Prophylactic Mastectomy vs. Increased Surveillance: Making an Informed Choice

A high-risk breast cancer diagnosis often comes with difficult decisions. Should you reduce risk with surgery or rely on increased screening to watch closely for changes? Each approach has benefits, but both require careful thought and guidance. 

The Breast Center is home to board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Christopher Williams and Dr. Jeremy Williams, who guide women through reconstruction after prophylactic mastectomy. They bring expertise and support to patients in Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Denver, across Colorado, and nationwide.

What Prophylactic Mastectomy Means

A prophylactic mastectomy is preventive breast surgery that significantly lowers the risk of developing breast cancer. For women with BRCA mutations, studies show it can reduce risk by as much as 90% or more. 

While the benefit is peace of mind and a much lower chance of cancer, it is still a major surgery. Prophylactic mastectomy can involve removing one breast (unilateral) or both breasts (bilateral), depending on your level of risk and medical history. 

Some women may undergo a nipple-sparing mastectomy, while others may need a more traditional approach where breast tissue and the nipple are both removed. Each option carries different considerations for reconstruction.

Dr. Christopher Williams and Dr. Jeremy Williams work alongside your oncology and general surgery team to guide the reconstruction process. Whether through the DIEP Flap, implant-based reconstruction, or other microsurgical techniques, they can help restore shape after preventive surgery.

What Increased Surveillance Involves

Increased surveillance is a non-surgical path that focuses on close, consistent monitoring. This may include frequent mammograms, breast MRIs, ultrasounds, and exams by your physician. 

The benefit is that you keep your natural breasts and can avoid surgery. The trade-off is the emotional weight of ongoing appointments and the reality that surveillance does not prevent breast cancer. It only helps detect it early if it does develop.

Choosing What’s Right for You

This decision is deeply personal. Some women feel reassured by removing as much risk as possible, while others prefer to keep surgery off the table. Talking through your options with your medical team is the best way to move forward.

Begin the Conversation in Denver

When you are weighing your options, it helps to know you have support. At The Breast Center, our role is to be part of your recovery if you choose surgery. 

Call 303-706-1100 to schedule a consultation at our Lone Tree office. We welcome women from Highlands Ranch, Denver, Colorado, and across the country.