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Lose the Cancer.
Not the Confidence.

Your breast cancer journey comes with a variety of emotions, but worrying about your appearance after breast cancer surgery shouldn't be one of them.

With Reconstructive Lumpectomy™ breast cancer surgery, you can focus on your physical and emotional healing, feel confident in your self-image, and get back to your life sooner.
Happy reconstructive lumpectomy black patient

What is Reconstructive Lumpectomy breast cancer surgery?

If you need breast cancer surgery, a Reconstructive Lumpectomy procedure is a safe, minimally invasive surgical option. This new, groundbreaking procedure combines a lumpectomy with cosmetic reconstruction in the same surgical procedure. Your surgeon will remove cancerous tissue while also reconstructing the natural look of your breast, allowing you to feel more confident in your surgical results.

Consult with your health care provider to determine if Reconstructive Lumpectomy breast cancer surgery is right for you.

Happy reconstructive lumpectomy patient looking forward to her future

Why should I consider Reconstructive Lumpectomy surgery?

It is a safe and effective surgical option for those who qualify. Disease-specific survival rate is 97% for patients who received a lumpectomy followed by radiation. 1

A Reconstructive Lumpectomy procedure is less invasive compared to a mastectomy, which removes the entire breast, and is as effective in preventing your cancer from returning. In fact, previous studies found that combining lumpectomy and radiation is as effective in preventing cancer recurrence as a mastectomy for early-stage breast cancers, with recurrence rates under 5% in the 10 years after treatment. 2

Unlike a traditional lumpectomy, which partially removes the breast and could require a second surgery to address breast distortion or asymmetry, Reconstructive Lumpectomy procedures use breast reconstruction techniques to make you feel more like yourself, all within the same surgery. You can get back to your life sooner, without the worry of a second surgery, and feel more confident in your results.

What are the potential benefits?

With Reconstructive Lumpectomy surgery, you can look and feel whole again. The innovative two-in-one procedure means you can worry less about your post-surgery appearance and focus more on what matters most—your health and road to recovery.

A Reconstructive Lumpectomy surgery requires little to no hospitalization and has a faster recovery time than a mastectomy. Because a second surgical procedure is not required for reconstruction, you can get back to your life sooner by scheduling one procedure that both removes and reconstructs.

The procedure also allows your doctor to use a personalized approach to treat your cancer and help you feel your best based on your goals, cosmetic concerns and previous treatments. With this individualized care, you can take control of your cancer journey.

Reconstructive Lumpectomy group

Still have questions? We have answers.


What is Reconstructive Lumpectomy breast cancer surgery?
Reconstructive Lumpectomy breast cancer surgery is a type of breast conserving surgery that provides oncologic (treating the cancer) and aesthetic (cosmetic) benefits in one surgery to ensure both adequate cancer removal while improving breast contour appearance. Compared to traditional breast conserving surgery, Reconstructive Lumpectomy surgery combines incision placement, tissue arrangement and volume replacement, that minimizes breast post-operative distortion, scarring or asymmetry. This gives patients confidence that cancer can be removed while preserving the physical appearance of their natural breasts.

Why perform Reconstructive Lumpectomy breast cancer surgery?
There are several reasons to consider Reconstructive Lumpectomy breast cancer surgery. In addition to treating the cancer and improving cosmetic appearance outcomes, the surgeon may be able to hide the scar in a conspicuous location to minimize visibility with this procedure, combined with healthy breast tissue re-arrangement designed to leave a better cosmetic outcome. Reconstructive Lumpectomy procedures also reduce seroma formation. In doing so, this may avoid potential delays in chemotherapy and radiation treatment. RL also allows for marking of the cavity to ensure precise radiation targeting for those patients that require this.

What are the differences between RL and conventional lumpectomy (“partial mastectomy”)?
With Reconstructive Lumpectomy breast cancer surgery, the location of the incision is intended for less post-operative scarring. Tissue approximation, or reconstruction, is performed to minimize the “divot” during closure. This is done to minimize seroma formation (fluid buildup under the skin).
During a conventional lumpectomy, the incision is often placed right over the tumor regardless of location within the breast. After the concerning area is removed, the skin is closed leaving an open defect of dead space which the body naturally fills up with fluid. This is called a seroma. By rearranging the healthy tissue left behind, the amount of fluid that can accumulate is reduced.

Who is an ideal candidate for Reconstructive Lumpectomy breast cancer surgery? Who is not a good candidate?
Reconstructive Lumpectomy breast cancer surgery can be performed regardless of the pathology (malignant, high risk or benign diagnoses). Almost anybody undergoing breast cancer surgery is a good candidate for the procedure. Check with your health provider to see if Reconstructive Lumpectomy surgery is right for you.

Is Reconstructive Lumpectomy breast cancer surgery an effective treatment for breast cancer?
Reconstructive Lumpectomy surgery is an effective treatment, and can be a substitute for traditional lumpectomy, followed by standard treatment options including radiation as recommended by a radiation oncologist. Reconstructive Lumpectomy surgery is one approach to breast cancer surgery by working with health care provider to personalize your goals for breast cancer surgery. Check with your health provider to see if Reconstructive Lumpectomy surgery is right for you.

Are you able to get clear margins?
Reconstructive Lumpectomy surgery is a substitute for traditional lumpectomy, yet the same principles to reduce margin positivity apply here.


Is there a way to mark the area where breast tissue was removed in order to facilitate targeting of radiation therapy, or future breast imaging screening?
Yes. Surgical clips or Biozorb® marker can be used to mark the area where breast tissue was removed.
Biozorb marker is a three dimensional bioabsorbable marker that aids in the targeting of radiation therapy. As part of Reconstructive Lumpectomy , the surgeon can rearrange tissue around the marker in a way to replace volume and reduce seroma and scarring formation.

What are the possible complications?
Possible Reconstructive Lumpectomy breast cancer surgery complications are similar to those of conventional lumpectomy and traditional breast surgery. It can include bleeding, infection, decrease or increased nipple sensation, wound healing issues, asymmetry, cosmetic dissatisfaction, need for additional surgery, among others. Speak with your health care provider to discuss any specific complications that may be related to your surgery.

What kind of scars are created during the surgical operation?
Tumor location and size and baseline shape of the breast will help determine the optimal surgical approach, including incision location.
Hidden scar locations may include but are not limited to these areas: circumareolar (the pigmented area around the nipple), inframammary (natural lower boundary of breast, where the breast and chest meet); axillary (in the area of the armpit).

Can Reconstructive Lumpectomy breast cancer surgery be combined with axillary surgery?
Reconstructive Lumpectomy surgery can be combined with axillary surgery. Sometimes, both the lumpectomy and the axillary portion of the surgery can be approached through the same incision, limiting amount of post-operative scars. Ask your health care provider to discuss options that are right for you.

What about the other breast? Can you have surgery to match both sides?
The breast surgeon and the plastic/reconstructive surgeon often work together to optimize symmetry. A contralateral (also known as an opposite side) procedure can often be performed by the plastic/reconstructive surgeon either at the same time as the initial Reconstructive Lumpectomy surgery, or at a later time.

FAQs
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

Stories From Real Women About Breast Cancer Surgery

Carolina, a narrative documentary-style film from Mediflix, follows a fictional patient through her cancer diagnosis and reconstruction treatment. Watch to hear real breast cancer survivors and clinicians talk about the physical and emotional experiences they had to overcome throughout their breast cancer battles.

Knowing your options at the earliest stage of diagnosis can help inform decision making and increase confidence.

Stream Now on Mediflix

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Resources to help tackle your breast
cancer journey confidently

A nonprofit organization that provides breast cancer information, treatment, and research about the disease. On a mission to help patients and their loved ones make informed medical decisions.

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Aims to improve the lives of individuals and their families facing heredity cancer, including breast cancer. Provides expert-reviewed resources and advocates for awareness, access to care, and better treatment options.

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Addresses the unique needs of young adults affected by breast cancer. Offers networking groups, an online community, and conferences exclusively for young adults with breast cancer and their caregivers.

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A patient website created by The American Society of Breast Surgeons Foundation with the goal of engaging, educating, and empowering breast cancer patients.

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