Which specialist performs risk-reducing mastectomy?

A surgical oncologist is trained to remove breast tissue and plan the operation around your anatomy and inherited or family risk. A plastic surgeon may discuss immediate or later reconstruction, while a breast specialist or genetics professional helps interpret risk information. The team should explain whether one or both breasts are being considered and how the choice affects screening and reconstruction.

Bring previous breast imaging, biopsy or genetic test reports, a list of medicines, and details of close relatives with breast or ovarian cancer. Ask whether the surgeon regularly performs risk-reducing procedures, which reconstruction options fit your situation, and what recovery at home may involve. A coordinated consultation can clarify the surgical plan before you consent.

After surgery, contact the treating team promptly for increasing redness, wound separation, worsening swelling, fever, new shortness of breath, or pain that is not controlled by the agreed plan. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, or heavy bleeding. These symptoms need assessment regardless of whether reconstruction was performed.

Ask: Who will perform each part of the operation? Will a plastic surgeon meet me before surgery? What breast tissue will be removed, and how will pathology be handled? What changes should prompt a call after discharge?