Combining Cancer Control With Aesthetics for Holistic Breast Cancer Care
Introduction
Breast oncoplasty—also known as oncoplastic breast surgery—is a specialised approach that
combines oncologic breast cancer surgery with plastic and reconstructive surgical
techniques. Its goal is to ensure complete tumour removal while simultaneously preserving or
restoring the natural appearance of the breast. This allows women to receive effective cancer
treatment without compromising their sense of femininity, confidence, or body image.
Modern research has demonstrated that oncoplastic breast surgery provides excellent cancer
control while offering superior cosmetic and psychological outcomes compared to traditional
breast-conserving surgery. At our clinic, oncoplastic procedures are performed by trained breast
surgeons and surgical oncologists who integrate aesthetic planning, tumour biology, and patient
expectations to create the most harmonised outcome possible—reflecting our commitment to
Cure, Precision, and Compassion.
1. What Is Breast Oncoplasty?
Breast oncoplasty refers to a spectrum of surgical techniques that combine wide local excision
(removal of the tumour with adequate margins) with plastic surgery principles to reconstruct the
breast immediately.
Key Components of Oncoplasty
● Complete tumour removal with clear margins
● Reshaping the breast for symmetry
● Using neighbouring tissue for natural contour
● Repositioning or reconstructing the nipple if required
● Matching the opposite breast (symmetry procedures)
Oncoplasty is performed in the same operation as tumour removal—reducing the need for
multiple procedures.
2. Why Oncoplastic Surgery Is Important
Traditional breast-conserving surgery can sometimes leave
● Visible dents or deformities
● Asymmetry
● Poor breast shape
● Nipple distortion
Oncoplastic surgery overcomes these limitations by planning resection and reconstruction
together.
Benefits
● Better cosmetic outcomes
● Wider tumour excision possible
● Lower risk of positive margins
● Enhanced psychological well-being
● Reduced need for mastectomy in selected cases
This makes oncoplasty suitable for many women who want breast conservation but also want to
maintain natural breast appearance.
3. Types of Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
Oncoplastic techniques are classified into Level I and Level II procedures
Level I Oncoplasty
Suitable when less than 20% of breast volume is removed.
Techniques include:
● Local glandular tissue rearrangement
● Nipple-areolar complex repositioning
● Small volume reshaping
Level II Oncoplasty
Used when 20–50% of breast volume is removed or when larger tumours require excision.
Techniques involve:
● Breast reduction (therapeutic mammoplasty)
● Mastopexy (breast lift)
● Latissimus dorsi flap (in selected cases)
● Contralateral breast reduction for symmetry
These provide significant reshaping and excellent cosmetic outcomes, especially in women with
larger or ptotic breasts.
4. Who Is Suitable for Oncoplastic
Surgery?
Oncoplasty is considered for women with:
● Breast-conserving surgery candidates
● Tumours in cosmetically sensitive regions
● Medium to large breasts
● Desire for breast reshaping or lift
● Need for wide tumour excision
● Strong preference to avoid mastectomy where appropriate
It may also be considered in small-breasted women with careful planning and volume
replacement techniques.
5. Oncoplastic Surgery vs. Traditional
Breast-Conserving Surgery
Oncoplastic surgery offers both oncologic safety and aesthetic satisfaction.
6. How Oncoplastic Surgery Is Performed
1. Preoperative Planning
A multidisciplinary approach is essential:
● Imaging review
● Tumour location mapping
● Assessment of breast size and shape
● Patient expectations
● Evaluation for symmetry procedures
2. Wide Local Excision
The tumour is removed with adequate margins using oncoplastic incisions that minimise visible
scarring.
3. Immediate Reconstruction
Plastic surgery techniques reshape the breast:
● Local tissue rearrangement
● Reduction techniques
● Mastopexy
● Flap-based reconstruction if needed
4. Symmetry Surgery
The opposite breast may be adjusted to achieve symmetry:
● Reduction
● Lift
● Minor contouring
5. Postoperative Care
Includes wound care, drain management, analgesia, and planning for adjuvant therapy
(radiation, hormonal therapy, etc.).
7. Oncologic Safety
Oncoplastic surgery follows strict cancer control principles:
● Adequate tumour margins
● Accurate localisation (wire, seed, ultrasound-guided)
● Lymph node evaluation (sentinel node biopsy / axillary dissection)
● No compromise on oncologic outcomes
● Better margins due to larger excision volumes
Long-term studies show equivalent or improved recurrence rates compared to standard
breast-conserving surgery.
8. Recovery After Oncoplastic Breast
Surgery
Hospital Stay
Most patients recover within 24–48 hours
Pain and Discomfort
Minimal to moderate, controlled with medications
Return to Normal Activities
● Light activities: 1–2 weeks
● Full recovery: 3–4 weeks
● Avoiding heavy lifting: 4–6 weeks
Scar Healing
Scars are usually hidden in natural contours, such as:
● Periareolar
● Inframammary fold
● Vertical or wise pattern incisions
Radiation Therapy
Most women undergo radiation after breast conservation. Oncoplastic techniques do not delay
radiation when planned properly.
9. Potential Risks and Complications
While generally safe, potential risks include:
● Infection
● Seroma or haematoma
● Delayed wound healing
● Changes in nipple sensation
● Partial fat necrosis
● Asymmetry
● Need for minor revision surgery (occasionally)
Our team follows standardised protocols to minimise complications and ensure excellent
outcomes.
10. Psychological and Emotional Benefits
Oncoplastic surgery offers profound emotional advantages:
● Reduced body image distress
● Improved self-confidence
● Better acceptance of cancer treatment
● Enhanced quality of life
● Positive long-term psychological effects
This holistic benefit is a key reason why oncoplastic surgery is now widely recommended.
11. Our Clinic’s Approach to Breast
Oncoplasty
1. Specialised Breast Surgeons
Our team consists of trained surgical oncologists skilled in advanced oncoplastic techniques
2. Multidisciplinary Planning
Every case is reviewed with:
● Medical oncologists
● Radiologists
● Pathologists
● Plastic surgeons (where required)
3. Individualised Treatment Design
Plans consider:
● Tumour size and location
● Breast shape and volume
● Patient preference for size or symmetry
● Postoperative aesthetic goals
4. Compliance With Global Guidelines
We follow NCCN, ESMO, ABS (Association of Breast Surgery), and Oncoplastic Breast
Consortium guidelines.
5. Enhanced Recovery Protocols
Including pain control, early mobilisation, and detailed wound-care guidance.
6. Supportive Services
● Counselling
● Physiotherapy
● Lymphedema prevention
● Long-term survivorship care
7. Compassionate Communication
Patients are supported through every part of the surgical decision-making process
Conclusion
Breast oncoplasty represents the perfect blend of surgical oncology and reconstructive
expertise. It allows women to undergo effective cancer treatment without sacrificing the natural
appearance and symmetry of the breast. With its proven oncologic safety, excellent cosmetic
results, and strong psychological benefits, oncoplastic surgery has become a preferred option
for many breast cancer patients.
At our clinic, we combine technical precision, aesthetic understanding, and compassionate care
to provide each woman with a restored sense of confidence—fully aligned with our philosophy
of Cure, Precision, and Compassion.
