Oncoplastic Reduction FAQ

What is oncoplastic reduction?

Your breast surgeon removes the tumor and leaves the remaining breast tissue in place.  The plastic surgeon will reshape the breast at the same time as removal of the tumor, this is called oncoplastic surgery.  

Who is a good candidate for oncoplastic reduction?

Women with larger breasts who choose a partial mastectomy or lumpectomy and want to be smaller in size.

Where is the scar from oncoplastic reduction?

There are several option.  Usually a circular shape around the areola with a vertical line extending from the areola to the crease and a horizontal line in the crease (or an anchor pattern).

What are the possible risks of an oncoplastic reduction?

Potential risks include bleeding, infection, seroma, pain, scarring, numbness, asymmetry, loss of sensation in the nippple, partial or total loss of nipple or areola, potential inability to breastfeed, fat necrosis, and need for additional surgery.  Dr. Sood will discuss these risks further during your consultation.

How long is oncoplastic reduction surgery?

Oncoplastic reduction surgery is usually 2-3 hours, depending on the size of your breast.

What is the typical recovery time for oncoplastic reduction surgery?

This procedure is usually done as an overnight stay.  You will be sent home on pain medicine and antibiotics.  You will have surgical drains in place. You will be placed in a surgical bra that will need to be worn for 4-6 weeks following your procedure.  You will need to be off work for 2-4 weeks, dependent on the type of work you perform.  You should not do any strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks following this procedure.  

When do I return for a follow up visit?

You will be seen the next day as well as within a week of your surgery.  Dr. Sood will determine when you need to follow up.

How long before I can return to work?

Most patients are able to return to work in 2-4 weeks, depending on the work requirements.

How long before I can return to normal activity?

Most activities of daily living can be resumed within a couple of days.  You will be given a 10 pound lifting restriction for the first few weeks following surgery.  It is important to get up and move around within a day of surgery to help decrease the chance of developing a blood clot.  Strenous activities should be avoided for about 4-6 weeks or until Dr. Sood has given you clearance.

Dr. Sood's primary goal is to provide excellent clinical results along with a high level of patient care and service. Patient satisfaction is our highest concern. We are dedicated to providing every patient with a pleasant experience, beginning with the first visit and continuing on through surgical procedures and treatments and postoperative care. We encourage patients to evaluate the benefits as well as the risks of each procedure within the confines of realistic expectations.