Lumpectomy / Oncoplastic Surgery

A lumpectomy is a breast-conserving surgery that removes abnormal or cancerous tissue from the breast.

*Real Patient

Normal tissue is also extracted around the lump to ensure that all the cancerous tissue is removed. Unlike a mastectomy, which removes the entire breast, a lumpectomy is designed to only remove a smaller portion of the breast.

How Does A Lumpectomy Work?

A lumpectomy is usually performed to verify a diagnosis of cancer or to treat the early stages of cancer. Most commonly, if a woman chooses a lumpectomy, radiation therapy will be required to decrease the chances of the cancer returning. A lumpectomy preserves a portion of the native breast. However, the radiation treatment, often required after a lumpectomy procedure, may deform the shape and appearance of the remaining breast. In addition, radiation can permanently damage the skin of the breast. It can decrease the blood supply to the skin and subsequently cause it to contract.

Women who have a history of breast radiation who later undergo a mastectomy are at a higher likelihood of having healing problems at the radiated site. In addition, women who choose to pursue a lumpectomy will have to continue breast cancer surveillance (i.e. sonograms, mammograms, MRI).

Reconstructive surgery, performed at the time of the lumpectomy (preferable) or after, can help improve the aesthetic appearance of the breast treated with a lumpectomy.

*Real Patient

Oncoplastic Surgery

After a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, oncoplastic surgery can be performed to help preserve the breast shape and improve aesthetic outcomes for the patient. Oncoplastic reconstruction procedures can be performed at the same time as the tumor is removed with lumpectomy. Alternatively, it can be performed at a later date for patients who have deformity or asymmetry from a previous lumpectomy or partial mastectomy. With oncoplastic procedures, symmetry and other aesthetic issues are addressed to minimize both physical and emotional trauma that may arise during breast cancer treatment.

What Is Oncoplastic Surgery?

Oncoplastic closure – Contour deformities after lumpectomy or partial mastectomy require oncoplastic surgery to help create a full, balanced breast appearance. If radiation was used, the need may be even more urgent. This procedure improves breast shape and symmetry by making use of surrounding healthy skin and tissue, which is redistributed strategically. It should be noted, however, that after radiation, the breast skin may shrink, and volume loss may occur, but these side effects can be mitigated with additional reconstructive procedures at a future date.

Oncoplastic breast reduction and mastopexy – In order to reshape the breasts and provide cosmetic enhancement and symmetry after lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, oncoplastic breast reduction along with mastopexy can be performed to improve patient outcomes. This procedure has the dual benefit of removing the tumor and combating breast ptosis at the same time. The nipple and areolar complex are repositioned, and excess fat, tissue, and skin are excised.

Flap surgery – Autologous flaps can be created using tissue from the back and the chest wall to help mitigate deformities and irregular contours caused by lumpectomy. For those who lack sufficient breast tissue to perform oncoplastic closure, flap surgery may serve as an alternative solution. Dr. Tanna can use a TDAP (thoracodorsal artery perforator flap) from the back; an ICAP (intercostal artery perforator flap) from the chest wall; or an LTAP (lateral thoracic artery perforator flap), also from the chest wall.

What Are The Advantages Of Treatment?

Improved aesthetic outcome
Breasts that are more proportional to the body frame
A more pleasing breast projection and shape
Enhanced satisfaction with the appearance
Improved quality of life

Who Makes A Good Candidate?

Oncoplastic surgery can be beneficial for anyone who is considering a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy. Alternatively, it is a good technique for anyone who has already undergone these treatments for breast cancer care.

It is especially prudent for those with large ptotic breasts (sagging with low-hanging nipples) who can benefit from a combination of breast reduction and breast lift oncoplastic procedure. Patients who have poor scarring after tumor removal also make good candidates for oncoplastic surgery.

Why Choose Dr. Tanna In NYC?

Dr. Tanna is deeply passionate about helping breast cancer survivors to thrive and feel confident about their appearance. He is a meticulously trained, board-certified plastic surgeon whose work has been published in over 100 peer-reviewed publications and medical journals.

Dr. Tanna obtained his medical degree from Albany Medical College and his graduate degree from The George Washington University. Later Dr. Tanna pursued a residency in Plastic Surgery at the prestigious University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), as well as an elite Fellowship in Microsurgery at NYU in Manhattan. Dr. Tanna is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Aesthetic Society, and the American College of Surgeons.