There are several types of breast cancer surgery, but the three most common types are:

1. Lumpectomy: also known as breast-conserving surgery or partial mastectomy, this procedure involves removing the tumor and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue. The remaining breast tissue is not removed.

2. Mastectomy: This procedure involves removing the entire breast that has cancer. Depending on the case, some lymph nodes under the arm may also be removed.

3. Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: This is a specialized type of breast cancer surgery in which the surgeon identifies and removes the sentinel lymph node(s) to check whether cancer has spread to the lymphatic system. This procedure is done before or during a lumpectomy or a mastectomy.

The type of surgery that is recommended for a patient with breast cancer will depend on various factors such as the size and location of the tumor, the patient's overall health, and medical history, as well as their preferences. Some other factors that play a role include whether the tumor is hormone receptor-positive or HER2-positive, the stage of cancer, and whether the patient plans to have radiation therapy or not.

Recovery time after breast surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery and the individual patient. Generally, recovery from breast cancer surgery can take several weeks to several months.

• For a lumpectomy, recovery time is usually shorter, with most patients able to return to normal activities within a few days to a week.
• There may be some discomfort, swelling, and/or tenderness in the breast for a few weeks after surgery, but these symptoms can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
• For a mastectomy, recovery time is generally longer, with most patients taking 4-6 weeks off work to recover.
• There may be a pain, swelling, and/or discomfort in the breast and underarm area, as well as fatigue and emotional issues.
• Most patients need to wear a surgical bra for a few weeks after the surgery, and it is also important to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for several weeks.
• For a sentinel lymph node biopsy, recovery time is similar to that of a lumpectomy, since it is done before or during a lumpectomy or a mastectomy.
• It is important to note that recovery time can vary depending on individual factors such as the extent of the surgery, the patient's overall health, and the patient's ability to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon.
• It is always best to consult with your surgeon and follow their post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.