Wide local excision (Lumpectomy) and Therapeutic Mammoplasty (Tissue displacement techniques)

What is therapeutic mammoplasty?

Therapeutic mammoplasty refers to a procedure in which cancer of the breast is removed through a lumpectomy or segmentectomy, and the remaining tissue is reshaped and re-draped, resulting in a slightly smaller but aesthetically pleasing breast.

What does the procedure involve?

This form of reconstruction is done immediately after the oncological surgeon has removed the lump from the breast as an immediate reconstruction. The term mammoplasty encompasses a wide range of incisions and breast tissue (parenchymal) re-shaping techniques. Which techniques are chosen will depend on where in the breast the lump is located, and how much breast tissue is left to work with. The most commonly employed mammoplasty is the wise pattern mammoplasty (anchor scar), in which most vectors and breast tissue defects or shifts can be addressed. Otherwise, a peri-areolar mammoplasty may be done in which a small doughnut-shaped piece of skin is removed from around the areola. In other cases, a vertical scar mammoplasty (otherwise known as a lollipop-scar), may be chosen to remove the skin from around the areola and the lower central area of the breast.

Who is a good candidate for therapeutic mammoplasty?

Dr van den Bergh will advise what breast surgery is the best option for you depending on the biology, location and size of your tumour in relation to the shape and size of your existing breast. Dr van den Bergh will discuss the pros, cons, possible complications and long term expectations with you in detail regarding the specific technique chosen for you.