Dr Ali Rizvi - General, Endocrine & Breast Oncoplastic Surgeon
When you receive a breast cancer diagnosis, one of the first questions is: Can I keep my breast, or do I need a mastectomy?
Modern breast surgery offers safe ways to remove cancer while maintaining a natural look. Your doctor will discuss what’s best for your body, considering the size and location of the tumour, your breast size, and personal preferences.
Breast cancer surgery isn’t just about removing cancer. It’s also about preserving confidence, comfort, and appearance. Knowing your options helps you make informed decisions and feel more in control.
Oncoplastic breast surgery removes the cancer while keeping most of your breast. It combines cancer removal with reshaping techniques, so your breast looks natural.
Small Tumour Surgery (Type 1)
Removes a small area of tissue (usually less than 20% of the breast)
Breast is reshaped using your own tissue
Short recovery time, often back to normal activities quickly
Larger Tumour Surgery (Type 2)
Removes a larger area of tissue (20–50% of the breast)
Combines with a breast lift or reduction for symmetry
Usually requires slightly longer recovery, but preserves the breast
OBCS is a great option for patients who want to maintain their breast shape while ensuring complete cancer removal. Many patients are pleasantly surprised by the natural appearance after surgery.
Sometimes, removing the entire breast is the safest choice. Advances in surgical techniques allow reconstruction at the same time, preserving shape and appearance.
Skin-Sparing Mastectomy
Preserves most of the breast skin
Supports immediate reconstruction
Scars are smaller and placed strategically
Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
Preserves the nipple when safe to do so
Works well with immediate reconstruction
Helps maintain a natural look
Choosing the right mastectomy depends on tumour size, location, genetics, and your preferences. Your doctor will guide you through options that balance safety and appearance.
Reconstruction restores the breast shape and can be done using implants or your own tissue.
Implant Options
Pre-pectoral implants: sit on top of the chest muscle, avoiding movement-related distortion
Sub-pectoral implants: sit under the chest muscle for extra coverage
Using Your Own Tissue
Latissimus Dorsi flap: tissue from the back is used to rebuild the breast
Fat grafting (lipofilling): transfers small amounts of fat to improve shape and smooth contours
Reconstruction is usually planned before surgery to ensure the best outcome. Many patients return to normal life faster than expected with modern techniques.
Your treatment is guided by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) including surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists. Your surgical plan may also include sentinel lymph node biopsy to assess whether breast cancer cells have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Factors considered include:
Tumour size, type, and location
Breast size and shape
Patient preferences and lifestyle
Need for reconstruction and cosmetic outcomes
Both oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy are safe. The choice is personal, balancing oncologic safety with appearance and comfort.
After surgery, follow-up care focuses on:
Early shoulder mobility exercises
Scar care and monitoring
Preventing swelling or lymphoedema
Pathology results to guide further treatment
Learn about how to sleep after a mastectomy.
Recovery depends on the type of surgery, but most patients return to normal activities within a few weeks. Pain is usually manageable with medication, and scars fade over time.
Regular check-ups ensure your treatment was successful, and support services can help you adjust physically and emotionally. Patients often report improved confidence and peace of mind after surgery.
Find out more about how you feel after breast cancer surgery here.
Visit our Breast Surgery Sydney page for full details and to book a consultation.
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