A simple mastectomy removes the overlying skin, nipple, areola, and the breast. This is performed for women who want to have a flat chest after surgery (no reconstruction).
A simple mastectomy can be done in conjunction with a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) or an axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) (in which case it is called a modified radical mastectomy) if either of these procedures is necessary.
Women who are smokers have an increased risk of complications with any form of mastectomy or reconstruction; however, a simple mastectomy has the lowest risk compared to the other types.
Total (Simple) Mastectomy
Modified Radical Mastectomy
Mastectomy Incision (Flat Chest)
