Her Fight is Our Mission

Oncoplastic breast surgery combines the principles of cancer surgery with plastic surgery techniques to remove the tumour while preserving or restoring the breast’s natural shape. It allows more women — including those with larger tumours or challenging tumour locations — to opt for breast conservation with confidence.

At Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre, oncoplastic surgery is carefully planned based on tumour size, location, breast volume, and patient preference. The goal is not just to remove the disease, but to ensure symmetry, minimise deformity, and support psychological recovery.

Oncoplastic techniques fall into two broad categories: volume displacement and volume replacement.

How the Procedure Is Performed

Volume Displacement Techniques

• This is preferred when the breast has enough volume to allow reshaping after tumour removal.
• The tumour is excised with a rim of healthy tissue (wide local excision).
• The remaining breast tissue is mobilised and reshaped to fill the gaps.
• Various techniques (like therapeutic mammoplasty, local glandular flaps) are selected based on breast size and tumour location.
• In some cases, a symmetrisation procedure (such as breast lift or reduction) is performed on the opposite breast for balance.

Volume Replacement Techniques

• This is preferred when tumour excision would leave a significant volume loss in smaller breasts.
• The defect is filled using nearby tissue (typically fat and skin) from areas like the lateral chest wall or back.
• These local flaps preserve breast volume without requiring implants or full reconstructive surgery.
• This approach helps maintain breast shape and avoids contour irregularities, even in smaller-breasted women.

Recovery

• Hospital stay: Most patients are discharged within 1–2 days after surgery. Sutures are usually absorbable or removed within 7–10 days.
• Pain management: Mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising is expected and managed with oral medication.
• Resuming routine: Light activities can resume within a few days; full recovery typically takes 2–3 weeks. Returning to work depends on the extent of surgery and individual healing.

Key Advantages

• Better cosmetic outcomes compared to standard lumpectomy, especially in larger tumours or challenging locations.
• Lower reoperation rates due to wider tumour margins and careful planning.
• Improved emotional recovery, with many women reporting higher satisfaction with body image.
• Preserves the natural breast, offering an alternative to mastectomy.
• Symmetry procedures can be performed on the opposite breast for a more balanced outcome.

Continuum of Care

At Apollo Athenaa, oncoplastic surgery is not an isolated procedure — it’s part of a multidisciplinary care plan designed to support long-term healing and confidence. Our care includes:

• Pre-surgical coordination between breast surgeons, oncoplastic experts, and radiologists.
• 3D imaging and tumour board planning, ensuring the approach aligns with cancer biology and cosmetic goals.
• Oncoplastic execution, tailored to breast size, tumour site, and lifestyle.
• Post-operative follow-up, with wound care, physiotherapy, and guidance on scar healing.
• Adjuvant treatment planning, such as radiation or systemic therapy, is based on final pathology results.
• Emotional and aesthetic recovery support, including body image counselling when needed.

By prioritising both cure and cosmetic preservation, oncoplastic breast surgery at Apollo Athenaa helps women emerge from cancer not only healed but whole.