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Dr. Harness comments on the degree of pain involved with a double mastectomy.
Dr. Harness, M.D.:
Double mastectomy, especially with immediate reconstruction, may require a hospitalization of a couple of days. Without immediate reconstruction, it depends on the threshold of pain of the patient, but typically patients like that will stay in the hospital a good 24 hours. And no one should hesitate with a double mastectomy and have a second and a third 24 hours.
Pain is incredibly variable from patient to patient. Using local anesthetic is important at the time of the double mastectomy to help minimize that pain post-operatively.
About Dr. Harness, M.D.:
Dr. Jay Harness, M.D., is the Director at St. Joseph Hospital Comprehensive Breast Center. Practicing medicine for 35 years, Dr. Harness specializes in general surgery and medical oncology. Graduating medical school from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, he conducting his internship and residency at the University of Michigan Medical Center. Recognized nationally and internationally for his work in breast and endocrine surgery, Dr. Harness is the immediate past-President of The American Society of Breast Surgeons and is President-elect of Breast Surgery International. Dr. Harness can assist patients in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Visit Dr. Harness at St. Joseph Hospital