All about Oncoplastics
Oncoplastic techniques have enabled Surgeons who specialise in them, like me, to preserve the natural shape and structure of the breast as much as possible and to create an aesthetic outcome where further surgical interventions are less likely to be needed. It’s a great option for some but is not an option for every person requiring surgery for breast cancer.
What exactly is Oncoplastic Breast Surgery?
Oncoplastic Breast Surgery combines surgical oncology with the latest plastic surgery techniques to improve cosmetic outcomes and patient satisfaction following breast cancer surgery. Oncoplastic Breast Surgery can also reduce or eliminate the need for a separate reconstructive surgery by including a re-shaping into the initial removal surgery when possible.
“The surgeon delicately balances oncological needs with aesthetic aims.”
To find out if Oncoplastic Breast Surgery is an option for you, discuss this with your Specialist Breast Surgeon. Just like how every woman is different, so is the size of the tumour, and therefore the surgical options available to you. If Oncoplastic Breast Surgery is not suitable for you, conventional breast cancer surgeries are effective and performed every day. This means you are in good hands and can still have an aesthetic outcome after surgery.
Different types of Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
Oncoplastic Surgery covers a range of techniques aimed at reconstructing the breast for cosmetic purposes. The type of procedure a patient will have depends on the size and location of the tumour and the size of their affected breast.
If removing a tumour only creates a small defect, the breast tissue can be rearranged to compensate and minimise the deformity.
If a medium-sized defect is created, a breast reduction or breast lift may be performed alongside the tumour removal to produce a better cosmetic result.
If a procedure results in one breast being noticeably different in size to the other, the unaffected breast may also be operated on to create better symmetry.
In cases where tumour removal creates a larger defect, a local flap may be taken from another part of the body, to replace the removed breast tissue.
When Oncoplastic Breast Surgery can take place
Immediate Oncoplastic Breast Surgery is a great option for suitable patients because it can be performed in the one surgery, reducing the risks associated with additional surgeries. However, the most important thing is that the patient is comfortable with the procedure and has made the decision that feels right for them.
Why people choose Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
Oncoplastic Breast Surgery is an innovative option that myself and other Specialist Breast Surgeons trained in these techniques, are proud to offer because:
They can give a woman the best possible cosmetic result, compared with other breast cancer removal techniques.
They can reduce or even eliminate the need for later reconstructive surgery.
They can better address tumours and symptoms in large breasts.
And there are less risk of other medical problems occurring in comparison to a traditional mastectomy and the Surgeon can remove more tissue, ensuring all margins are clear of cancer.
These are some of the reasons a woman with breast cancer may want to choose Oncoplastic Breast Surgery for herself.
What to expect after Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
Patients who have had Oncoplastic Breast Surgery can generally expect to return to a normal routine after about 6 weeks. Depending on the procedure and the individual, it could take less or more time. It’s important to discuss recovery times with your Surgeon before the procedure.
The cosmetic outcome will also vary person to person. It will depend upon the tumour, breast size and techniques used. The expected outcome is something you should also discuss with your Surgeon in advance of the procedure. It’s important your expectations are in line with what you and your Surgeon have decided together.
Oncoplastic Breast Surgery has transformed the way we can achieve cosmetic outcomes for women with breast cancer. It’s a great option that we are lucky to have and I am grateful to be able to offer it to my suitable patients in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Redlands. Find out more on my Oncoplastic Breast Surgery page.