Background: Breast cancer remains the most prevalent malignancy among women globally, with rising incidence in China (3.9% annually) and significant psychosocial challenges post-surgery. Young patients face a 2.3-fold higher risk of postoperative depression, underscoring the need for systematic interventions.Aim: To describe the psychological and physiological experiences of patients after radical mastectomy or breast reconstruction and propose a dynamic nursing intervention model.Method: A literature review of PubMed articles (2014–2024) was conducted, screening 60 studies and analyzing 12 qualitative/quantitative articles. Inclusion criteria focused on postoperative experiences, excluding non-surgical interventions. Data were analyzed using Meleis’ Transition Theory and a three-stage model (“pre-thinking–contemplation–action”).Results: Key findings included:External factors: Postoperative anxiety due to body image disruption and Changes in patients under external influencesSelf-awareness shifts: Transition from viewing cancer as a “disease risk” to “dignified treatment”. Dynamic surgical acceptance and higher survival rates linked to psychological resilienceConclusion: Postoperative recovery for breast cancer patients transitions from centered around survival priorities to holistic integration of body and mind. Initially, altered body image and cultural pressures (e.g., son preference) provoke identity crises and strained family dynamics. Over time, psychological resilience and social support empower patients to shift from passive acceptance to active pursuit of wholeness. Accessible healthcare, empathetic patient-provider communication, and evolving social-cultural attitudes critically shape this adaptive journey.