Oncoplastic Breast Reduction

What is oncoplastic breast reduction?

Oncoplastic breast reduction combines breast cancer surgery with breast reduction and reshaping techniques to help maintain breast appearance while removing cancerous tissue. This approach may allow patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery, such as a lumpectomy, to address both cancer treatment and breast size concerns during a single surgical journey. 

The procedure includes:

• Reduction of breast size
• Breast reshaping
• Nipple repositioning and lift
• Improved breast contour following cancer surgery

This approach may be recommended for patients with larger breasts who are undergoing breast-conserving surgery and wish to maintain breast shape while reducing breast size.

Who may benefit from oncoplastic breast reduction?

Oncoplastic breast reduction may be an option for patients who:

• Have been diagnosed with breast cancer
• Are candidates for lumpectomy or breast-conserving surgery
• Have larger breasts
• Experience symptoms such as back, neck or shoulder pain related to breast size
• Want to improve breast symmetry and contour after cancer treatment

Your breast surgeon and plastic surgeon will work together to determine whether this approach is appropriate for your individual treatment plan.

Benefits of Oncoplastic Breast Reduction

For many patients, oncoplastic breast reduction offers several potential advantages:

• Support cancer treatment goals: The procedure allows cancerous tissue to be removed while reshaping the remaining breast tissue.
• Improve comfort: Like traditional breast reduction surgery, patients may experience improvement in symptoms associated with larger breasts.
• Enhance breast shape & balance: Reshaping techniques can help preserve breast contour and symmetry following tissue removal.
• Reduce the number of surgeries: In some cases, breast reduction and reshaping can be performed during the same surgical episode as cancer treatment.

What to Expect During Surgery

The Procedure

Oncoplastic breast reduction is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing most patients to return home the same day.

Incisions 

Most procedures use a wise-pattern or anchor-shaped incision that allows excess tissue to be removed while reshaping the breast and lifting the nipple.

Drains

Unlike some reconstructive procedures, drains are generally not required.

Recovery & Healing

Right After Surgery

Patients typically wear a surgical bra during recovery and should avoid underwire bras while healing. 

Dressings can generally be removed after 48 hours, and showering is typically permitted at that time.

Returning to Daily Life

During recovery:

• Avoid lifting more than 10 pounds
• Avoid raising arms above shoulder level
• Walking is encouraged
• Plan for approximately two to four weeks away from work for less physically demanding jobs
• More physically demanding work may require a longer recovery period 

Your surgeon will provide personalized instructions based on your treatment plan.

Risks & Safety Considerations

Your surgeon will discuss your individual risks and treatment considerations before surgery.
Potential risks may include:

• Scarring
• Wound-healing concerns
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Changes in breast shape or symmetry
• Changes involving the nipple
• Risks associated with anesthesia

Our team takes a safety-first approach and will work closely with you before, during and after surgery to support healing and recovery.

Preparing for Surgery

Smoking & Nicotine Use

Nicotine reduces blood flow and can interfere with healing. Patients must stop smoking and using all nicotine products at least four weeks before surgery and continue to avoid them for four weeks after surgery. Being honest about nicotine use is critical to protecting your safety and surgical results. We have resources available to help you stop.

Your care team will review additional pre-surgical instructions to help you prepare.

Breast Cancer Screening & Evaluation

Patients should be up to date on recommended breast imaging and cancer screening. Patients age 40 and older generally need a current mammogram before surgery, and additional imaging may be recommended based on personal or family history. 

Your care team will review all necessary testing and surgical planning prior to treatment.

Follow-Up & Ongoing Care

Scheduled follow-up visits allow your team to monitor healing and recovery after surgery. Patients receive detailed instructions regarding wound care, activity restrictions and signs of potential complications. 

Contact your care team if you experience:

• Fever
• Significant swelling
• Increasing redness
• Drainage from the incision
• Other unexpected concerns during recovery