This October we see the 25th year of the pink ribbon campaign or Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We all know what breast cancer is and what it does. We also know about how it can be treated, and that many women can overcome it. What is less reported upon is what happens when the cancer has been removed through surgery.
While many women who have undergone mastectomies are content – and even understandably proud – to either leave the results of their breast cancer surgery as is or supplement their body shape with mastectomy bras, other women want as permanent a solution as possible to their shape issues. Oncoplastic surgery is that solution.
As studies have demonstrated, women who have restored their shape through oncoplastic surgery feel more confident, less depressed and have a more positive view of themselves after undergoing the procedure. And, as you’d expect, it’s a very bespoke procedure which can be broken down into four techniques. These include:
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Remodelling
A technique best suited for small tumours, which involves reshaping the remaining breast tissue after a lumpectomy to disguise any imperfections.
Therapeutic Mammaplasty
A technique which allows large tumours to be removed – which may prevent the need for a mastectomy – a therapeutic mammoplasty is similar to a breast reduction, and therefore a good option for women with larger breasts.
Local Perforator Flap Volume Replacement
An excellent solution for smaller-breasted women, this sophisticated procedure involves the transplanting of tissue from the lateral chest wall to replace the volume lost through a lumpectomy.
Lipomodelling
This procedure takes fat from one part of the body, processes it, and injects it into the breast area. It’s a common technique for women who want implant surgery without silicone, but it’s also a very good solution for post-lumpectomy patients.
Maisam Faizel of Refresh Cosmetic Surgery is a licensed oncoplastic surgeon, and we able to provide the full range of oncoplastic techniques. For more information on what we can do, please consult our oncoplastic surgery gallery.