What should you know about lumpectomy with reduction and lift?

The lumpectomy removes the abnormal area and a surrounding tissue margin. A reduction removes additional breast tissue, while a lift changes the position and shape of the remaining tissue and nipple area. The procedures may be planned together when the breast size, tumour position or expected tissue removal could otherwise affect symmetry. The exact incision pattern depends on the breast and the location of the surgery.

Both breasts may be reshaped, although the cancer-side plan is guided by the tumour and pathology. Healing can include bruising, swelling, temporary numbness and changes in breast or nipple sensation. The final shape develops gradually, and Radiotherapy may change how the treated breast settles.

Ask how the oncology and plastic surgery teams will coordinate pathology, incision planning and any further treatment. Discuss smoking, medicines, allergies, future breastfeeding plans and whether a drain or special support garment will be used. At home, keep the incisions clean and dry as instructed, avoid pressure and heavy lifting, and attend wound and pathology reviews. Breast Cancer and Paget Disease of the Breast may require different treatment combinations.

Report fever, spreading redness, increasing warmth, foul-smelling drainage, wound separation, sudden one-sided swelling, or bleeding that continues despite gentle pressure. Contact the team if pain is escalating or the skin colour of the breast or nipple changes suddenly. Get emergency help for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, fainting or a rapidly worsening allergic reaction.

Ask where the scars will be, how much tissue may be removed, whether both breasts will be reshaped, and how the plan could affect sensation. Ask when pathology will be available, how Radiotherapy may affect healing, what support garment and activity limits you need, and when the result can be assessed.