Nonbreast-conserving surgery consists of removing the entire breast (called mastectomy) which includes the removal of the areola (nipple) and part of the breast skin.
The mastectomy consists of removing the whole mammary gland, leaving a diagonal scar that goes to the armpit and causes total loss of mammary volume.
If there is a low probability of radiotherapy treatment, then reconstructive breast surgery can sometimes be performed just after the mastectomy (immediate breast reconstruction: IBR). This is why an interdisciplinary team of surgeons and plasticians that makes the decisions prior to the surgery is so important.
This reconstruction can also be performed at a later stage, sometimes by matching with the untouched breast in order to achieve symmetrical and aesthetic result.
In general the patient does not suffer post-operative pain.
