Woman after chemotherapy visiting doctor in hospital

The thought of undergoing breast cancer surgery might frighten you, but much of that fear can be attributed to the unknown. Knowing what to expect about your procedure can alleviate much of the nervousness you might have surrounding your procedure. Below is a look at what you can expect regarding your breast cancer surgery at Carolinas Center for Surgery.

You’ll be in good hands. 

Each of our surgeons is highly trained in their specialty and maintains an unwavering dedication to the health and well-being of each and every one of their patients. When you come to Carolinas Center for Surgery, you’re coming to the best breast care doctors in Jacksonville, NC and beyond.

You’ll be well-prepared.

You’ll undergo a consultation with our team prior to scheduling your surgery. During this meeting, we’ll determine the best type of breast cancer surgery for your case and discuss the procedure, preparation, and recovery at length, allowing you to ask as many questions as you need to feel completely comfortable. 

You may need to make certain lifestyle changes prior to your surgery.

If you take certain medications such as aspirin or blood thinners, you may need to lower or pause your doses approximately one week prior to your surgery. 

You will also likely be asked to refrain from eating or drinking for 8-12 hours before the procedure.

Expect to stick around a while. 

Everyone’s experience with breast cancer surgery can be different, but you can generally expect to remain in the hospital for 1-3 days. Bring a good book and your favorite pillows and blankets to make yourself feel at home. 

Expect some discomfort after the surgery.

It’s perfectly normal to feel some pain or discomfort following a breast cancer surgery. This is usually isolated to the underarm area and may feel like a slight pinching or numbness. 

Expect to take some time to get back to normal activities. 

Your recovery time will depend largely on the type of breast cancer surgery you have. 

Most people can return to their normal activities within 10 days following a lumpectomy. A mastectomy may require up to four weeks before getting back to yourself while a mastectomy with reconstruction may require up to eight weeks before a full recovery is finished. In any case, our excellent doctors staff members stand ready to fully support you before, during, and after your procedure.

Schedule Your Consultation

Schedule your consultation with the team at Carolinas Center for Surgery to learn more about our breast cancer surgery services and what you can anticipate from your experience with a mastectomy or lumpectomy in Jacksonville, NC. 

At Carolinas Center for Surgery, you can expect nothing but the best. Contact us at any time with any questions, comments, or concerns you may have.