Patients treated with lumpectomy (or breast conservation therapy), are also candidates for a reconstructive surgery called oncoplastic surgery, also known as partial breast reconstruction. Oncoplastic surgery is used to counteract the deforming forces on the breast that can follow a lumpectomy or radiation therapy, procedures that often leave an unsatisfactory aesthetic appearance, such as breast asymmetry. Patients considering a lumpectomy or radiation should discuss their plan with a plastic surgeon prior to surgery.
Click here to read more about other breast recontruction options.
Oncoplastic surgery is generally performed alongside a lumpectomy, or partial mastectomy, where a surgeon removes only the tumor and leaves the remaining breast tissue intact. This partial removal of the breast tissue, as well as post-surgical radiation therapy, can cause the patient’s breasts to be asymmetrical or aesthetically unpleasing.
Oncoplastic surgery adjusts the remaining tissue in the affected breast to maintain its shape, and often requires surgery on the unaffected breast to maintain symmetry. For women with smaller breasts that aren’t able to rearrange the remaining tissue, recruiting tissue from another part of your body may be required,
Oncoplastic surgery can be performed with the patient’s own tissue in the form of a flap, known as autologous reconstruction. Often, a gel implant is also used.
Oncoplastic surgery can be performed preferentially at the time of the lumpectomy or at a later date, depending on the patient’s situation. Dr. Potter will work with you and your surgeon to determine what makes the most sense.
Dr. Potter will work with patients individually to determine if oncoplastic surgery makes sense for them. To schedule a free phone consultation with Dr. Potter and her staff, fill out the contact form or call (512) 601-4759.
