Surgery
A diagnosis of breast cancer is life-changing. Our surgeons are dedicated
to providing the highest quality, compassionate care for every patient,
leveraging expertise in minimally invasive surgical breast conservation
and complex reconstruction techniques. They provide several types of breast
cancer surgery, including mastectomy, lumpectomy, and lymph node removal.
Reconstructive surgery can be done in conjunction with breast cancer surgery,
or at a later date. One of the most innovative surgical techniques we
offer is hidden scar breast cancer surgery.
Hidden Scar Breast Cancer Surgery
Hidden scar breast cancer surgery is an advanced approach in which breast
surgeons remove cancerous tissue through a single incision made in inconspicuous
areas to minimize visible scarring. As a result, surgeons are able to
preserve a natural-looking breast by sparing the nipple, areola and surrounding
tissue. The hidden scar approach may also ease the emotional impact of
breast cancer surgery, in that patients have little to no visible reminder
of the surgery, and they experience a more natural looking breast reconstruction.
Patients who undergo this approach are also at no higher risk of recurrence
than patients who undergo any other type of technique.
Hidden scar breast cancer surgery may be appropriate for a wide range of
breast cancer patients undergoing nipple sparing mastectomy or breast
conserving (lumpectomy) procedures. You may be considered for a hidden
scar lumpectomy if the size of the cancer is small enough relative to
the size of the breast, and if the cancer is confined to one specific
area in the breast. The most important criteria for this approach is that
the size of the tumor will allow for its complete removal with some margin
of normal tissue all the way around the tumor.
SAVI SCOUT Surgical Guidance System
SAVI SCOUT uses real-time guidance technology to help surgeons locate and
remove target tissue during a lumpectomy. The standard way to locate and
remove a lump is to insert a wire into the breast prior to surgery to
guide the surgeon to the target tissue. This is known as wire localization.
With SAVI SCOUT, a small reflector is placed into the lump prior to surgery.
The system uses electromagnetic waves (safe and non-radioactive) to locate
the reflector and enable the surgeon to remove both the lump and the reflector
during surgery.
Potential benefits of SAVI SCOUT compared to wire localization:
- More accurate localization of lump for removal
- Minimize waiting time on morning of surgery
- Reflector is not externally visible after placement, in contrast to wire
localization, which leaves the wire outside the breast
Breast Reconstruction
There are several different types of breast reconstruction techniques available.
The two most common techniques are implant reconstruction and autologous
or flap reconstruction. Reconstruction can be done immediately after surgery
or it can be delayed until cancer treatment is completed. Our treatment
team considers each patient’s unique needs in the decision-making
process. Our surgeons combine reconstructive excellence with cosmetic
surgery expertise, providing you with the best results possible.