Oncoplastic Surgery | Tucson, AZ

What is Oncoplastic Surgery?

Oncoplastic surgery is done to completely remove cancer from the breast(s) while minimizing the unwanted effects of surgery. This can lead to quicker physical and emotional healing. This type of surgery is commonly performed with a lumpectomy, which is a surgical procedure to remove a portion of cancerous or abnormal breast tissue.

There are many benefits associated with having oncoplastic surgery at the same time as a lumpectomy. These include:

• Only one surgery is needed.
• Allows for more tissue to be removed, which is needed when a large tumor is present.
• Provides better symmetry between the two breasts.

Who is a Good Candidate for Oncoplastic Surgery?

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.

Oncoplastic Surgery 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 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.

Oncoplastic Surgery Recovery

Overall, recovery from oncoplastic surgery will vary depending on the invasiveness of the procedure performed. Oncoplastic surgery may differ from patient to patient, so some patients may recover faster than others. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to best care for your surgery site(s) 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.

Contact Us Today

To learn more about oncoplastic surgery at Tucson Plastic surgery, contact our office today! We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have, as well as schedule your consultation appointment.