How to manage body image concerns after breast cancer surgery
February 05, 2026
Medically Reviewed | Last reviewed by Deepti Chopra, M.B.B.S., and Puneet Singh, M.D., on February 05, 2026
Losing a breast due to cancer treatment can mean different things to different people. It all depends on where you are in your life and how you perceive the removal of your breast.
Sometimes, it can trigger feelings of being “less than” — or anxiety about how its loss might affect intimate relationships. For others, it may trigger feelings of grief or sadness.
So, how do you navigate these and other body image issues that can arise after breast cancer surgery?
We recently explored this topic on MD Anderson’s Cancerwise podcast. Here are a few highlights from our discussion.
Physical changes may involve more than a scar
The first thing to know about breast surgery is that physical changes are to be expected, whether you have the entire breast removed (mastectomy) or just a part of the breast removed (segmental mastectomy, or lumpectomy).
But when we talk about physical changes, we don’t just mean a scar. Surgery can also impact the size, shape, and appearance of the breast. There will also be changes related to sensation, even if you’re able to keep your nipple and/or areola.
That’s why we prefer to meet with patients before they start treatment, so we can understand where they are emotionally, and prepare them for the things they might not expect, such as range of motion limitations, drains and lymphedema.
Asking questions will improve your experience
We also try to remind patients that some side effects they experience after surgery may not be permanent. With time, certain treatment-related changes usually resolve.
But you can improve the outcome of your procedure by preparing a list of questions for your care team in advance. Think about what you really want to know and ask it.
We really appreciate it when patients come in with questions, because that gives us an idea of how to tailor the conversation. Those are the things that are most important to them, based on their values, preferences and goals.
Getting comfortable with your ‘new’ body takes time
It’s important to note that breast cancer treatment is not limited to surgery. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormone therapy may also be recommended by your care team. Each of these comes with its own set of physical challenges.
Whether you’re dealing with hair loss, weight gain or the surgical loss of a breast, keep in mind that body image is something even women who haven’t been diagnosed with breast cancer struggle with. So, give yourself some grace. Rebuilding that connection with your new body takes time.
We try to give patients an idea of what to expect — such as what their scars will look like and what they can do to heal them. This allows them to feel confident in their decisions. But we also make them aware that there are other resources available, should they need additional support.
To learn more about body image after breast cancer, listen to the podcast.
Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or call 1-877-632-6789.