Oncoplastic Breast Surgery Sydney

Why Oncoplastic Breast Cancer Surgery?

The fact is, breast cancer is a disease that used to be associated with poor outcomes and poor survival. However, over the last two to three decades there has been a significant shift in care for patients with breast cancer with improved surgery, radiation and chemotherapy treatments, additional hormonal and biologic and immunologic treatments.  

There is much better awareness of the condition and better screening leading to cancers being picked up much earlier and leading to most patients these days actually being survivors and beating their cancer!  

This means that if you are diagnosed with this condition today you are much more likely to get through it and come out well on the other side of the treatment journey, assuming you follow all the treatment advice.

Given this fact, the quality of life of our patients has become a much more important concept in the treatment journey and the end result of the surgical treatment in particular has become a lot more paramount to the surgeons.

These days patients expect to not only beat their cancer but to come out hopefully looking and feeling as good as they can be on the other side.

This is what has led to the proliferation of oncoplastic techniques to address this very problem and to provide a different option to our patients, maximising not only their survival with cutting edge cancer surgery and adjuvant treatments, but also making sure that the quality of life is not significantly affected and hopefully actually improved in many cases, by utilising the oncoplastic surgery approaches for cancer treatment.

What Is Oncoplastic Breast Surgery?

Oncoplastic breast surgery is a specialised approach that combines techniques from both cancer surgery (oncology) and plastic surgery to treat breast cancer. It aims to completely remove cancerous tissue while also prioritising the best possible cosmetic outcome for the breast.

Oncoplastic breast surgery typically involves performing a lumpectomy (removal of the tumour and at least margin of surrounding tissue) followed by immediate breast reshaping techniques all done by a single breast surgeon with appropriate expertise and training, typically in a single one off operation. It may sometimes involve procedures on the opposite breast to achieve symmetry.

There are many different types of oncoplastic techniques available, some are better than others, and not all are suitable in every situation.

It is key to have an experienced and well versed surgeon, who can think through the options and select the best possible approach for your individual scenario.

Compared to traditional lumpectomy, oncoplastic surgery offers the following benefits:

• Significantly Improved cosmesis
• Reduced scarring and deformities, especially when followed by radiation treatment
• Potentially wider tumour removal, with less likelihood for further re-excision surgery (less than half of the traditional breast conservation surgery). 
• Large tumour size removal without needing a mastectomy
• Avoidance of reconstruction procedures and all the potential pitfalls of that approach
• A happier patient with a better quality of life in the long run
• Possibility of killing two birds with one stone, for large breasted patients or patients with large droopy breasts who wish to have a breast reduction or lift procedure, treating cancer and large/droopy breasts at the same time

However, not everyone undergoing lumpectomy is a candidate for oncoplastic surgery. Factors like the size, location and biology of the tumour, the amount of breast tissue that needs removal, and the patient’s anatomy and patient preferences will determine suitability. At Breast & Body Clinic, we will discuss these options with you to see if it’s right for you.

What to Expect From Oncoplastic Surgery

How to Prepare for Oncoplastic Breast Surgery

During your consultation, provide your doctor with a complete medical history. This includes any medications or supplements you take, allergies, and previous surgeries to ensure an effective procedure. Your surgeon may ask you to pause some medicines–particularly blood thinners–days before the surgery to avoid complications.

Days before the procedure, plan transportation to and from surgery. If necessary, consider arranging help with household chores or childcare afterwards. Also, create a comfortable recovery space at home stocked with pain medication, ice packs, comfy clothes, and healthy foods.

If you smoke, we highly recommend quitting well before surgery, as smoking can hinder healing and increase risks.

Why Should I Choose Dr Michael Yunaev for My Oncoplastic Surgeon?

With extensive training and expertise in oncoplastic breast surgery and breast cancer surgery, Dr. Michael Yunaev has the oncologic and aesthetic skills needed for effective oncoplastic breast surgery in Sydney. He has been one of the pioneers of this approach and has been in clinical practice for over 22 years. 

His unique skill and experience allows for a seamless integration of cancer removal with optimal aesthetic  outcomes—all within one surgeon team, removing the need for multiple different surgical specialists to be involved.

Whenever possible, Dr Yunaev employs minimally invasive surgical techniques during your oncoplastic breast surgery in Sydney. This means faster recovery times, reduced scarring, and less discomfort.

Dr Yunaev is also committed to providing personalised care throughout the process. He takes the time to understand your needs and personal goals and works towards meeting them when possible.

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