A mastectomy is a surgery that removes all or part of a breast. For some, it’s part of treating breast cancer. For others, it’s a preventive step to reduce risk. And in some cases, there’s the option of breast-conserving surgery, which helps keep most of the breast intact.

Every body is different, every diagnosis is unique, and every journey is deeply personal. At The Breast Form Store, we believe you deserve to feel informed, supported, and feminine — no matter which path you choose.

Here’s a caring look at the types of breast surgeries, organized by when and why they’re most often chosen.

Breast-Conserving Option

Lumpectomy (Breast-Conserving Surgery, BCS)

• The basics: Only the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue are removed, while the rest of the breast is kept.
• Why it’s done: Often used for early-stage breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Radiation therapy usually follows.
• How it feels: The breast may look a little smaller, firmer, or different in shape, but most of its natural look remains.

Mastectomy Options for Treatment

When cancer needs more complete removal, these surgeries may be recommended.

Total (Simple) Mastectomy

Removes all breast tissue, usually including the nipple and areola, but leaves chest muscles in place.
✨ Often chosen when tumors are larger or in more than one area.

Skin-Sparing Mastectomy

Removes breast tissue, nipple, and areola, but keeps most of the skin.
✨ A popular choice if you’re planning immediate reconstruction, since the preserved skin helps create a soft, natural shape.

Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

Removes all breast tissue, but keeps the skin, nipple, and areola.
✨ Offers a beautifully natural look after reconstruction, as long as cancer isn’t near the nipple.

Modified Radical Mastectomy

Removes all breast tissue, nipple, areola, skin, and most lymph nodes under the arm, while leaving chest muscles intact.
✨ Often used when cancer has spread to lymph nodes or in inflammatory breast cancer.

Radical Mastectomy

A more extensive surgery, removing the breast, nipple, areola, skin, lymph nodes, and some chest muscles.
✨ Rare today — only done if cancer has spread into the chest muscles.

Preventive Mastectomy Options

Some people choose surgery before or alongside a diagnosis, especially if their risk is higher.

Prophylactic Mastectomy

Removes one or both breasts before cancer develops.
✨ Chosen by those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations or very strong family history.

Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy

Removes the healthy breast when cancer is already present in the other.
✨ Reduces the chance of developing cancer in the second breast.

Double (Bilateral) Mastectomy

Removes both breasts, usually with total mastectomy on each side.
✨ Done preventively or when cancer is found in both breasts.

No matter which surgery is recommended — or chosen — this is about more than medicine. It’s about your body, your comfort, and your sense of femininity.

Whether you’re keeping most of your breast with a lumpectomy, planning for reconstruction, or taking preventive steps, remember: you deserve to feel whole, confident, and beautifully you. At The Breast Form Store, we’re here to support your journey — offering products, guidance, and encouragement to help you embrace your femininity every step of the way.