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What is Oncoplastic Breast Reconstruction?
Oncoplastic reconstruction is breast reconstruction technique which optimizes healing when a lumpectomy (or partial mastectomy) is performed in a larger, droopy breast. Essentially, it offers patients the benefits of a breast lift or reduction while removing only part of the breast that contains cancer. By preserving your breast tissue, this can lead to quicker physical and emotional healing.
There are many benefits associated with having oncoplastic breast reconstruction surgery at the same time as a lumpectomy. These include:
- Breast reconstruction is performed at the time of lumpectomy, in one surgery
- Is ideal in women with larger breast volume who would benefit from a breast reduction or breast lift
- Preserves a woman’s natural breast tissue, while removing only the cancerous area
Who is a good candidate for Oncoplastic Reconstruction?
Patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and who would like to reduce the size of their breasts during lumpectomy can often benefit from oncoplastic surgery. However, women with small breasts or those who have undergone multiple lumpectomies may not be eligible. The best way to determine if this surgery is right for you is through a consultation at our office.
Before + After
Patient Results
Breast reconstruction surgery is often a life-changing experience for our patients. Our goal is to help our patients feel whole again after undergoing breast cancer treatment. View our gallery to learn more about the various reconstructive surgeries performed by our board-certified plastic surgeons at Tucson Plastic Surgery.
BEFORE & AFTER GALLERY
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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.
Recovery Process
Oncoplastic Reconstruction Recovery
4-6 Weeks
Recovery from oncoplastic breast reconstruction surgery will vary depending on the procedure performed. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to best care for your surgery sites during recovery, as well as how to properly take any medications. Do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any post-surgery questions or concerns.
Silvia Kurtovic, MD & Raman Mahabir, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeons
At Tucson Plastic Surgery, we have a patient-centric approach that sets us apart from the rest. We take the time to really get to know you and your aesthetic goals during one-on-one conversations which help us to fully understand your motivations.