Specialized Approaches

Breast cancer surgery doesn’t have to focus only on removing cancer. With oncoplastic techniques, surgeons can treat the cancer and reshape the breast at the same time. For some women, this means combining a lumpectomy with a breast lift (mastopexy) or breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty). The result: the cancer is removed, and the breast is reshaped to look natural, balanced, and lifted.

What It Is

• Oncoplastic breast lift: After removing the tumor, the surgeon reshapes the breast tissue and lifts it, giving a perkier, more youthful contour.

• Oncoplastic breast reduction: For women with larger breasts, the surgeon removes the cancerous area and extra breast tissue, leaving a smaller, lighter breast.

In both approaches, the remaining breast tissue is rearranged like puzzle pieces, filling in the space left by the tumor while also improving the breast’s shape.

How It’s Done

1. Cancer removal: The surgeon removes the lump and a rim of healthy tissue (lumpectomy).

2. Reshaping the breast: Using techniques similar to cosmetic breast lift or reduction surgery, the remaining breast tissue is sculpted and tightened.

3. Balancing both breasts: Many women choose to have a lift or reduction on the other breast at the same time so the two breasts match in size and shape.

Why Women Choose This Option

• Treats cancer and improves shape at the same time: Instead of just closing the lumpectomy site, the surgeon reshapes the breast for a more natural look.

• Helps prevent dents or unevenness: Rearranging tissue avoids hollows that can happen with standard lumpectomy.

• Reduces breast size (if desired): For women with large breasts, it can relieve back, neck, and shoulder pain.

• Lifted, balanced look: Many women appreciate that the surgery leaves them looking more proportional.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Radiation still needed: Most women will need radiation after lumpectomy, which can affect how the breast looks and feels over time.

• Scars: There will be scars (around the areola, vertically, or under the breast fold), though these usually fade and are placed in natural breast contours.

• Changes in sensation: Some numbness or sensitivity changes in the breast or nipple are common.

• Not for every tumor: The size, location, and number of tumors may limit whether this is an option.

Who May Be a Candidate

• Women with early-stage breast cancer where breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) is possible.

• Women with larger breasts who may also benefit from a reduction for comfort and balance.

• Women who want to minimize cosmetic changes after lumpectomy.

• Women who are comfortable with the idea of radiation therapy after surgery.

A Personal Choice

Oncoplastic breast lift or reduction combines cancer treatment with a cosmetic benefit. For many women, it feels like “two surgeries in one”—removing the cancer and improving breast size, shape, and balance.