Oncoplastic surgery is defined as surgical techniques performed by fellowship-trained breast surgeons, like Dr. Coste, which combines oncologic resection (a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy) and plastic surgery techniques (reconstructive surgery) at the same time as breast conservation surgery. Oncoplastics surgery is useful to restore the breast while removing cancer or other benign breast disease at the same time.
With oncoplastic surgery, Dr. Coste can redistribute the breast tissue in order to maintain a natural-looking breast shape and size. Additionally, the Dr. Coste (sometimes with the help of a plastic surgeon) has the ability to reduce the size of both if a defect from cancer or breast lesion will affect the overall size (or if a patient has significant macromastia or extremely large breasts) of one breast to maintain symmetry of both breasts, also known as a therapeutic mammaplasty.
Along with oncoplastic surgery, Hidden Scar breast cancer surgery is another advanced approach in which breast surgeons remove cancerous tissue through a single incision made in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. By utilizing this approach, surgeons are able to preserve a natural-looking breast by sparing the nipple, areola and surrounding tissue.
The Hidden Scar approach may also ease the emotional impact of breast cancer surgery, in that patients have little to no visible reminder of the surgery, and experience a more natural looking breast reconstruction.
Patients who undergo this approach are also at no higher risk of recurrence than patients who undergo any other type of technique.
Dr. Coste always attempts to perform a Hidden Scar Breast Cancer Surgery in her cases whenever possible. This approach to breast may be appropriate for a wide range of breast cancer patients undergoing nipple sparing mastectomy or breast conserving (lumpectomy) procedures. Candidacy for these procedures depends on a patient’s tumor size and location, breast shape and size.
Hidden Scar Techniques:
Oncoplastic Techniques:
