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Skin-sparing mastectomy, which can be performed as a simple, total, or modified radical mastectomy, is appropriate for women who intend to have immediate breast reconstruction. This mastectomy technique preserves as much of the breast skin as possible, typically about 95%, which helps facilitate breast reconstruction.
During a skin-sparing mastectomy, the surgeon makes what is called a "keyhole" incision and removes only the skin of the nipple and areola, thus creating a small opening in the breast. The surgeon then removes most of the breast tissue through that opening.
The remaining pouch of skin provides a natural shape and form to accommodate an implant or a reconstruction using the patient's tissue. Many women choose this type of mastectomy because they believe it gives the most natural results from immediate breast reconstruction.
A skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction may be completed in approximately three to five hours and usually requires a hospital stay of one- to three-nights – your personal treatment plan will be determined by your surgeon.
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