A diagnosis of breast cancer is shattering. The treatment options are cancer therapy; however, most of the women are genuinely concerned about their body image. 

Oncoplastic surgery also known as oncoplastic breast conserving surgery can sound quite hopeful since it connects treatment of cancer and plastic surgery. It is aimed at the saving of the shape and appearance of the breast. This provides women with the opportunity to restore their confidence while undergoing breast cancer treatment. 

In this article, we want to know more about what oncoplastic surgery consists of, its benefits, the types of recovery processes involved, and other considerations to take into account when facing this really important decision. 

What is Oncoplastic Breast Surgery? 

Oncoplastic breast surgery is a surgical technique that combines treatment of breast cancer with reconstructive plastic surgery. It simply means removal of the cancerous tumour while reshaping the breast for its appearance.  

This would offer women a more cosmetically appealing result as compared to a traditional breast conservation surgery, which is also known as a lumpectomy. 

Benefits of Oncoplastic Breast Surgery 

Some major benefits of oncoplastic breast surgery include: 

• Preservation of breasts tissue: oncoplastic surgery removes bigger tumours compared to what a lumpectomy can permit since the breast tissue is still preserved. 

• Better cosmetic result: Since reshaping of the breast is being done in the same process, oncoplastic surgery reduces the scars and loss in harmony. 

• Better image of the body: preservation of the natural look of the breasts, can do a lot in improving a woman’s confidence and the general feeling.

• Lesser recovery time: Both procedures performed in the same surgery will relatively have a lesser recovery time than done separately. 

Types of Oncoplastic Breast Surgery 

Oncoplastic surgery is a broad term, including numerous techniques that are sculpted as per the patient’s desires. Some types are as follows: 

• Reduction mammaplasty: The excess breast tissue is extracted to have smaller and symmetrical breasts. 

• Breast lift (mastopexy): the drooping breast tissue is managed by lifting and reshaping the breasts. 

• Local tissue rearrangement: This is a process of re-arranging the healthy breast tissue to fill space left behind after the extraction of a tumour 

• Placement of breast implants: Breast implants are, at times, placed to define the size and shape of the breast. 

Levels of Oncoplastic Breast Surgery 

The nature of oncoplastic surgery takes into consideration the extent, location, and the priority of the patient. The surgeons almost always classify the oncoplastic surgeries into: 

• Level I: Only some tissue rearrangement and reshaping are done.  

• Level II: Parts of excess breast tissues are removed by the surgeon, and arrangement is done for giving the breast its natural shape once more. This is done under the conditions when the lump is huge and undermining at various places 

• Level III: This is the most complex form of reshaping. The breast tissue rearrangement is way too much. Even sometimes breast implants are needed. 

Oncoplastic Surgery Recovery Time 

The recovery time from oncoplastic surgery depends on the nature and extent of the procedure. In general, it will include: 

• Pain management: This deals with the amount of discomfort that one is likely to feel after the operation. The medication will be thus prescribed.

• Wound care: The instructions given by the surgeon on incision care should be followed as advised to prevent infection.

• Drains: These are inserted for a few days to collect fluid that is in excess.

• Rest: Healing time of the wound is better done in an environment of proper rest and good sleep.

• Follow Up: The surgeon must be seen regularly to monitor the process of healing. 

Again, not all persons may follow this exact process, so it is important that you follow the exact procedures and instructions given to you by your surgeon for post-operative care. 

Final Words 

Oncoplastic breast surgery is one of the methods by which breast cancer can be treated. It is related to the excision of cancerous tissue by methods that conserve and enhance the natural forms of the breasts. 

It is therefore this medical development that allows women to take more control over health and aesthetics. Not only that, but it also prepares them to stay positive during their journey with cancer. 

Furthermore, it has been a saviour for many women, who otherwise would have had to face a very uncertain future without a hope of ever regaining their body image after a diagnosis of breast cancer. 

While needs and situations are diverse, oncoplastic surgery is a helpful option to help bring back to their normal lives. You must an appropriate, competent surgeon to determine your need for such surgery. 

Breast cancer can only be fought through early detection and being treated in time. Keeping the breast healthy requires regular self-examination, mammograms, and visiting healthcare providers. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is oncoplastic breast surgery? 

Oncoplastic surgery for the breast is a single-step procedure that helps combine treatment of breast cancer with reconstructive plastic surgery. It thereby ensures the shape and appearance of the breast. 

What are the benefits of oncoplastic surgery? 

This new procedure includes preservation of breast tissue, a better cosmetic outcome, improvement of body image, and faster recovery time compared with standard lumpectomy. 

Is oncoplastic surgery suitable for all breast cancer patients? 

Not all patients will have a need for oncoplastic surgery. The surgery depends on the size of the tumour, its location, and the general well-being of the patient. 

What are the different types of oncoplastic surgery? 

This includes reduction mammaplasty, breast lift, local tissue rearrangement and implantation of a breast implant. 

What is the recovery process like for oncoplastic surgery? 

The recovery period is different for a different extent of surgery. Recovery consists of pain management, wound management, management of drainage tubes, proper rest, and regular follow-ups.