Considering surgery to prevent breast cancer (often called a "prophylactic mastectomy") can be an overwhelming and, sometimes, isolating experience. At the Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center, our team of caring providers helps every patient feel supported, empowered and confident to make choices for their care and future.
You may consider learning more about a prophylactic mastectomy if you have:
- Already had breast cancer in one breast
- A family history of breast cancer, especially of breast cancer diagnosed before age 50
- Tested positive for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine?
Support and guidance to empower you: The Breast Center team helps all patients determine their risk for breast cancer through careful evaluation and genetic risk assessment. If you are identified as having a higher risk for breast cancer, our caring doctors will help them understand your options and determine the right choice for you.
Exemplary surgeons: Our exemplary surgeons have extensive training, expertise and passion for improving patients' health and lives with surgical treatment, including prophylactic mastectomies.
All preventative breast surgeries include breast reconstruction — performed by one of our experienced and highly skilled plastic surgeons — to restore your natural shape and help you feel confident as you enjoy life after the procedure.
Multidisciplinary care from leading experts: When you choose Weill Cornell Medicine, you have access to a network of doctors and specialists. Your doctor will collaborate closely with Weill Cornell Medicine geneticists and other specialists as needed. In addition, you will have access to our complementary care services and Integrative Health and well-being Program for nutritional counseling, mindfulness training and emotional support.
Weill Cornell Medicine partners with NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S.
Preventative Breast Surgery
The prophylactic mastectomy procedure reduces the risk of developing breast cancer by up to 90 to 95 percent. Surgical options include:
- Simple or total mastectomy: During this procedure, the nipple, areola and all breast tissue are removed.
- Skin-sparing mastectomy: The skin of the nipple and areola are removed. Using this opening, the surgeon will remove the breast tissue but does not remove the skin. The remaining pouch provides the best shape to reconstruct the breast using the body's own tissue.
- Nipple-sparing mastectomy: All of the breast tissue is removed, but the nipple is not removed.
All of our patients receive breast reconstruction by one of our highly trained and skilled plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Learn more about breast reconstruction.
Make an Appointment with the Breast Center
Our multidisciplinary team helps patients of all races, ethnicities, genders and gender identities. If you are considering preventative breast surgery or are interested in learning more about your risk for developing breast cancer, we encourage you to make an appointment.
Whether you visit us virtually through a video visit or you see us in person, you can be assured that we will deliver the highest standards of care with compassion. Our team has taken every step to keep our facilities safe for you to continue your care. Learn more about our safety measures and the changes we've made to enhance your patient experience.
Meet Our Breast Surgeons
The surgeons at the Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center offer patients the highest level of safety and care. As a top-ranked academic medical center, you have access to our extensive network of specialists who provide seamless care throughout your treatment — to promote physical and mental health and well-being.
Request an Appointment
To request an appointment, please fill out our form. Our staff will help you find the physician who best fits your individual medical needs. ADD FORM LINK