Summary
Individuals with large or sagging breasts can combine a lumpectomy with a breast reduction or lift. Oncoplastic breast reduction/lift is an approach that removes the tumor along with excess tissue, skin, or both to reduce or reshape breast contour.
While breast reduction and breast lift procedures utilize similar techniques, breast reduction removes a considerable amount of breast tissue. Oncoplastic breast reduction can improve breast contour and help ensure that cancer is fully removed in patients with large breasts. Oncoplastic lift is ideal for women with sagging breasts.
Types of Oncoplastic Reduction and Lift Procedures
Oncoplastic Breast Reduction
Oncoplastic Breast Lift

Oncoplastic reduction or lift when the lumpectomy is on the lower breast – nipple may remain attached to the upper breast as the breast is reshaped and the nipple is moved to a higher position.

Oncoplastic reduction or lift when the lumpectomy is on the upper breast – nipple may remain attached to the lower breast as the breast is reshaped and the nipple is moved to a higher position.
Procedure Details:
- The breast reduction or lift is planned based on the location of the tumor
- On the day of surgery, surgeons mark the patient in the standing position
- A breast surgeon performs a lumpectomy using the reduction or life pattern that a plastic surgeon designed
- A plastic surgeon performs the remainder of the reduction or lift
- To preserve breast symmetry, the surgeon performs a matching reduction or lift on the opposite breast
- Both breasts are reshaped and closed
Risks & Benefits
Oncoplastic reduction and lift can improve the shape of your breast. Patients with large breasts may also see an improvement in chronic neck and back pain. Reducing the size of your breasts can also reduce radiation related complications. Radiation therapy will still change breast contour and can result in skin tightening and loss of breast volume.
Incisions around the areola may prevent breast feeding, and they can interfere with sensation.