Oncoplastic Reduction and Lift



This approach combines a lumpectomy with a breast reduction or lift to improve contour and symmetry after lumpectomy.

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 people with sagging breasts.

Types of Oncoplastic Reduction and Lift Procedures

Oncoplastic Breast Reduction

This approach uses a breast reduction to remove cancerous tissue. The reduction is planned such that the malignant tissue is included in the tissue that would normally be removed as part of a breast reduction. In many cases, this allows the tumor to be removed with larger margins than other circumstances would permit. The breast volume is reduced while the nipple is simultaneously elevated to a higher position on the breast.

Oncoplastic Breast Lift

The lumpectomy is performed using breast lift incisions. A plastic surgeon removes excess skin during lumpectomy and reshapes the breast with the nipple and areola in a higher position. The approach is very similar to an oncoplastic breast reduction except that the focus is on reshaping the breast to elevate the nipple position without significantly changing the breast volume.

When reducing and lifting the breast during lumpectomy, the surgeon will elevate the nipple position while preserving blood supply to the nipple. There are several methods that surgeons use for that purpose, depending on what part of the breast requires the lumpectomy. In some cases, the nipple is removed and will regain its blood supply by being reattached as a graft.

Oncoplastic Reduction. Lower breast cancer

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. Upper breast cancer

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.