General & Laparoscopic Surgery · Jaipur Hospital
Breast Surgery in Jaipur
You feel a lump or pain; we give you a clear assessment and a simple plan.
- Serving Jaipur since 1991 (35 years)
- NABH accredited
- 24×7 emergency & ICU
- Cashless: RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS + 22 insurers
- Procedure time
- 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the operation
- Anaesthesia
- Local or general anaesthesia
- Recovery
- A few days for lump removal3 to 6 weeks after cancer surgery
- Price
- ₹25,000 to ₹2,50,000typical range in India; ask us for an estimate
A lump changes everything
You found a lump or have breast pain and do not know what it means
A lump, swelling or discharge can be a benign cyst, a fibroadenoma, an abscess or cancer. Waiting and worrying makes it harder to decide. You need a clear answer and a plan you can trust.
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Not knowing what it is
A lump may be a simple cyst, a fibroadenoma or something that needs surgery.
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Pain and swelling
An abscess causes redness, heat and pain that stops you from working or sleeping.
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Fear of cancer
Cancer surgery may mean removing part or all of the breast and checking lymph nodes.
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Time off work and cost
Surgery and recovery can mean weeks away from your job and unexpected bills.
Fibroadenomas are the most common benign breast tumours in women under age 30.
Why Jaipur Hospital
You are worried about what the lump means, how much surgery will hurt, how long you will be off work and whether you can afford it.
Your care plan
Your first steps with us
- 1 Call or visit OPD for a surgeon consultation
- 2 Complete triple assessment with in-house imaging and biopsy
- 3 Have surgery with local or general anaesthesia
- 4 Recover at home with follow-up visits
How the operation is done
Your surgeon chooses the operation based on the diagnosis. Most procedures take 30 minutes to 3 hours under local or general anaesthesia. You may stay the same day or up to three nights.
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Triple assessment
Examination, ultrasound or mammogram, and a needle biopsy to confirm the diagnosis before any surgery.
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Lump excision
Removal of a benign lump such as a fibroadenoma through a small cut; tissue is sent for testing.
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Abscess drainage
Needle aspiration or a small cut to drain pus, usually under local anaesthesia.
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Cancer surgery
Breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy with lymph node surgery; metal clips may mark the area for future scans.
Why patients trust us
- 1991 Serving Jaipur for 35 years
- NABH Accredited hospital
- 3 General & Laparoscopic Surgery consultants
- 24×7 Emergency, ICU and ambulance
- 25 Cashless schemes and insurers
What research shows about this treatment
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about 1 week
Most women return to usual activities within a week after simple lump removal.
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1 to 2 weeks
A drain may need emptying a few times a day for one to two weeks after surgery.
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about 1 month
Skin usually heals in about a month after breast lump removal.
If it is left untreated
An untreated abscess can spread infection. A cancerous lump left alone may grow and spread to lymph nodes or other organs, making treatment harder.
Life after treatment
Most people go back to their routine within weeks. The breast may look or feel different, and you will have regular check-ups.
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Back to daily routine
Most people resume usual activities within a week after simple surgery and a few weeks after cancer surgery.
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Breast shape and sensation
You may notice a scar, dimpling or numbness near the cut; a sports bra helps comfort.
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Regular follow-up
You will have scheduled visits and mammograms to watch for any changes.
Frequently asked questions
Questions patients ask about breast surgery
Which problems are assessed under breast surgery?
In short
Jaipur Hospital assesses breast lumps, abscesses and cancer through its breast surgery service. The team evaluates benign lumps such as fibroadenomas, fluid-filled cysts, fat necrosis and intraductal papillomas. They also assess breast abscesses that need drainage and confirmed or suspected breast cancer requiring surgical treatment.
In detail
The assessment follows a triple assessment pathway used widely in clinical practice. This combines a clinical examination, imaging with ultrasound or mammogram, and a needle biopsy to obtain tissue for pathology. Evidence shows that some lumps cannot be felt but appear on imaging.
Benign conditions such as fibroadenomas are common in women under 30, while phyllodes tumours typically appear in women in their 40s. The biopsy result guides whether the problem is managed with observation, a minor procedure or cancer surgery.
A common belief
Many people think a lump always means cancer.
What actually happens
In fact, most breast lumps are benign. The triple assessment of examination, imaging and biopsy is the standard way to know the difference before any treatment is planned.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
If you notice a new lump, persistent pain, skin changes or nipple discharge, book a consultation at Jaipur Hospital. The surgeon will arrange the appropriate imaging and biopsy, usually within a few days. After the results are available, the team will discuss the next steps with you.
How will the doctor decide which tests I need?
In short
The surgeon at Jaipur Hospital selects tests based on your age, the clinical findings, and what the examination reveals. A palpable lump in a younger woman usually starts with ultrasound. Women over 40, or those with a suspicious lump, typically need both mammogram and ultrasound. If imaging shows a solid or complex lesion, a core needle biopsy is arranged. Blood tests, ECG and chest X-ray are ordered only if surgery is planned.
In detail
Evidence shows that some lumps cannot be felt but appear on mammogram or ultrasound; these need image-guided biopsy or wire localisation before surgery.
The triple assessment principle ensures each step adds information: examination guides imaging choice, imaging characterises the lesion, and biopsy gives a tissue diagnosis. Unnecessary tests are avoided.
For example, routine MRI is not standard; it is reserved for specific situations like dense breasts or staging known cancer. Pre-operative tests (blood counts, ECG, X-ray) follow standard anaesthesia safety protocols.
A common belief
Some patients expect a full panel of scans immediately.
What actually happens
Doing every test on everyone wastes time and money and can cause anxiety from incidental findings. The stepwise approach is evidence-based and safer.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
The surgeon will explain why each test is chosen and what it will show. Most imaging and biopsy can be done during the same visit or within a day or two. Results are typically ready in 2 to 3 working days. You will then receive a clear explanation and a treatment plan.
How soon should I expect improvement after breast lump excision, abscess drainage, or cancer surgery?
In short
Improvement after breast surgery at Jaipur Hospital depends on the operation performed. After simple lump excision or abscess drainage, most patients feel much better within a few days. After breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy, recovery takes three to six weeks. Pain usually lessens in the first week, and skin healing takes about a month. Your surgeon will guide you on what to expect for your specific procedure.
In detail
Evidence shows the recovery period is very short for a simple lumpectomy, with many women having little pain and returning to usual activities in about a week. For cancer surgery involving lymph nodes, healing takes longer due to larger incisions and possible drains.
You may need to empty a fluid drain a few times a day for one to two weeks. Wearing a supportive sports bra helps comfort. Heavy lifting, jogging, or activities that cause pain should be avoided for one to two weeks.
Numbness near the scar or nipple can persist for months but often improves gradually. The hospital stay ranges from same-day discharge to three nights depending on the surgery.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Plan for at least one week off work after lump removal and three to four weeks after cancer surgery. Your surgeon will review the wound at a follow-up visit, usually within seven to ten days. If drains are placed, the nursing team teaches you how to measure and record output before discharge.
How can I decide whether to seek advice about breast lump excision?
In short
You should seek advice about breast lump excision at Jaipur Hospital if you feel a distinct lump, if imaging shows a solid mass, or if a needle biopsy suggests a benign tumour such as a fibroadenoma. Excision is also considered when a lump grows, causes discomfort, or when you prefer removal over monitoring. The surgeon will explain the procedure, which takes about one hour, and the typical price range of ₹25,000 to ₹2,50,000.
In detail
Evidence defines breast lump removal as surgery to remove a lump that may be breast cancer. For benign lumps like fibroadenomas, excision is called an excisional breast biopsy or lumpectomy. Tissue around the lump is also removed.
Wire localisation is used if the lump cannot be felt but is seen on imaging. The procedure is usually done as day surgery under local or general anaesthesia. The appearance of the breast may change, with a scar, dimpling or shape difference. Numbness near the scar or nipple can occur.
A common belief
Some people think every lump must be cut out immediately.
What actually happens
In fact, many benign lumps like simple cysts or small fibroadenomas can be watched. Excision is a choice based on symptoms, size, pathology and your preference.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Book a surgical OPD appointment for clinical examination. The surgeon will order ultrasound or mammogram and a needle biopsy if needed. After triple assessment results, you will discuss whether excision is appropriate.
What do I do if I have a concern about my breast?
In short
If you notice a lump, skin change, nipple discharge, or persistent pain in your breast, make an appointment for a clinical examination without delay. At Jaipur Hospital, the surgical team begins with a thorough check and then arranges imaging such as ultrasound or mammogram, followed by a needle biopsy if needed. This triple assessment gives a clear diagnosis.
In detail
Most breast changes are not cancer. Common benign conditions include fibroadenomas, cysts, and fat necrosis, which can feel like firm lumps. Evidence shows that early evaluation helps distinguish these from cancer and avoids unnecessary worry.
The surgeon will ask about your medical history, family history, and any hormonal medication. Imaging characterises the lump as solid or fluid-filled. A core needle biopsy provides a tissue diagnosis. If the result is benign, you may only need follow-up. If cancer is found, the team discusses treatment options promptly.
A common belief
Many people ignore a lump hoping it will disappear.
What actually happens
Most lumps are benign, but only a proper check can confirm that. Delaying can allow a cancer to progress to a more advanced stage.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Do not wait for the lump to grow or become painful. Call Jaipur Hospital to book an OPD consultation. The hospital has in-house imaging and laboratory services, so tests can often be done on the same day. Your surgeon will review the results with you and plan the next steps within a few days.
How will the surgeon decide whether an operation is necessary?
In short
The surgeon decides on surgery after completing triple assessment: clinical examination, imaging (ultrasound or mammogram), and a needle biopsy. At Jaipur Hospital, the surgical team reviews all results in a multidisciplinary meeting before recommending an operation. Surgery is advised when a lump is confirmed as cancer, a benign lump causes symptoms, or an abscess needs drainage.
In detail
For cancer, the decision depends on tumour size, number of tumours, lymph node status, and whether breast-conserving surgery can achieve clear margins. Evidence shows lumpectomy is preferred for smaller lumps, while mastectomy is chosen for larger or multiple tumours.
For benign lumps like fibroadenomas, surgery is offered if the lump is growing, painful, or the patient requests removal. Abscesses are drained with a needle or a small cut if antibiotics alone fail. Your general health, age, and personal preferences are also considered.
A common belief
Some people think every lump needs an operation.
What actually happens
Many benign lumps only need monitoring. The decision is based on the biopsy result, tumour features, and your overall health, not just the presence of a lump.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
If you have a breast concern, book an OPD appointment at Jaipur Hospital. The team will arrange imaging and biopsy, usually within a few days. Once the diagnosis is clear, your surgeon will explain whether surgery is needed and what the options are.
Which symptoms should prompt me to see a specialist?
In short
You should see a breast specialist at Jaipur Hospital if you feel a new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit, notice a change in breast size or shape, see skin dimpling or redness, have nipple inversion or discharge (especially if blood-stained), or experience persistent breast pain that does not follow your menstrual cycle. These signs need proper evaluation even if they turn out to be benign.
In detail
Evidence shows that fibroadenomas often feel like hard, round, mobile lumps and may be too small to feel. Breast cysts can cause swelling or discomfort. Fat necrosis produces firm, usually lumps that causes no pain after injury or surgery.
Phyllodes tumours are rare and typically comfortable. Mastitis causes painful swelling, mainly during breastfeeding. Nipple discharge, skin changes or a lump that grows over weeks should never be ignored.
Early assessment with triple assessment (examination, imaging, biopsy) gives the most accurate diagnosis and avoids delay if treatment is needed.
A common belief
Some women wait because a lump feels smooth or comfortable, thinking it is harmless.
What actually happens
Benign lumps like fibroadenomas and cysts can feel exactly like that. Only proper imaging and biopsy can confirm the nature of the lump.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Do not wait for a routine check-up if you notice any of these changes. Contact Jaipur Hospital to book an OPD appointment.
The surgeon will examine you, arrange ultrasound or mammogram as needed, and advise on next steps within the same visit or a short follow-up. Early review leads to simpler treatment if required.
How will the results change my care plan?
In short
Test results at Jaipur Hospital directly determine the next step. A benign biopsy result (such as fibroadenoma or simple cyst) may lead to observation or a small excision if the lump is large or causing symptoms. An abscess diagnosis leads to drainage. If cancer is confirmed, the tumour size, grade, hormone receptors, HER2 status and lymph node imaging guide whether breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy is recommended, and whether chemotherapy or radiation is needed before or after surgery.
In detail
Evidence shows that clear margins (no cancer cells at the edge of removed tissue) are essential after lumpectomy; if margins are involved, re-excision is needed. Lymph node status (sentinel node biopsy or axillary clearance) decides adjuvant therapy.
Multidisciplinary discussion ensures the plan fits your tumour biology and personal factors (age, menopause, general health, pregnancy). The POSYTIVE trial found no survival benefit for primary tumour surgery in stage IV disease, so systemic therapy may come first in advanced cases. Benign results avoid unnecessary major surgery.
A common belief
A common fear is that any abnormal result means immediate major surgery.
What actually happens
Many biopsies are benign and need only observation. Even with cancer, the plan is personalised — not every patient needs mastectomy or chemotherapy.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Once results are available, the surgeon will discuss them with you in person or by phone. A treatment plan with timelines, expected hospital stay (same day to 3 nights) and a cost estimate (₹25,000 to ₹2,50,000 typical range) will be shared. You can then decide on scheduling.
What should I do if symptoms persist or worsen after breast surgery?
In short
If you notice increasing pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage from the wound after breast surgery at Jaipur Hospital, contact the surgical team promptly. A fever above 38°C, sudden breast swelling, or opening of the incision also needs urgent review. These signs may indicate infection, haematoma, or seroma that requires treatment. Do not wait for the next scheduled appointment if you are concerned.
In detail
Evidence identifies surgical site infections as a major source of postoperative morbidity. Risk factors include higher body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, previous breast surgery, and the use of postoperative drains. Persistent postsurgical pain occurs in some patients at three months.
Numbness near the scar or nipple is common after surgery. If cancer pathology shows tumour close to the removed edge, a further operation may be needed. Your surgeon will have explained these possibilities before discharge. The nursing team provides wound care instructions and a contact number for concerns.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Keep the OPD contact details handy. For urgent symptoms outside clinic hours, visit the 24×7 emergency department at Jaipur Hospital. Bring your discharge summary and any drain records. Early review prevents complications from becoming serious.
How can I decide whether to seek advice about triple assessment for a breast lump?
In short
Triple assessment at Jaipur Hospital is the standard first step for any breast lump. Seek advice if you feel a lump, notice skin dimpling, nipple changes, or discharge, or if a routine mammogram shows an abnormality. The process combines clinical examination, imaging with ultrasound or mammogram, and a needle biopsy. This gives a definitive diagnosis in most cases and guides whether surgery, monitoring, or other treatment is needed.
In detail
Evidence states that sometimes a provider cannot feel a lump on examination, but it can be seen on imaging such as mammogram or ultrasound. Wire localisation is used before surgery if the lump cannot be felt but is visible on imaging.
A radiologist places a needle wire in or near the abnormal area to guide the surgeon. Triple assessment avoids unnecessary surgery for benign conditions and ensures cancer is not missed. The biopsy result determines if the lump is a fibroadenoma, cyst, phyllodes tumour, or cancer.
Phyllodes tumours are most common in women in their 40s and can be benign or malignant. Atypical hyperplasia found on biopsy increases future cancer risk. The assessment is typically completed in one or two visits.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Do not wait if you notice any breast change. Book an OPD consultation at Jaipur Hospital. The in-house imaging and laboratory allow same-day ultrasound, mammogram, and biopsy in many cases. Results are usually available within 48 to 72 hours. Your surgeon then explains the findings and next steps.
FAQ library
Questions and answers about breast surgery
When you contact us
Get your assessment and plan
Contact Jaipur Hospital for a surgeon consultation, in-house tests, clear options, a cost estimate and help with cashless schemes.
- A consultation with a general and laparoscopic surgeon in the OPD
- Your scans and reports reviewed, with tests done in-house if you need them (laboratory, X-ray and imaging)
- Your options explained in plain words, including whether you need surgery at all
- A cost estimate before you decide
- Help with cashless treatment under RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS and empanelled insurers and TPAs
- Follow-up visits after your treatment
Overview
Breast Surgery: what to know
What breast surgery is and how it helps
Breast surgery covers operations for lumps, abscesses and cancer. A lump may be a benign growth such as a fibroadenoma, a fluid-filled cyst or a solid tumour that needs checking. An abscess is a collection of pus that forms after an infection.
Cancer surgery removes the tumour and often some lymph nodes under the arm to see if the disease has spread.
The hospital uses a process called triple assessment. This means a clinical examination, imaging with an ultrasound or mammogram, and a needle biopsy to take a small sample of cells. The results guide whether you need an operation and which type suits you.
Common operations include:
- Removal of a benign lump (lumpectomy or excisional biopsy)
- Drainage of an abscess by needle or a small cut
- Breast-conserving surgery for cancer
- Mastectomy to remove the whole breast
Your surgeon will explain which operation fits your situation.
Symptoms and warning signs that need urgent care
- Rapidly growing lump
- Sudden severe swelling
You may notice:
- A new lump in the breast or armpit
- A change in the size or shape of the breast
- Skin dimpling or puckering
- Nipple changes such as turning inward or discharge
- Redness and warmth over the breast
A breast abscess often feels tender, swollen and hot, and you may have fever.
Some benign conditions cause lumpiness or discomfort that changes with your menstrual cycle. Fibroadenomas are often smooth, mobile and not tender. Fat necrosis can feel like a firm, round lump after an injury or previous surgery.
Seek care the same day if you have a rapidly growing lump, an open wound or ulcer on the breast, high fever with breast redness and pain, or sudden severe swelling. These can suggest an infection that needs drainage or a tumour that needs prompt assessment.
Causes and who is at higher risk
- Benign lump causes
- Hormones, fluid build-up, injury
- Cancer risk factors
- Age, family history, dense tissue, past biopsies
- Surgical infection risks
- Diabetes, obesity, drains, older age, past surgery
Benign lumps such as fibroadenomas are common in women under 30 and are linked to hormonal changes. Cysts form when fluid collects in the breast ducts. Fat necrosis happens when fatty tissue is injured, for example after surgery or a fall.
Breast cancer risk increases with age; the mean age at diagnosis in studies is around 56 years. Certain benign conditions raise risk: atypical ductal hyperplasia and atypical lobular hyperplasia carry a higher relative risk. A family history of breast cancer, previous breast biopsies, and dense breast tissue also increase risk.
For surgical site infections after breast surgery, studies identify older age, hypertension, higher body mass index, diabetes, ASA grade 3 or 4, previous breast surgery, preoperative chemoradiation, haematoma, seroma, more intraoperative bleeding, and the use or duration of postoperative drains as significant risk factors.
How breast conditions are diagnosed: examination and tests
- Clinical examination by a doctor First step to feel for lumps or changes
- Imaging with ultrasound or mammogram Ultrasound first for younger women, mammogram over 40
- Needle biopsy for tissue sample Core needle biopsy under local anaesthesia
- Pathology review of the sample Checks if cells are benign or cancerous
The first step is a clinical examination by a doctor. If a lump is felt or a change is seen, imaging is arranged. An ultrasound is often used first, especially in younger women, and a mammogram is added for women over 40 or when the ultrasound is unclear.
If imaging shows a suspicious area, a needle biopsy is done. A core needle biopsy takes a small cylinder of tissue under local anaesthesia. If the lump cannot be felt but is seen on imaging, a wire or clip is placed by a radiologist using ultrasound or mammogram guidance to mark the spot for the surgeon.
The tissue sample goes to a pathologist who checks whether the cells are benign or cancerous. For cancer, further tests on the tissue (hormone receptors, HER2) help plan treatment.
Blood tests, chest X-ray and ECG are usually done before surgery to check fitness for anaesthesia.:
- Blood tests
- Chest X-ray
- ECG
Treatment options without surgery and when surgery is advised
Many benign lumps do not need an operation. Simple cysts can be watched or drained with a fine needle if they are large or painful. Fibroadenomas that are small, stable and confirmed on biopsy may be monitored with regular ultrasound.
Breast abscesses are often treated first with antibiotics and needle aspiration; a small cut to drain pus is needed if aspiration fails.
Surgery is advised when a lump is growing, causes symptoms, or the biopsy shows atypical or cancerous cells. For breast cancer, surgery is usually the first treatment.
The choice between breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) and mastectomy depends on:
- Tumour size
- Number of tumours
- Breast size
- Whether you can have radiation afterwards
- Your personal preference
Lumpectomy removes the tumour with a margin of healthy tissue. If the margin is not clear, a second operation may be needed. Mastectomy removes the whole breast and may be chosen for larger or multiple tumours, or if radiation is not possible.
Lymph node surgery (sentinel node biopsy or axillary dissection) is often done at the same time to check for spread.
Your surgeon will discuss the options, the expected hospital stay (same day to three nights), recovery time (a few days for lump removal, three to six weeks after cancer surgery), and the typical cost range (₹25,000 to ₹2,50,000 depending on the procedure).
Preparing for breast surgery
Do
- Tell your surgeon about all medicines Include chemist and herbal products
- Report allergies and past anaesthesia reactions Medicines, foods, latex, rubber
- Follow fasting instructions on surgery day Usually no food or drink for six to eight hours
Before your operation, your surgical team will ask you to have a few routine tests. These usually include blood tests, a chest X-ray and an ECG to check your heart. A mammogram or breast ultrasound may be repeated if the earlier images are more than a few weeks old.
Tell your surgeon about every medicine you take, including those you buy from a chemist without a prescription and any herbal products. Some medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, clopidogrel and warfarin make it harder for your blood to clot and may need to be stopped a few days before surgery.
Let the team know if you have any allergies to medicines, foods, latex or rubber, and if you have ever had a reaction to anaesthesia.
If you smoke, try to stop at least two weeks before the operation. Smoking can slow wound healing and raise the chance of infection. Your doctor can help you with ways to quit.
On the day of surgery, follow the fasting instructions given by your anaesthetist. Usually you must not eat or drink anything for six to eight hours before the procedure. Take only the medicines your surgeon has told you to take, with a small sip of water.
Bring a comfortable, supportive bra such as a sports bra to wear after the operation. Pack loose clothing that opens at the front, your regular medicines, and any reports or imaging films. An attendant can stay with you in the ward.
How breast surgery is done
- Triple assessment guides the operation choice Clinical exam, imaging, and needle biopsy
- Benign lump removed with small margin Lump excision or lumpectomy, about one hour
The operation you have depends on the reason for surgery. Your surgeon will explain which option suits you after the triple assessment — clinical examination, imaging (ultrasound or mammogram) and a needle biopsy.
For a benign lump such as a fibroadenoma, the surgeon removes the lump with a small margin of normal tissue. This is called a lump excision or lumpectomy. The cut is usually small and the procedure takes about one hour.
If you have a breast abscess, the pus can be drained with a needle aspiration or a small cut under local anaesthesia. This is often done as a day procedure.
For breast cancer, the main operations are breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) or mastectomy. In breast-conserving surgery, the tumour and a rim of healthy tissue are removed. The surgeon may also take out some or all of the lymph nodes in the armpit to check if the cancer has spread.
A mastectomy removes the whole breast. Sometimes the skin and nipple can be preserved. Your surgeon will discuss which approach is appropriate for the size and position of the tumour, whether there is more than one tumour, and your general health.
If the lump cannot be felt but is seen on imaging, a wire localisation is done before surgery. A radiologist uses a mammogram or ultrasound to place a thin wire in or near the abnormal area to guide the surgeon.
Small metal clips may be placed in the breast to mark the area where tissue was removed. This helps future mammograms and guides radiation therapy if it is needed later.
The operation is done under local or general anaesthesia. The anaesthetist will discuss the plan with you beforehand.
The surgeon closes the skin with stitches or staples. Some stitches dissolve on their own; others are removed at a follow-up visit. A drain tube may be left in place for a few days to remove extra fluid.
The removed tissue is sent to the pathologist for detailed examination.
Most lump removals are done as day surgery. Cancer surgery may need a stay of one to three nights.
Jaipur Hospital has modular operation theatres and a 24-hour diagnostic laboratory and imaging service on site.
Risks and possible complications of breast surgery
- Surgical site infection
- Higher with diabetes, obesity, drains, past surgery
- Breast appearance changes
- Dimpling, scar, shape difference
All operations carry some risk. General surgical risks include bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, reactions to medicines and risks linked to anaesthesia.
Infection at the surgical site is a known complication after breast surgery.
Studies have found that older age, high blood pressure, higher body mass index, diabetes, previous breast biopsy or operation, preoperative chemoradiation, haematoma, seroma, more bleeding during surgery, and the use of a drain tube — especially if kept for longer or if a second drain is placed — are factors that increase the chance of infection.
The appearance of the breast may change after surgery. You may notice dimpling, a scar, or a difference in shape between the two breasts.
Areas of the breast or the nipple may feel numb after the operation. This can be temporary or long-term.
Fat necrosis can develop when fatty breast tissue is injured during surgery. It causes firm, usually lumps that causes no pain that may need assessment.
If cancer surgery is done and the tumour is found to be too close to the edge of the removed tissue, another operation may be needed to take out more tissue.
Persistent pain after breast cancer surgery occurs in some patients. In studies, a proportion of patients reported pain that lasted three months or more after the operation.
Watch for signs of infection when you go home: increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage from the wound, or a fever. Contact the hospital if any of these occur.
Recovery and aftercare after breast surgery
- Simple lump removal Return to usual activities within a week
- Wound healing Skin heals in about a month
- Drain removal One to two weeks if drain is placed
- Cancer surgery recovery Three to six weeks for mastectomy or lymph node surgery
After a simple lump removal, recovery is usually quick. Many women have little pain, but you can take pain medicine such as paracetamol if needed.
The skin wound typically heals in about a month. Keep the area clean and change dressings as your surgeon advises.
Wear a comfortable, supportive bra such as a sports bra. You may need to put a piece of gauze over the incision so the bra does not rub.
If a drain tube is in place, you may need to empty it a few times a day for one to two weeks and measure the fluid. The surgeon will remove the drain at a follow-up visit.
Most women return to their usual activities within a week after a simple lumpectomy. Avoid heavy lifting, jogging, or any activity that causes pain in the surgical area for one to two weeks.
Check with your surgeon before you start driving or go back to work.
After cancer surgery such as mastectomy or lymph node removal, recovery takes longer — typically three to six weeks. You will be given specific exercises for the arm and shoulder to prevent stiffness.
Call the hospital or your surgeon if you notice increasing pain not relieved by medicine, redness or swelling that spreads, fluid leaking from the wound, a fever above 38°C, or if the drain output suddenly increases or becomes foul-smelling.
Results of breast surgery: how well it works
For benign lumps such as fibroadenomas, removal usually resolves the lump completely. The tissue is examined to confirm the diagnosis.
For breast cancer, breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) followed by radiation therapy has about the same chance of controlling the cancer as mastectomy in suitable patients.
Lumpectomy allows you to keep most of your breast tissue that is not affected by cancer.
The long-term outcome depends mainly on the size of the cancer, the type of tumour, and whether it has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm.
In most cases, breast reconstruction is not needed after lumpectomy.
In studies of patients with stage IV breast cancer who had surgery followed by systemic therapy compared with systemic therapy alone, median survival was 34.6 months in the surgery group and 54.8 months in the non-surgery group. The trial did not show a survival benefit for surgery in this setting.
Pain scores and morphine use after surgery are lower when regional anaesthesia blocks such as ESP block or paravertebral block are used, according to randomised trials.
Your surgeon will discuss the expected results for your specific situation after the pathology report is available.
Cost and insurance for breast surgery in Jaipur
The typical price range for breast surgery in India is ₹25,000 to ₹2,50,000.
The final cost depends on:
- Type of operation — lump excision, abscess drainage, breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy
- Whether lymph node surgery is needed
- The choice of anaesthesia
- The length of hospital stay
- Any additional tests or imaging required before or after the procedure
Preoperative tests such as blood tests, mammography, breast MRI, ECG and chest X-ray are billed separately.
Jaipur Hospital is a NABH-accredited multispeciality hospital established in February 1991. It is on the panel for RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS, and a panel of private insurers and TPAs. If you are covered under one of these schemes, bring your card and any pre-authorisation documents. The hospital has an in-house pharmacy and diagnostic laboratory, and 24-hour emergency and ambulance services.
Ask the admissions desk for an estimate based on your planned procedure and insurance coverage.