Breast Surgery in London

List of Breast Surgical Services

WIDE LOCAL EXCISION (LUMPECTOMY)

Also known as a lumpectomy, a wide local excision is a surgical procedure that removes the breast tissue affected by a cancerous growth, together with an area of the surrounding tissue. In the event that the treated breast is smaller than the unaffected breast, mammoplasty surgery may be carried out to ensure that both breasts are the same size. A course of radiotherapy is required following the procedure to destroy any remaining cancer cells left behind in the breast tissue.

AXILLARY NODE CLEARANCE

Axillary node clearance is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the lymph nodes (also known as the lymph glands) from the armpit. It is used in the prognosis and management of invasive breast cancer, as well as to determine post-operative therapy, and is an important element of breast cancer treatment. The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic and typically requires a hospital stay of between four and seven days.

SENTINEL NODE BIOPSY

A sentinel node biopsy is used to establish whether breast cancer has spread beyond a primary tumour into the body’s lymphatic system. It is a procedure that requires the injection of a tracer agent into the breast tissue, which enables the surgeon to identify the sentinel nodes during surgery. The sentinel nodes are then removed for clinical evaluation. If they present as free from cancer, it would typically indicate that the tumour has not spread and the removal of further lymph nodes will not be required. If the sentinel nodes reveal the presence of cancer, further lymph nodes will be removed to determine the spread of the cancer.

CORRECTION OF NIPPLE INVERSION

Nipple inversion (nipples that point inwards) is a common condition that is readily corrected by this type of breast surgery. It is caused by shortening of the milk ducts as they enter the nipple, and can affect breastfeeding. The treatment of inverted nipples depends upon the severity of the condition. According to the degree of inversion, in minor cases correction can be brought about with the use of a suction device, and surgery will be unnecessary. The surgical procedure involves drawing the nipple out via an incision so that points in the correct direction. The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic.

BREAST AUGMENTATION (ENLARGEMENT)

Also known as mammoplasty, breast enlargement and breast enhancement, breast augmentation surgery is a popular surgical procedure that uses a breast implant to augment the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. Followed by breast augmentation recovery treatments, The procedure of breast enlargement surgery involves the insertion of specially designed breast implants behind the breasts, giving them a fuller and more rounded shape. As well as enhancing appearance, breast enhancement can also have a positive impact on a woman’s confidence and self-image.

BREAST REDUCTION

Breast reduction is a frequently performed and highly effective surgical procedure that is used to reduce the size of large or heavy breasts. Excessively large breasts are a common cause of shoulder, neck and back and pain, and can also result in posture problems and skin inflammation. As well as alleviating physical pain and discomfort, breast reduction surgery can also help with problems of low self-esteem and psychological issues resulting from poor body image.

BREAST SYMMETRISATION

It is perfectly normal for breasts to be slightly different in size, and in most cases it is hardly noticeable. But when one breast is noticeably larger than the other (asymmetrical) it can result in needless anxiety and self-consciousness. Surgery for asymmetrical breasts is effective in matching breast size. It may involve enlarging one breast to bring it in line with the other; alternatively it can be more appropriate to reduce the size of a breast so that it matches its smaller counterpart. Needs will vary from person to person, and your surgeon is able to advise you on the best solution for your individual circumstances

SIMPLE & SKIN SPARING MASTECTOMY

Skin-sparing mastectomy is a surgical procedure that conserves most of the skin around the breast by removing the breast tissue through a small incision. A skin-sparing mastectomy can form part of a simple or total mastectomy, or provide the skin required to accommodate an implant when reconstructing the breast following surgery. These breast surgery procedures typically remove only the skin around the nipple, areola, and the area of skin bearing the biopsy scar, and consequently minimises any visual evidence of surgery following breast reconstruction.

RISK-REDUCING BREAST SURGERY

Risk-reducing breast surgery is recommended when it is deemed there is an abnormally increased risk of a woman developing breast cancer. The operation entails the complete removal of both breasts, as well as, when indicated, the skin and nipples. The lymph nodes and underlying breast muscles are left intact. Risk-reducing mastectomy involves a major surgical procedure and is performed using a general anaesthetic.

THERAPEUTIC MAMMOPLASTY

A therapeutic mammoplasty is a surgical technique that combines the removal of a breast tumour (lumpectomy) with an element of breast reduction, while in most cases avoiding a full mastectomy. As the procedure results in reduced breast size, it is most suitable for women with larger breasts. The advantage of a therapeutic mammoplasty is that it enables the surgeon to remove larger tumours than conventional surgery, while leaving in place a smaller though well-shaped breast.

ONCOPLASTIC SURGERY AND BREAST REMODELLING

Oncoplastic breast surgery combines the aesthetic techniques of plastic surgery with conventional cancer surgery to treat breast tumours that would previously have been managed by a straightforward mastectomy. It allows for a wide excision of a tumour and its outer margins, while also rebuilding the breast to prevent unsightly scarring and deformation. Oncoplastic breast surgery is typically performed on breasts with adequate volume and on lumpectomies no larger than one quadrant of the area of the breast.