reconstruction is included, especially flap reconstruction, the hospital stay may be longer.
Can you get breast cancer after a double mastectomy?
Yes, though rare. Small amounts of breast tissue remain after surgery, meaning cancer can still develop in those cells. In cases of distant metastasis (where cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, lungs), this cancer is still breast cancer.
👉 American Cancer Society – Preventive Surgery
How long do you have drains after a double mastectomy?
Most women keep drains for 1–2 weeks. The timeline depends on fluid buildup and your surgeon’s recommendation.
👉 Related: My experience with double mastectomy surgery
What is the survival rate for those undergoing a double mastectomy?
Survival depends more on cancer stage and biology than on surgery type. Some studies suggest women who choose a double mastectomy do not always have higher survival rates than those who choose lumpectomy with radiation.
👉 Breastcancer.org – Surgery and Survival Rates
Can a double mastectomy cause early menopause?
The surgery itself does not. But if your treatment for breast cancer includes chemotherapy, ovarian suppression, or hormone therapy, these can lead to early menopause.
Can I opt out of a double mastectomy?
Yes. Surgery is a choice. Some women prefer lumpectomy or a single mastectomy, depending on their diagnosis, risks, and lifestyle. Your medical team will recommend the best course of action for the best outcome and can help guide you through the decision.
👉 Related: Fashion Tips After a Single Mastectomy
Final Thoughts
A double mastectomy raises many questions. Each answer is personal and shaped by your diagnosis, genetics, and comfort.
Use these FAQs as a starting point—but always make decisions alongside your healthcare team. And remember, you are not alone in this journey.
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