The team at BBG comprises board-certified oncoplastic surgeons with specialised training and expertise in risk-reducing mastectomy. These professionals have extensive experience in breast cancer management, genetic counselling, and reconstructive surgery. Their qualifications include advanced certifications in oncology, breast surgery, and plastic and reconstructive surgery. With a multidisciplinary approach, BBG’s team collaborates seamlessly to provide personalised care and support to individuals undergoing risk-reducing mastectomy. Their expertise, compassion, and commitment to excellence ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care throughout their treatment journey at BBG.
Treatments - Breast Surgery
Risk Reducing Mastectomy
![Treament Hero](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/smush-webp/2024/03/Risk-Reducing-Mastectomy-Birmingham-Breast-Group.jpg.webp)
Risk reducing mastectomy, also known as prophylactic mastectomy, is a proactive surgical procedure aimed at significantly reducing the risk of developing breast cancer in high-risk individuals. This preventive measure involves the surgical removal of one or both breasts in individuals with a significantly increased risk of breast cancer due to genetic mutations, strong family history, or other predisposing factors. While it is a major decision, risk-reducing mastectomy offers a sense of empowerment and control over one’s health, especially when facing heightened cancer risks.
At a Glance
Treatment time:
2-3 hours
Anaesthetic:
General Anaesthetic
Return to work:
2-4 weeks
Duration:
Long Term Results
Final results:
Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer
About This Treatment
The decision to undergo risk-reducing mastectomy is deeply personal and multifaceted.
It is often considered by individuals with a strong family history of breast cancer, particularly those carrying genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. Additionally, individuals with a history of previous breast cancer, precancerous breast conditions, or radiation therapy to the chest may also opt for risk-reducing mastectomy to minimise the likelihood of cancer recurrence.
The treatment process for risk-reducing mastectomy begins with thorough consultations with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including genetic counsellors, breast surgeons, oncologists, and breast care nurses. During these consultations, you’ll receive comprehensive evaluations of our medical history, genetic risk factors, and personal preferences. Genetic testing may be recommended to identify specific mutations associated with hereditary breast cancer syndromes.
Once the decision for risk-reducing mastectomy is made, the surgical procedure is meticulously planned to ensure optimal outcomes and patient safety. Depending on individual circumstances and preferences, you may undergo unilateral mastectomy (removal of one breast) or bilateral mastectomy (removal of both breasts). The surgical approach may involve skin-sparing or nipple-sparing techniques to preserve aesthetic appearance and sensation.
Following risk-reducing mastectomy, patients typically undergo breast reconstruction to restore a sense of wholeness and femininity. Birmingham Breast Group’s breast cancer management services seamlessly integrate breast reconstruction into the treatment plan, offering a comprehensive approach to care. Oncoplastic surgeons specialising in breast reconstruction collaborate closely with the rest of the team to provide personalised treatment options tailored to your individual needs and preferences.
The expected outcome of risk-reducing mastectomy is a significant reduction in the risk of developing breast cancer. While the procedure cannot eliminate the risk entirely, studies have shown that risk-reducing mastectomy can reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 90-95% in high-risk individuals. Additionally, for those with a previous history of breast cancer, risk-reducing mastectomy may reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in the unaffected breast.
At BBG, risk-reducing mastectomy is integrated into the comprehensive breast cancer management services offered to high-risk individuals. The decision-making process is guided by evidence-based recommendations, personalised risk assessments, and shared decision-making between you and our healthcare providers. Genetic counselling services are available to provide education, support, and guidance throughout the decision-making process.
The surgical team at BBG includes experienced oncoplastic surgeons who specialise in risk-reducing mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Our professionals possess advanced training, expertise, and compassion, ensuring that you receive the highest quality of care throughout your treatment journey. From preoperative consultations to postoperative follow-up, you’ll receive personalised attention and support at every step.
In conclusion, risk-reducing mastectomy is a proactive and empowering intervention for individuals at significantly increased risk of developing breast cancer. Integrated into BBG’s comprehensive breast cancer management services, risk-reducing mastectomy offers patients a personalised approach to care, emphasising shared decision-making, patient education, and support throughout the treatment process. By combining expertise, innovation, and compassion, BBG empowers individuals to take control of their health and reduce their risk of breast cancer through proactive interventions.
![Treatment Image](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/smush-webp/2024/03/Risk-Reducing-Mastectomy-Birmingham-Breast-Group2.jpg.webp)
Frequently Asked Questions
Candidates for risk-reducing mastectomy are individuals with a significantly increased risk of developing breast cancer due to genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1/BRCA2), strong family history, or previous breast conditions. Additionally, those with a history of breast cancer in one breast may opt for bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Ideal candidates are well-informed, psychologically prepared, and have realistic expectations about the procedure’s implications. Genetic counselling and comprehensive risk assessment help identify suitable candidates. Ultimately, individuals considering risk-reducing mastectomy seek proactive measures to mitigate their risk of breast cancer and empower their health decisions.
Side effects of risk-reducing mastectomy may include temporary pain, swelling, and bruising at the surgical site, which typically resolve over time. Additionally, patients may experience changes in sensation, including numbness or hypersensitivity in the chest area. Psychological effects such as grief, anxiety, or body image concerns may also arise post-surgery. Complications such as infection, bleeding, or adverse reactions to anaesthesia are possible but uncommon. Close monitoring and follow-up care with healthcare providers help manage side effects and ensure optimal healing. Overall, while side effects vary, the benefits of risk reduction and peace of mind often outweigh potential challenges.
Following risk-reducing mastectomy, downtime varies based on individual healing and the extent of surgery. Typically, patients require four to six weeks for initial recovery, during which temporary pain, swelling, and limited mobility may occur. Return to sedentary work is feasible within this timeframe, while resuming strenuous activities like gym workouts may be advised after six to eight weeks, pending clearance from healthcare providers. Driving may resume once off pain medications and mobility is comfortable, generally within one to two weeks. Gradual resumption of activities ensures optimal healing and minimises postoperative complications. Regular follow-up appointments aid in monitoring recovery progress.
How much does Risk Reducing Mastectomy cost at Birmingham Breast Group?
As each case is unique, the cost of treatment at BBG may vary depending on individual factors. We tailor our approach to meet your specific needs, ensuring that you receive personalised care and comprehensive support throughout your journey.
Initial consultation
please enquire
All consultations are conducted in strict privacy and all information is confidential.
Surgery costs from
based on consultation
Each procedure has its own personalised treatment plan that is meticulously tailored to meet your unique needs and goals. Healthcare Insurance may be accepted.
Related Treatments
Skin Sparing Mastectomy / Skin Reducing Mastectomy / Nipple Sparing Mastectomy
View TreatmentNipple Sparing Mastectomy
View TreatmentMastectomy
View TreatmentRelated Concerns
Genetic Testing
View ConcernBreast Screening
View ConcernFamily History of Breast Cancer and Your Risk
View ConcernRisk Reducing Mastectomy
Our Specialist Team
Meet the dedicated professionals at Birmingham Breast Group – committed to excellence, compassion, and personalised care for every patient.
BSc, MBBS, MSc, MRCS (Ed), FRCS (Eng), MD, FEBS
Naren Basu
Lead Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon
BSc, BM, MRCP, FRCR, MD
Daniel Henderson
Consultant Clinical Oncologist
MBChB, PhD, FRCS (Eng)
Ms Salena Bains
Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon
Consultant Clinical oncologist
Dr James Good
PhD, FRCR
BSc, PhD, FRCP
Professor Daniel Rea
Professor of Medical Oncology
MRCP, FRCR
Dr Sara Meade
Consultant Clinical Oncologist
BSc, MBBS, MRCS, FRCR
Dr Faisal Majid
Consultant Radiologist
MSc, PhD, FRCPath
Dr Abeer Shaaban
Path Consultant Pathologist
Bsc, MBBS, MD (Pathology) FRCPath
Dr Rachna Awasthi
Path Consultant Pathologist
Dawn Larkin
Breast Care Specialist Nurse
Ruth Tracey
Macmillan Breast Health Care Assistant
Dr Nadia Alishah
Job Title Here
Qualifications Here
Gill Farrington
Breast Care Specialist Nurse
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020
Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020
Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a patient at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 1st December 2019
I have been a patient of Dr Basu since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months ago. Despite the curse of my diagnosis I couldn’t have asked for a better Dr and standard of care. He and his team are super-efficient, have gone out of their way to get fast effective treatment for me and he has super-human levels of patience. During every consultation he has been ever patient, carefully listened to all my questions and concerns then taken the time to explain everything to me and provided constant reassurance. He has been accessible at all times even over weekends and the support has been broad. He looks after you as if you are family and despite having a 90 minute journey to see him at times as we wanted the fastest appointment we couldn’t ask for anything more. Our family see him as an angel not just a doctor for what he has done for us and would recommend him in less than a blink of a eye.
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30th September 2019
I first met Naren Basu in 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Women’s Hospital. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He is an exceptionally skilled man at putting people at their ease and explaining everything with great patience and candour. He is a consummate professional and really knows his stuff, especially relating to breast cancer. He is very clever, witty, and a super surgeon. He carried out a reduction to both my breasts, removing the tumours at the same time. I was fortunate indeed to have my surgery via the NHS, it would have been very expensive as a private patient but worth every penny. I felt like a million dollars after my operation. I think he is a fabulous man and so skilled on so many levels and outstanding in human kindness.
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 12th June 2019
Nine days before I was due to go on an extended holiday I discovered problems in both breasts. I was lucky enough to get an appointment 3 days before travel. Mr Basu even called me on the day of the appointment to ask me to come in earlier to ensure they had time to undergo all of the tests that evening. Anyone who has had these problems will know how overwhelming it is but Mr Basu took his time to speak to me and explained all of the procedures/tests that would be carried out that evening and possible outcomes. I did have a small procedure and again everything was explained fully and felt quite safe in his hands. The follow up appointments were just as thorough and Mr Basu made sure I understood all that we discussed. If I ever found myself in this position again Mr Basu would be my first port of call.
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 11th May 2020
I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer November 8th 2019 , I was then appointed Dr Henderson almost immediately to discuss my treatment plan and way forward, I must say Dr Henderson was absolutely fantastic, he has a real calming nature and really put myself and my husband at ease , plotting my treatment course from day 1 gave us a massive line of sight to work to and in with combination of the nurses at little Aston facing the biggest fight of my life became easier & easier as the week progressed, I owe Dr Henderson my life and can’t thank him enough, he’s worth is weight in gold
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a patient at Good Hope Hospital, 27th November 2019
I am currently under the care of Dr Daniel Henderson at Good Hope Hospital, and I couldn’t ask for better. He listens, and speaks to you in laymans terms so you understand what is going on now and in the future. He talks to you and not at you, and has a very calm and soothing manner. If you are lucky enough to be referred to him, rest assured that you are in good hands, as he gets things actioned quickly.
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a patient at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 1st December 2019
I have been a patient of Dr Basu since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months ago. Despite the curse of my diagnosis I couldn’t have asked for a better Dr and standard of care. He and his team are super-efficient, have gone out of their way to get fast effective treatment for me and he has super-human levels of patience. During every consultation he has been ever patient, carefully listened to all my questions and concerns then taken the time to explain everything to me and provided constant reassurance. He has been accessible at all times even over weekends and the support has been broad. He looks after you as if you are family and despite having a 90 minute journey to see him at times as we wanted the fastest appointment we couldn’t ask for anything more. Our family see him as an angel not just a doctor for what he has done for us and would recommend him in less than a blink of a eye.
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30th September 2019
I first met Naren Basu in 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Women’s Hospital. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He is an exceptionally skilled man at putting people at their ease and explaining everything with great patience and candour. He is a consummate professional and really knows his stuff, especially relating to breast cancer. He is very clever, witty, and a super surgeon. He carried out a reduction to both my breasts, removing the tumours at the same time. I was fortunate indeed to have my surgery via the NHS, it would have been very expensive as a private patient but worth every penny. I felt like a million dollars after my operation. I think he is a fabulous man and so skilled on so many levels and outstanding in human kindness.
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 12th June 2019
Nine days before I was due to go on an extended holiday I discovered problems in both breasts. I was lucky enough to get an appointment 3 days before travel. Mr Basu even called me on the day of the appointment to ask me to come in earlier to ensure they had time to undergo all of the tests that evening. Anyone who has had these problems will know how overwhelming it is but Mr Basu took his time to speak to me and explained all of the procedures/tests that would be carried out that evening and possible outcomes. I did have a small procedure and again everything was explained fully and felt quite safe in his hands. The follow up appointments were just as thorough and Mr Basu made sure I understood all that we discussed. If I ever found myself in this position again Mr Basu would be my first port of call.
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 11th May 2020
I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer November 8th 2019 , I was then appointed Dr Henderson almost immediately to discuss my treatment plan and way forward, I must say Dr Henderson was absolutely fantastic, he has a real calming nature and really put myself and my husband at ease , plotting my treatment course from day 1 gave us a massive line of sight to work to and in with combination of the nurses at little Aston facing the biggest fight of my life became easier & easier as the week progressed, I owe Dr Henderson my life and can’t thank him enough, he’s worth is weight in gold
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a patient at Good Hope Hospital, 27th November 2019
I am currently under the care of Dr Daniel Henderson at Good Hope Hospital, and I couldn’t ask for better. He listens, and speaks to you in laymans terms so you understand what is going on now and in the future. He talks to you and not at you, and has a very calm and soothing manner. If you are lucky enough to be referred to him, rest assured that you are in good hands, as he gets things actioned quickly.
![logo](https://birminghambreastgroup.com/wp-content/themes/bbg/images/iWantGreatCare Logo.png)
Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020
Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.
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