Oncoplastic Reconstruction Procedure
Oncoplastic surgery usually begins with a lumpectomy. During this procedure, your surgeon will remove the tumor and possibly the lymph nodes. The plastic surgeon will then perform a BREAST REDUCTION or breast lift, removing cancerous tissues from the breast as well as modifying the healthy breast. There are a variety of oncoplastic surgery techniques, depending on the patient’s health, the type of cancer they have, and the desired outcome. Some of the most commonly used techniques include:
Local Advancement Flap
During this technique, a local advancement flap is used which allows surgeons to take the remaining tissue after the tumor has been removed and use it to reconstruct the breast. This results in no additional defects to the breast for a more natural-looking result.
Bilateral Breast Lift
This procedure is a minimal form of the bilateral breast reduction and is a good option for those who do not want a significant change in the shape and size of their breasts. During this procedure, only tissue from the original excision is removed. Tissue from the other breast is also removed to ensure symmetry between the two breasts.
Bilateral Breast Reduction
In cases where a lumpectomy is performed on only one breast, it can lead to asymmetry between the two breasts. During a bilateral breast reduction, the healthy breast is altered in shape and size as well to match the appearance of the breast that underwent a lumpectomy.
Skin-Sparing Mastectomy
For women with advanced-stage breast cancer, a mastectomy may be needed. In these cases, a skin-sparing mastectomy can help to conserve the appearance of the breast. During this procedure, breast skin, nipples, and areola are removed. Then, the breast tissue is taken out through the same incision. The breast will then be reconstructed using the removed skin, nipple, and areola for a more natural outcome.