Oncoplastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Oncoplastic Surgery

Our cancer doctors perform oncoplastic surgery, an innovative procedure that uses specialized techniques to remove a breast tumor and reshape the breast in one surgery. We commonly perform oncoplastic surgery as part of a lumpectomy procedure , which involves partial removal of the breast. 

During oncoplastic surgery, the same surgeon that removes the tumor reconstructs the breast.  This technique has many potential benefits for breast cancer patients:

• This procedure can help minimize scarring, preserve the shape of the breast, and salvage nipple tissue.
• Avoiding multiple surgeries helps to reduce the risk of infection or complications. 
• Having one surgeon perform the entire surgery allows us to remove the tumor and reshape the breast in the least invasive way possible.

Traditionally, a breast surgeon would remove the tumor, and a reconstructive surgeon would rebuild the breast at a later time.  This would be done over the course of at least two surgeries.  Performing both surgeries at the same time requires a surgeon who is highly skilled in both areas. 

Dr. Stephen Ray , Medical Director of Oncoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery at CTCA at Midwestern Regional Medical Center, is highly trained to perform oncoplastic surgery. 

Reconstructive Surgery

Whenever possible, our surgical team performs breast-sparing surgery, such as lumpectomies. Depending on the type and stage of the disease, some patients have a mastectomy (full removal of the breast). For these patients, we can perform reconstructive surgery after the procedure. 

There are two ways to recreate the breast after a mastectomy: using saline breast implants or the patient’s own tissue (muscle flap reconstruction). 

While breast reconstruction is ultimately a personal decision, this procedure often helps patients maintain a sense normalcy and femininity after a mastectomy.  We also provide psychological and spiritual counseling to support patients before and after surgery.