Dr. Richardson and Dr. Memsic are two of the top breast surgeons in Los Angeles, using innovative techniques to create excellent clinical and aesthetic outcomes.
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Bedford Breast Center
436 N Bedford Dr, Ste 308
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: (310) 278-8590
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Lumpectomy
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may be a candidate for breast-conserving surgery, such as a minimally invasive lumpectomy. At our Beverly Hills, CA, breast center, our world-class breast surgeons use minimal incisions to perform the procedure, which focuses both on removing all cancerous tissue and producing aesthetically pleasing results.
What Is a Lumpectomy?
A lumpectomy removes a tumor plus a margin of surrounding healthy breast tissue, eliminating all breast cancer cells with minimal scarring. It is considered breast-conserving surgery because it leaves the natural breast intact compared to a mastectomy, which removes the entire breast. For patients diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, a lumpectomy is just as effective as a mastectomy. Many women appreciate having the option of breast-conserving surgery.
How Is Lumpectomy Performed?
Our breast surgeons make discreet incisions in the natural creases and lines of the breast, such as near the areola, in the armpit, or at the base of the breast, to camouflage the resulting small scars. They customize your surgical plan based on your unique condition and anatomy, as well as your clinical and cosmetic concerns. The procedure can be performed using a local anesthetic unless the surgeons are also removing lymph nodes during the procedure. Most patients return home the same day as their lumpectomy surgeries.
All patients who undergo lumpectomy surgery undergo radiation therapy after healing from the procedure to ensure all cancer cells are destroyed.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Lumpectomy?
The option of a lumpectomy comes as a relief for many women diagnosed with breast cancer. If our surgeons believe a lumpectomy is medically prudent, they’ll discuss the option with you. Even some women who are good lumpectomy candidates may opt for mastectomy, either because they worry about cancer returning or they aren’t comfortable undergoing radiation therapy.
You may be a good candidate for lumpectomy plus radiation therapy if you:
- Have a single tumor that’s relatively small compared to the size of your breast
- Prefer to maintain as much of your natural breast tissue as possible
- Want to avoid having a mastectomy and reconstruction
- Can commit to undergoing daily radiation treatment for a few weeks
In some cases, the amount of tissue removed during a lumpectomy causes some breast deformity. If that occurs, our breast surgeons may use plastic surgery techniques to create the most natural-looking results without full breast reconstruction surgery.
“There is absolutely no one better than Drs. Memsic and Richardson and Bedford Breast Center for breast care!!!! Dr. Richardson did my lumpectomies two years ago and Dr. Memsic took over my care when I reached Medicare age. I have never felt so comfortable or well taken care of in any medical facility anywhere. They are by far the best in knowledge, caring and follow-up. I’m incredibly lucky I found them and the 3 hour drive I make each way to their office is absolutely worth it!!!”
Ro D. – Google
What Is Recovery After a Lumpectomy Like?
Your age, how quickly you typically heal, and the extent of the procedure can all affect your recovery after a lumpectomy. The time it takes to heal can range from a few days to a week or more. The amount of recovery time also depends on whether your procedure includes lymph node removal.
What should you expect during the first several days after your surgery?
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Numbness
- Pinching sensations
We prescribe pain medication to minimize discomfort during the recovery and may prescribe antibiotics if there is a concern about infection. Keep our detailed postoperative instructions handy to help you recover quickly and comfortably.
Is Reconstruction Surgery Possible After a Lumpectomy?
If the lumpectomy didn’t turn out as you expected, breast reconstruction surgery is an option. Our breast surgeons recommend waiting several months after your lumpectomy before scheduling additional surgery to ensure your body is completely healed.
Among the options we offer in these cases is fat grafting, which involves using liposuction to remove fat from one area of the body—such as the thighs or abdomen—and then strategically re-injecting the purified fat into the breast to enhance the contour.
Learn more about lumpectomy surgery by visiting mskcc.org.
View Featured Before & After Photos
Our breast surgeons at Bedford Breast Center in Beverly Hills are innovative physicians who provide compassionate, personalized patient care. Our world-class facility serves patients from Los Angeles from throughout Los Angeles, Southern California, and across the country. To learn more about our center and if lumpectomy is a good option for you, call us at (310) 278-8590 or contact us using the online form to schedule an appointment.