Many people mistakenly think of "oncoplastic surgery" as a cosmetic or cosmetic procedure. In reality, it's reconstructive surgery aimed at restoring function and form, not cosmetic surgery. Doctors interviewed pointed out that the focus of this discipline isn't on "beautification" but on "repair"—helping patients regain their confidence and quality of life after overcoming their cancer.
During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Dr. Dong Baofa, a specialist in breast and oncoplastic surgery and Medical Director at The Breast Clinic, part of the Singapore Medical Group, addressed common misconceptions and clarified myths in an interview with Lianhe Zaobao.
Myth 1: Breast surgery will leave noticeable scars or alter breast shape
Oncoplastic surgery is designed to address this concern. By combining lumpectomy with plastic surgery techniques, surgeons can carefully plan incision locations—often along natural folds or around the areola—to minimize scarring and make it as discreet as possible. The remaining breast tissue is then reshaped to maintain a smooth, natural contour. If necessary, the doctor will adjust the opposite breast to achieve symmetry. Most patients receive effective cancer treatment while preserving and sometimes even improving the appearance of their breasts.
Misconception 2: Focusing on appearance affects the effectiveness of cancer treatment.
This is a misconception. The primary goal of surgery is to completely remove cancerous tissue. Oncoplastic surgery techniques were developed to preserve breast morphology while safely removing the tumor. Cosmetic effects are incorporated into surgical plans, but they are never at the expense of therapeutic efficacy. In other words, patients can achieve the same oncological benefits as traditional surgery while enjoying a more natural breast appearance during the postoperative recovery period.
The smaller the cancer tumor, the easier it is to maintain the shape and appearance of the breast, and the better the patient's health outlook and life expectancy. Early detection of breast cancer is crucial, and this can be achieved simply through breast cancer screening—women over 40 should undergo annual mammograms. Early detection not only saves lives but also allows for breast preservation.
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Myth 3: What is the difference between oncoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery?
The two are fundamentally different. Oncoplastic surgery is centered around cancer treatment, with the primary goal being complete tumor removal and ensuring safe resection margins for effective cure. Its uniqueness lies in the use of plastic surgical techniques to reshape residual breast tissue, minimizing scarring and maintaining symmetry. Unlike purely cosmetic surgeries, which prioritize appearance, oncoplastic surgery balances safe oncology treatment with breast aesthetics, allowing patients to receive effective cancer treatment while preserving the natural shape of their breasts as much as possible. Research has shown that this surgery significantly improves patients' postoperative psychological well-being and overall dignity, and is now recognized as an essential component of breast cancer surgery.
Myth 4: What are the most common misconceptions among patients and their families?
Many people mistakenly believe that breast cancer is a death sentence. In fact, advances in surgery and medicine have made it highly curable, especially when detected in the early stages.
Some people also believe that breast cancer surgery inevitably results in breast deformity or noticeable scarring. While this may have been true eighty years ago, with the medical community's deeper understanding of cancer treatment and advances in surgical techniques, particularly the advent of oncoplastic surgery, this no longer holds true. It's important to note, however, that these techniques work best in treating early-stage breast cancer, when the cancer isn't palpable but can show up on mammograms and ultrasounds. Therefore, women should have annual mammograms, even if they don't have a palpable lump, pain, or symptoms.
