What is oncoplastic surgery?

Oncoplastic surgery is a field of surgical medicine that combines plastic surgery with surgical solutions for treating breast cancer. Oncoplastic surgery offers hope for women whose breasts could be distorted by radiation, lumpectomy, or mastectomy.

Oncoplastic surgery treats your breast cancer and restores the natural, symmetrical appearance of your breasts by removing cancerous tissue and sculpting your remaining, healthy breast tissue. Using revolutionary techniques, such as nipple-sparing mastectomy, you may have both effective breast cancer treatment and natural-looking breasts. Oncoplastic surgery often goes hand in hand with radiation, chemotherapy, or other cancer therapies. 

Who may benefit from oncoplastic surgery?

Oncoplastic surgery is ideal for patients with small tumors, and women with larger breasts who don’t mind a reduction in their cup size. Benefits of oncoplastic surgery include:

• Removal of cancer and reconstruction in one surgery
• Maintenance of breast symmetry and natural appearance
• Relief of symptoms associated with large breasts
• Removal of enough tissue to ensure clear, cancer-free borders

During a presurgery consultation, Dr. Arena takes time to discuss your options, risks, recovery, and expected outcomes if oncoplastic surgery is right for you. She also helps you understand every step of your oncoplastic surgery.

What does oncoplastic surgery entail? 

At the time of your surgery, Dr. Arena removes the tumor, surrounding tissues, and affected lymph nodes. A highly experienced plastic surgeon then sculpts both breasts to achieve a natural, balanced appearance. Depending on the size of your breasts and the extent of your cancerous tumor, they may:

• Rearrange local tissue
• Remove breast tissue
• Perform a breast lift
• Graft a flap of tissue from your flank, back, or upper abdomen 

Typically, oncoplastic surgery involves removal and replacement of the nipple and areola. However, Dr. Arena specializes in performing a nipple-sparing mastectomy, which preserves both the appearance and function of your nipple. Whatever the size of your breasts or breast cancer, she works with you to help you achieve the best possible aesthetic outcome while effectively treating your disease. 

For a consultation about whether oncoplastic surgery is right for you, call the office or schedule an appointment online withElizabeth Arena, M.D., F.A.C.S.