Propylactic Nipple Sparing Mastectomy- My Journey
Last update: 8/12/2026
Hi everyone,
I noticed there isn't too much full experiences shared with three-step propylactic mastectomy on this thread. I want to share my experience as I progress through this journey and update this post in case others are going through similar journeys. At the bottom, you can also find some list of resources that were helpful to me.
Background: I am in my early-mid 30s with strong family risk of BC. I tested negative for the gene test but due to family background and several "benign" findings in breast MRIs, I decided to go through this journey.
My surgeons recommended three steps:
- Mastopexy/breast lift and reduction to improve blood flow and ultimate estetic outcome,
- Nipple sparing DMX with expanders,
- Implant exchange surgery.
I am currently done with Step 1 and will be going through with Step 2 late 2026/early 2027.
Step 1. Mastopexy/breast lift and breast reduction on the right
I had this surgery on July 30, 2026. It was an outpatient procedure.
Prior to surgery: I stopped taking any vitamins/ drinking herbal tea. The night before, I stopped eating and drinking anything really after 7pm. I washed myself twice with anti-septic body wash given at my pre-op.
Day of the surgery: We showed up to the OP Procedure center at 5.30AM as my procedure was the first one of the day. Before the surgery, my plastic surgeon drew markings on the breast area for the lift and reduction. I also had a talk with anesthesiologist. After the procedure, I woke up in the recovery room, around 11AM. I was under anesthesia for about 2-3 hours and another hour sleeping in recovery room. I was discharged once my heart beat was under 110. I was taken home by my husband.
First week post op: After the surgery, the first two days, I was still feeling the effects of anesthesia. I was in an out of sleep. But after the first two days, things improved drastically. I slept with elevation using a U pillow and additional pillows the first three nights. i also only had sponge baths the first few nights After the first three days, my pain was very manageable. I only took the prescription medication the first night. After that first I switched to Tylenol 1000 every 6 hours then down to Tylenol 500 at around day 3. I have also been taking an antibiotic for the first week. I had my post-op appointment on August 5, things are healing well and I am finally cleared to shower with lukewarm water.
I work remotely and went back to my remote work at 5 days post op. I understand this timeline wouldn't be possible based on different jobs or health status. But this was definitely feasible for me.
Resources
Sleep and comfort: U pregnancy pillow for sleep on my back and a Wedge pillow for day time hanging out/ working.
Exercises: Pre-op: lots of yoga and shoulder and arm mobility exercises + core strength exercises
Post-op (Please note these worked for me as someone who was active pre-op and not going through BC treatment):
Week 0-1 restorative yoga: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppZhCKE7A5I&list=PLMXx7s3oaiSmDSk4bl6TBc2M3Bci1h-dg&index=4
Week 0-3 breast surgery exercises: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61BGYpUQJNk&list=PLMXx7s3oaiSmDSk4bl6TBc2M3Bci1h-dg
Week 2-3 restortative yoga: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoD8Ily_8eE&list=PLMXx7s3oaiSmDSk4bl6TBc2M3Bci1h-dg&index=5
Week 3-6 breast surgery exercises: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXdAr9DhwBA&list=PLMXx7s3oaiSmDSk4bl6TBc2M3Bci1h-dg&index=3
Self lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cjr5nweOBbc&list=PLMXx7s3oaiSmDSk4bl6TBc2M3Bci1h-dg&index=11