Breast Surgery

Welcome to East End Health and Imaging, where we specialize in personalized breast cancer surgery tailored to your unique needs. Our dedicated team is committed to guiding you through every stage of your journey, from diagnosis to recovery. We believe in evidence-based medicine and offer a comprehensive approach with a skilled team that includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, plastic surgeons, pathologists, and fellowship-trained women’s imagers (radiologists). Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to provide you with the highest quality care and support throughout your breast health experience.

 What is Breast Cancer Surgery?

When facing breast cancer, surgery is often a primary recommendation from your healthcare team. This procedure can involve removing individual tumors or, in some cases, the entire breast. Beyond being a treatment, it may also serve diagnostic or cosmetic purposes, including reconstructive surgery post-treatment.

Types of Breast Cancer Surgery

Lumpectomy (Partial Mastectomy): Removes individual tumors in early-stage breast cancer.

Mastectomy: Removes all or part of the breast, sometimes including surrounding tissues.

Additional Surgeries: Sentinel node biopsy, lymphadenectomy, and breast reconstruction may be recommended based on individual factors.

Before Breast Cancer Surgery

Upon diagnosis, your healthcare provider will discuss surgery options, considering your health condition and cancer stage. For early-stage breast cancer, surgery is often the initial treatment step. Choices regarding breast reconstruction will also be explored during these discussions.

During Breast Cancer Surgery

Your surgery will be personalized to your needs, aiming to remove any tissue with potential cancer cells. The procedure may involve partial or complete breast removal, as well as the removal and dissection of lymph nodes. If you choose breast reconstruction, it may be initiated or completed during the same surgery.

After Breast Cancer Surgery

Post-surgery, a pathologist examines lymph node biopsy results, ensuring comprehensive cancer cell removal. Further treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, may be recommended based on the results.

Risks and Side Effects

While general surgical risks include infection and blood clots, breast cancer surgery may lead to specific side effects such as numbness, shoulder stiffness, and lymphedema. Understanding these risks empowers you to make informed decisions about your treatment.

Recovery Time

Recovery varies depending on the procedure's complexity. Daily exercises and prescribed painkillers aid in preventing stiffness, and most people resume normal activities within a month.

Scarring

All surgeries leave scars, but their appearance varies. Reconstructive breast surgery aims to minimize visible scarring, promoting aesthetic outcomes.
 

When to Call the Doctor

Your healthcare team will schedule follow-up appointments, typically one to two weeks post-surgery. Promptly contact your provider if you experience signs of complications, ensuring timely intervention and ongoing support     throughout your recovery.

Our Specialized Services

 Breast and Chest Wall Surgery

 Our experienced team conducts various surgeries, including:

Minimally Invasive Breast Surgery: Employing advanced techniques to minimize impact and promote swift recovery.

Complex Oncoplastic Surgery: Integrating plastic surgery principles to achieve the best possible cosmetic outcomes.

Chest Wall Resections and Reconstruction: Precision in addressing conditions affecting the chest wall.

Nipple-Sparing and Traditional Mastectomies: Tailoring surgical approaches to individual patient needs.

Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping and Biopsy: Utilizing advanced techniques for precise lymph node evaluation.

 Full Lymph Node Dissections: Comprehensive removal and examination of lymph nodes when necessary.

Reconstruction Collaboration

Our collaborative approach extends to working seamlessly with plastic surgery colleagues for:

Immediate Reconstruction: Offering various reconstruction options, including implants and autologous flap techniques.

High Breast Cancer Risk Management

In addition to surgical expertise, we specialize in:
Screening and Managing High-Risk Cases: Providing specialized care for women with elevated breast cancer risk due to genetic mutations and other cumulative risk factors.

At East End Health and Imaging, we are dedicated to providing personalized care and support throughout your breast cancer surgery experience. Your well-being is our priority, and we're here for you every step of the way.