Breast Reconstruction After Lumpectomy Oncoplastic Breast Reconstruction

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Restoring your breasts after lumpectomy

After a lumpectomy, breast reconstruction surgery may be performed at the same time, or potentially later, to restore a better shape and appearance. Also known as oncoplastic breast reconstruction, this procedure may ameliorate concavities or distortions near the lumpectomy site following excision of the area by the breast surgeon, thus effectively rearranging tissue to fill lost volume and finally improving breast shape and symmetry. Coordinating a comprehensive plan with your breast surgeon yields excellent results as the tumor may be accessed adequately and a plan for the reconstruction will be done in conjunction.

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Feel like yourself again after a lumpectomy

In early-stage cancer, you can often preserve a large part of the natural breast. A lumpectomy removes only the cancerous tissue, with a margin of healthy tissue. Depending on how much tissue is removed, you may potentially have a dent or bulge in your breast, or one breast may be smaller than the other after removal of tissue. While there is no doubt that removing all cancerous tissue is the main priority, restoring your breast to a more natural look and feel can help improve any insecurities that you may experience due to your lumpectomy as well as obtain improved shape and contour of your affected breast and symmetry between both breasts. Essentially, your procedure will be designed and performed much like a breast lift and reduction.

Regain control of your life

After undergoing cancer treatment, breast reconstruction surgery can give you a feeling of regaining control of your life. Whether you will receive radiation treatment or not, oncoplastic reconstruction can usually be performed at the same time as your lumpectomy or shortly after that.

Benefits of reconstructive surgery after lumpectomy include:

The procedure is fully personalized to meet your unique needs and goals.
Results are dramatic and long-lasting.
It may boost your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Improve breast contour and minimize cosmetic deformity after a lumpectomy, where the tissue is removed.
Restores balance and proportion to your body.

When is the best time for breast reconstruction after a lumpectomy?

If you are considering oncoplastic breast reconstruction in Scottsdale, there are generally two options for the timing of your surgery. It can be done immediately, in conjunction with your lumpectomy, or it can be delayed, at a later date after the lumpectomy has been done. Immediate reconstruction is the more popular choice, as this is performed at the same time as your lumpectomy and doesn’t require additional recovery time or anesthesia. However, not everyone is eligible for immediate reconstruction.

Dr. Andres will let you know which is the better option for you. If you decide to get a delayed reconstruction, you should wait for at least six months after completion of any radiation therapy.

Will it take me a long time to recover?

Recovery time varies widely from person to person. Following your surgery, you can expect to experience some swelling and bruising. This should subside on its own in a matter of weeks. You should be able to return to work after one to four weeks, and we recommend that you avoid strenuous activity for the first four to six weeks. You must be fully-healed prior to any additional adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation that you may need following your lumpectomy, thus, performing immediate oncoplastic reconstruction does incur some potential additional risk for timing issues, which will be discussed with you. Dr. Andres and his staff will give you detailed instructions for post-operative care that will help make your recovery process as rapid and smooth as possible.

How long will the surgery take?

This will depend on the details of your surgery and whether it is being performed simultaneously with your lumpectomy. The reconstruction typically takes between three and four hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Andres may use different procedures to achieve the best possible outcome for you. These include:

Flap procedures

In this procedure, Dr. Andres takes tissue from another part of your body, such as your back, chest, thighs, abdomen, or buttocks. This tissue is used to add additional tissue and rebuild your breast shape.

Learn More About Flap Reconstruction

Fat grafting

Dr. Andres will harvest fat from another part of your body and inject it into your breast, correcting any deformity, dent, or lack of volume. This option yields results that look and feel incredibly natural because your fat is being transferred to your breast.

Learn More About Fat Grafting

Choosing a surgeon for your reconstruction after lumpectomy

Choosing the right surgeon for your oncoplastic reconstruction can make all the difference in your satisfaction with your surgical results. Reconstructive surgeries are highly individualized and require much expertise and understanding. Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and fellowship-trained in breast reconstruction and microsurgery, Dr. Lewis Albert Andres is considered one of the top plastic surgeons in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. He understands your trials during cancer treatment and is committed to achieving superior, natural-looking results that surpass your expectations.

Breast Reconstruction Before & After

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