About Breast Conserving Surgery
Key Highlights
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Preserves the natural breast shape and appearance as much as possible.Less invasive than a full mastectomy, often with a shorter initial recovery.Combines cancer removal with immediate or delayed aesthetic reconstruction techniques.Typically results in less physical and psychological trauma compared to total breast removal.Associated with high patient satisfaction regarding body image and quality of life.Standard of care for many early-stage breast cancers, with survival rates equivalent to mastectomy when followed by radiation./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Early-stage breast cancer (Stages I and II) where the tumor is relatively small compared to breast size.
- Single, localized tumor that can be removed with clear margins while leaving sufficient breast tissue.
- Patient preference to preserve the breast when medically appropriate.
- Ability to undergo follow-up radiation therapy.
- No contraindications to radiation (e.g., prior chest radiation, pregnancy).
- Certain benign breast conditions that require surgical removal but warrant aesthetic preservation.
How to prepare
- Complete diagnostic workup, including mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy to confirm cancer and determine extent.
- Pre-operative consultation with both the surgical and oncology teams to discuss the treatment plan.
- Possible imaging (MRI) to better define tumor size and location for surgical planning.
- Discussion of anesthesia options and pre-anesthetic check-up.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the surgeon.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the surgery as per hospital protocol.
- Arranging for support and transportation for the day of surgery and initial recovery.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding (hematoma) or infection at the surgical site.
- Seroma formation (fluid accumulation) requiring drainage.
- Changes in breast sensation (numbness or hypersensitivity).
- Poor cosmetic outcome, including asymmetry, dimpling, or significant scarring.
- Need for re-excision if cancer cells are found at the margin of the removed tissue.
- Lymphedema (arm swelling) if axillary lymph nodes are removed or biopsied.
- Rare risks related to anesthesia.
- Potential for local recurrence, though risk is mitigated with radiation.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay is typically short, often same-day or 1-2 days for observation.
- Pain and swelling are managed with prescribed medications; a surgical bra is worn for support.
- Drainage tubes may be placed for a few days to remove excess fluid.
- Strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and vigorous arm movements should be avoided for 2-4 weeks.
- Incision care instructions must be followed to prevent infection.
- Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing, review pathology, and plan for radiation therapy.
- Physical therapy may be recommended to restore arm and shoulder mobility, especially if lymph nodes were involved.
- Full aesthetic results, including symmetry after any reconstruction, may take several months to a year to finalize.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 2-4 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full activity and final aesthetic result
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering breast conserving surgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with aesthetic and reconstructive surgery departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform breast conserving surgery. MediFyr helps you compare aesthetic and reconstructive surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for breast conserving surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 450 Thousand | 1-2 days | ~ 2-4 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full activity and final aesthetic result | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 1.58 Million | 1-2 days | ~ 2-4 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full activity and final aesthetic result | Know More |
Pari Reddy, a 42-year-old high school...
Pari Reddy, a 42-year-old high school biology teacher and mother of two, discovered a small, firm lump in her left breast during a routine self-exam. A mammogram and biopsy confirmed a Stage I, hormone-receptor-positive invasive ductal carcinoma. Devastated but determined, Pari met with a surgical oncologist who explained that due to the tumor's small size and favorable location, she was an excellent candidate for Breast Conserving Surgery (lumpectomy) followed by radiation. The surgeon emphasized that the goal was to remove the cancer while preserving as much of the natural breast shape as possible, coordinating with a reconstructive surgeon for an optimal aesthetic outcome. The surgery itself went smoothly. The tumor was removed with clear margins, and the reconstructive surgeon carefully rearranged the remaining breast tissue to minimize deformity. In the weeks following, Pari managed post-operative soreness with medication and gentle arm exercises. The radiation therapy that followed was fatiguing but manageable. A year later, with radiation complete and on maintenance hormone therapy, Pari's breast has a slight scar and a very subtle asymmetry, but she feels whole. Emotionally, her journey was a rollercoaster, initial terror for her future, anxiety about losing a part of her identity, followed by a fierce determination to fight. After surgery, seeing her breast largely preserved was a profound relief and a significant boost to her confidence during recovery. She feels she faced cancer on her own terms.
Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeons for Breast Conserving Surgery
Explore experienced aesthetic and reconstructive surgeons who regularly perform breast conserving surgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 31 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 11 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 30 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 19 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 49 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 22 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 17 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 16 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 14 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 14 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
- 20 Years Experience
- Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad