I’m scheduled to have a lumpectomy done due to a recent stereotactic core biopsy determination of ALH. Im concerned about the cosmetic results, but particularly because my weight right now is extremely low for me. I’m 5’10” and about 135 lbs. My norm is close to 150. My bra size is down from a C to a B. Will that affect the long term results negatively, when I have gained back to my healthy weight
Thanks for your question. Having a lumpectomy can indeed leave a cosmetic deformity. If this happens reconstruction can be performed with fat grafting. Another option also may be doing a mastopexy (breast lift) or breast reduction at the same time as your lumpectomy. All of this depends on the size and shape of your breasts now as well as the how much breast tissue may be excised at the time of your operation. When I do these procedures I ALWAYS work in close coordination with the patient’s breast surgeon to maximize cosmetic results while doing an operation that is oncologivallu safe. Please consult a plastic surgeon that is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to see what the right operation for you will be. This can only be determined after an in person consultation. Best wishes!
Dear LeoMeo,
Hello and thank you for your excellent question. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!
Thank you for sharing your excellent question. Depending on your current breast size relative to the anticipated amount of tissue removal it may leave your breasts with an unacceptable cosmetic deformity. I would have your surgical oncologist work closely with an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon to discuss options at minimizing scarring, while maximizing long-term outcome.
Morgantown- Your concern should be for the size of the biopsy specimen, and the subsequent radiation you will have to undergo to adequately treat the breast cancer. In the end, after both of these treatments are completed, you will need to wait probably 6 months, and then have your reconstructive concerns addressed with a plastic surgeon. Fat grafting, mastopexy, even an implant will be all options for you. Don't worry about that now- just get your breast cancer adequately treated, and then then fit the reconstruction to your needs at the time. Good luck.