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Breast Cancer Oncoplasty Overview
At Aster CMI Hospital, our Breast Cancer and Oncoplasty services combine the highest standards of cancer treatment with advanced reconstructive techniques, ensuring that women do not have to choose between life-saving surgery and their sense of self. Oncoplastic surgery is a modern approach that allows safe removal of cancer while reshaping or reconstructing the breast in the same procedure. This means patients can achieve the best of both worlds: oncological safety and natural cosmetic outcomes.
Our dedicated team of surgical oncologists, reconstructive surgeons, radiologists, and counsellors work together to create treatment plans that are tailored to each patient’s diagnosis and personal needs. With world-class infrastructure, advanced imaging, and minimally invasive techniques, we deliver results that enhance survival, recovery, and quality of life.
As one of the most trusted centres in Bangalore for oncoplastic breast surgery, Aster CMI empowers women to fight breast cancer with confidence, dignity, and hope for the future.
What is Breast Cancer Oncoplasty?
Breast cancer oncoplasty is an advanced surgical approach that combines breast conservation surgery (BCS) with plastic and reconstructive techniques. Instead of removing the entire breast through mastectomy, surgeons can remove the tumour safely and reshape or reconstruct the breast in the same procedure. This dual approach ensures that cancer treatment is not only effective but also preserves natural appearance and self-confidence.
This method offers two key advantages:
Oncological safety – Oncoplastic procedures are designed to achieve the same cancer control as traditional mastectomy. Surgeons ensure clear margins (complete tumour removal) without compromising on survival rates or long-term outcomes. Clinical studies worldwide confirm that oncoplastic surgery is as safe as standard cancer surgeries in terms of recurrence and cure rates.
Cosmetic outcome – By combining tumour removal with reconstructive techniques, the breast is reshaped to maintain its natural contour, volume, and symmetry. This reduces visible deformities and helps patients feel more comfortable with their body image, ultimately improving quality of life.
Oncoplastic surgery techniques include:
Volume displacement techniques – These involve reshaping and redistributing the remaining breast tissue after tumour removal. Common methods include therapeutic mammoplasty (reshaping the breast similar to a reduction procedure) and mastopexy (breast lift). This approach works best when enough healthy tissue is available to create a natural breast shape.
Volume replacement techniques – When larger areas of tissue are removed, surgeons may use tissue flaps from other parts of the body such as the back, abdomen, or thigh. Options include local tissue flaps, perforator flaps, or microvascular free flaps. These advanced methods help restore breast contour while ensuring symmetry with the opposite breast.
Globally, oncoplastic surgery has transformed breast cancer care—allowing women to achieve both effective treatment and long-lasting cosmetic satisfaction compared to traditional surgical methods.
Aster CMI : A leading provider of Oncoplastic Services
At Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, we are committed to delivering world-class, patient-centric breast cancer care.
Here’s what makes us a leading choice:
Multidisciplinary Expertise: Each patient benefits from the knowledge of a diverse team that includes surgical oncologists, reconstructive surgeons, radiologists, medical oncologists, psycho-oncologists, and pathologists. Every case is discussed in a dedicated multidisciplinary tumour board where specialists collaborate to design a treatment plan tailored to the individual—balancing medical effectiveness with long-term quality of life.
Experienced Surgeons: Our breast surgeons are not only highly trained in cancer surgery but also skilled in advanced reconstructive and cosmetic techniques. This dual expertise means patients undergo safe tumour removal while preserving or restoring the natural appearance of the breast—reducing physical and emotional trauma associated with cancer surgery.
Advanced Techniques: We stay at the forefront of surgical innovation. Procedures such as sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) minimize the need for extensive lymph node removal, lowering the risk of complications like lymphedema. For reconstruction, our team uses microvascular flap techniques and oncoplastic approaches that combine cancer removal with plastic surgery principles, resulting in superior functional and cosmetic outcomes.
Holistic Patient Support: Healing is more than surgery. Our care extends to psychological counselling, physiotherapy for mobility and strength, nutritional support to improve recovery, and patient-led support groups that create a community of encouragement. This holistic approach addresses the mind, body, and spirit, helping patients and families cope at every stage of the journey.
Seamless Integration with Cancer Care: Our breast oncoplasty program is fully integrated with the Aster International Institute of Oncology (AIIO), giving patients access to comprehensive oncology services under one roof—from diagnostics and surgery to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and long-term follow-up. This coordination ensures continuity of care and a smoother experience during an otherwise difficult time.
At Aster CMI, we provide a full spectrum of oncoplastic breast surgery techniques crafted according to tumour size, breast volume, and patient needs:
- Therapeutic Mammoplasty: This technique combines cancer removal with breast reshaping in a single surgery. By strategically removing tumour tissue and sculpting the remaining breast tissue, surgeons not only ensure safe cancer clearance but also achieve a natural and aesthetically pleasing breast contour. It is especially effective for women with larger breasts, reducing the need for mastectomy in many cases.
- Mastopexy (Breast Lift): When one breast requires surgery, asymmetry can occur. A mastopexy lifts and reshapes the other breast, creating balance and symmetry. This not only improves cosmetic outcomes but also helps restore confidence, allowing patients to feel more comfortable in their own bodies after treatment.
- Nipple-Areola Reconstruction: After mastectomy or partial breast surgery, reconstructing the nipple-areola complex is an important step for restoring the natural look of the breast. Techniques may involve local flaps, skin grafts, or medical tattooing, all designed to recreate a realistic and natural appearance, greatly improving body image and self-esteem.
- Symmetry Correction: To ensure both breasts look and feel balanced, procedures can be performed on the unaffected breast, such as reduction, augmentation, or lift. These adjustments help achieve symmetry, so patients enjoy not just cancer-free health but also restored body confidence and a natural silhouette.
- Local Flaps: Surgeons can use tissue from areas adjacent to the breast, such as the chest wall or back, to fill in the gap left after tumour removal. These flaps provide excellent tissue match in terms of color and texture, preserving breast shape while avoiding implants or distant tissue transfer.
- Perforator Flaps & Microvascular Techniques: For larger defects or when local tissue isn’t sufficient, advanced reconstructive options like perforator flaps are used. Tissue—often from the abdomen (DIEP flap), thigh (PAP flap), or back (LD flap)—is transplanted using delicate microvascular surgery to rebuild the breast. These methods provide long-lasting, natural results with minimal donor site complications, offering patients both safety and superior cosmetic outcomes.
Patient Journey: From Diagnosis to Recovery
Your breast cancer treatment at Aster CMI is a structured, patient-friendly journey:
The process begins with a detailed initial consultation and assessment, where patients undergo a thorough clinical examination supported by advanced imaging techniques such as mammography, ultrasound, or MRI, followed by a biopsy for accurate diagnosis. During this stage, patients also meet with oncologists and breast surgeons for counselling, ensuring they understand their condition and the available treatment options.
For every case there is a discussion within multidisciplinary tumour board, which brings together oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and reconstructive surgeons. This collaborative approach allows the team to design a personalized surgical and treatment plan that addresses not only the medical needs but also the patient’s preferences and long-term quality of life.
On the day of surgery, the chosen oncoplastic procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. The surgical technique is carefully selected based on factors such as the tumour’s location, breast size, and the patient’s expectations, ensuring both safe cancer removal and optimal cosmetic outcomes.
The recovery phase focuses on early mobilization, effective pain management, and meticulous wound care. Patients receive physiotherapy support and lifestyle guidance to aid healing and restore normal function as quickly as possible.
Finally, patients continue with follow-up and ongoing support, which includes regular check-ups to monitor recovery and detect any signs of recurrence. Emotional and psychological care are integral at this stage, with access to counselling services and survivor support networks that help patients regain confidence and rebuild their lives after treatment.
Recovery & Limitations
Oncoplastic breast surgery, while highly effective, may not be suitable for every patient. The choice of procedure depends on factors such as the stage of cancer, the tumour’s location, and overall health. In some cases, individuals with specific medical conditions may not be ideal candidates for this type of surgery.
For those undergoing the procedure, recovery is usually smooth but requires patience and care. Most patients stay in the hospital for one to two days, though a longer stay may be needed if complex reconstruction is performed. Initial healing typically takes about two to three weeks, and full recovery—allowing a return to normal daily activities—can be expected within six to eight weeks.
At every step, our doctors provide guidance and support, ensuring patients know what to expect and can plan their recovery with confidence. informed choices.
Yes, oncoplastic breast surgery is safe and is widely accepted as a standard treatment. Many international studies and clinical trials have shown it is just as effective as traditional mastectomy or lumpectomy for early-stage breast cancer. The safety comes from a two-part approach: the tumor is removed with clear margins, and the breast is reshaped to achieve a good cosmetic result.
Yes, making both breasts look as similar as possible is an important goal in oncoplastic surgery. Surgeons often plan procedures for both the affected and healthy breast, such as a lift, reduction, or augmentation, to create a natural and balanced appearance.
Post-operative pain is managed exceptionally well with modern techniques. While any surgery involves some discomfort, the pain is typically mild to moderate and highly controllable. We utilize modern anesthesia protocols and a combination of prescription and over-the-counter medications to ensure your comfort. Our focus is on pain management, ensuring that your recovery experience is as smooth and pain-free as possible.
Yes, we provide case references to help set realistic expectations. Understanding potential outcomes is crucial. With the express consent and in accordance with the privacy protection of our former patients, we can share real case references and photographs of before-and-after results during your personal consultation. This helps illustrate the potential aesthetic benefits and allows you to discuss specific goals with your surgeon.
While radiation therapy can cause mild changes, advanced planning minimizes the impact. Radiation can sometimes lead to mild changes in breast shape, firmness, or size due to tissue tightening (fibrosis).3 However, modern oncoplastic surgery is specifically designed to counteract these effects. Advanced surgical planning involves anticipating the potential effects of radiation and using techniques (like tissue rearrangement and volume displacement) to ensure the reconstructed breast is better positioned to handle post-radiation changes, thereby preserving the long-term cosmetic result.
Most patients recover in stages and can get back to light activities fairly soon.
- Initial Recovery (2–3 weeks): Most patients are able to resume light, non-strenuous daily activities like walking, driving, and desk work within this timeframe.
- Full recovery usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks, including the time needed to return to exercise and heavier activities. Your surgeon will give you a recovery plan that fits your specific surgery.
Costs are highly variable and depend on several clinical and logistical factors.6 A fixed price is difficult to provide without an assessment, as the final cost depends on:
- Surgical Complexity: The specific oncoplastic technique (e.g., volume displacement vs. volume replacement).
- Reconstruction Type: Use of implants, tissue expanders, or autologous (patient's own tissue) reconstruction.
- Hospital Choice & Stay: The type of room and the duration of your stay.
We will provide a detailed, itemized estimate after your consultation. It is also important to note that since this is a cancer-related surgery, a significant portion of the procedure is often covered by health insurance. We recommend checking your policy details.
Restoring Health, Preserving Confidence
At Aster CMI Hospital, we believe that breast cancer treatment should heal more than just the body; it should also restore hope and confidence. Our oncoplastic surgery program is designed to ensure women overcome cancer without losing their sense of self, combining world-class care with compassion at every step.
Take charge of your journey with strength and support.
Book a consultation today and explore advanced breast cancer oncoplasty in Bangalore at Aster CMI Hospital.
Easily accessible from Hebbal, Yelahanka, and the surrounding areas in North Bangalore.