Preserving more of you.

Traditionally, women facing breast cancer surgery undergo a mastectomy followed by total breast reconstruction, or they may have a lumpectomy with radiation treatment, also known as “breast conservative therapy.” With a mastectomy, all of the breast tissue is removed, where as a lumpectomy conserves as much of the natural breast as possible, removing only the cancerous tumor. For lumpectomy, reconstruction is limited to restoring the natural shape of the breast through an approach called oncoplastic breast reconstruction, or oncoplasty.

What is Oncoplasty?
Oncoplasty is an advanced, multi-disciplinary approach that combines cancer surgery with plastic surgery. As a team, the surgical oncologist and Crystal Clinic plastic surgeons work together to design an operative plan tailored to the patient. Once the lump and some surrounding tissue is removed, the shape of the breast is then restored by Crystal Clinic’s breast reconstruction specialists through either a volume reducing or a volume enhancing approach.

Oncoplasty for Women with Large Breasts
For women having very large breasts, a reductive oncoplasty procedure removes the cancer and then reconstructs both breasts for symmetry, lifting them higher on the chest and creating a smaller, improved shaped. For some women, this approach not only improves their physical profile, but can also reduce neck, upper back, and shoulder pain associated with large breasts. Additionally, the new shape can make post-operative radiation therapy easier and more effective.  

Oncoplasty for Women with Smaller Breasts
Oncoplasty also makes breast conservative therapy available for some women with smaller breasts. If a tumor is removed from an area of a smaller breast where there is less tissue, volume must be restored. This can be accomplished through rearrangement of existing breast tissue via flaps, or the void in the breast can be filled through autologous fat grafting. With fat grafting, liposuction is performed, and the collected fat cells are then transferred to the breast to correct any deformity. The result is a natural appearance and feel. This surgery may be performed at the time of the lumpectomy surgery or following radiation treatment. 

Insurance Coverage
It’s important to note that oncoplasty is covered by insurance. This includes the breast reconstruction, oncoplastic procedures, and management of the opposite breast for the purpose of symmetry.  

Next Steps
The best way to know if oncoplastic breast reconstruction is right for you—and to determine your best options—is to sit down with your Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons breast reconstruction specialist for a personal consultation. Together, you will discuss your condition, your cancer treatment plan, your desired results, timing options, recommended procedure details, and any concerns or questions you may have. 

The first step is to schedule an appointment. Please be assured that scheduling an initial consultation with your Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons breast reconstruction expert will not obligate you to move forward with any procedure.