Breast-conserving reconstructive surgery
The key facts
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About the treatment
Breast-conserving surgery is now an option for many patients with breast cancer. The tumour is removed by specialist breast surgeons, while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible. Once the tumour is removed, we use special techniques to reshape the mammary gland in such a way that a natural appearance is preserved or restored. Radiotherapy of the breast usually follows a few weeks after surgery.
In some cases – for example, with larger or sagging breasts or a difficult tumour location – a simple reconstruction is not sufficient. This is when oncoplastic procedures are followed: We combine medically necessary procedures with aesthetic techniques to preserve both the health and shape of the breast.
It is also possible to adjust the healthy breast by tightening, reducing or enlarging it – either during the same operation or at a later date. Please note that the costs for this are not always covered by health insurance companies.
We want to provide safe and reliable treatment – with a result that leaves you feeling completely comfortable.
Typical areas of application
- Tumours that are larger relative to the size of breast, where there is a risk of loss of shape without oncoplastic techniques
- Breast reduction or lift desired, e.g. in cases of very large or asymmetrical breasts
- Restoring a natural breast appearance after tumour removal
- Altering the healthy breast through lifting, reduction or enlargement
When is it recommended?
- In the case of larger tumours or a difficult tumour location, a simple breast-conserving procedure would lead to significant asymmetry or changes in shape. Desire for the most natural breast appearance possible – especially for women with medium to large breast volume.
- If breast adjustment (e.g. on the other healthy breast) is desired or medically advisable – to achieve a symmetrical overall appearance.
“For us, reconstruction does not just mean restoration – it means reshaping with a focus on the individual, the form and the function.”
FAQs
Will my breasts be smaller after the operation, and will I then be asymmetrical?
Since part of the breast tissue is removed during breast-conserving therapy, the affected breast may be slightly smaller or its shape may be altered. Where possible, and provided the breast is sufficiently large, we attempt to reshape the breast using oncoplastic techniques in order to achieve the most attractive and harmonious breast shape possible. If necessary, we can also adjust the healthy breast on the other side – for example, by reducing or tightening it – to make the breasts appear symmetrical.
Will I still have feeling in my breast and nipple after the operation?
The sensation in the breast and nipple may be altered by the operation. Some patients can still feel touch and sensations, while others report reduced sensitivity or find that certain areas are numb. This varies from person to person and also depends on the extent of the operation.
What scars will the operation leave?
We always try to position the scars so that they are as discreet as possible once healed – often in natural skin folds or at the transition to the nipple. The scars left by oncoplastic techniques look the same as those from a breast lift or breast reduction. The aim is to keep scarring as discrete as possible while ensuring that the tumour is completely removed.
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