Breast Surgery Specialist

Why would I need breast surgery?

If you notice that you’ve developed a lump, bump, or another abnormal change in your breast, your doctor may recommend breast surgery. 

Many breast growths are benign, meaning they’re noncancerous. However, some classifications of growths that may require surgery include:

• Cancerous lumps — only about 20% of breast lumps are cancerous
• Fibroadenomas — solid, round, rubbery benign masses that move when you touch them
• Intraductal papillomas — small growths that look like warts growing in the lining of the nipple duct
• Traumatic fat necrosis — prior injury results in lumps of benign, hard, round fat 

Some benign lumps can get infected and cause pain. Other lumps have no symptoms at all and may not require surgery if they don’t bother you.

If you identify a new or growing lump in your breast, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. You should also schedule a consult with a specialist if your nipples leak fluid when you’re not pregnant.

What happens when I get breast surgery?

Depending on the type of surgery you require, most breast surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, which means that you can go home the same day. However, you’ll need to arrange for someone else to drive you home. 

Most breast surgeries only take about an hour. The specialists at Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, use small incisions to remove only as much tissue as necessary. 

If you have a cancerous lump, they remove the lump plus a good margin of tissue surrounding the lump in order to reduce the risk of leaving cancerous cells behind. A pathologist examines the tissue to ensure that your surgeon has created a “clear (cancer-free) margin.”

Your surgeon may also need to remove some or all of the lymph nodes in your armpits if the cancer has spread that far. They may leave metal clips inside your breast to help direct radiation therapy after you heal.

Will my breasts look different after breast surgery?

If you had a cancerous lump removed, your surgeon’s primary objective is to get all of the cancerous cells. You may choose to undergo breast reconstruction after you’ve finished chemotherapy, radiation, and other required therapies, and your oncologist has pronounced you cancer-free.

When your surgeon removes noncancerous lumps and masses, they leave as much healthy tissue intact as possible. You may choose to get reconstructive surgery after you heal.

If you need breast surgery, call Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, or request a consultation online today.