Breast Cancer Surgery
in Albany, NY
Dr. Kaufman's Innovative Approach to Breast Cancer Surgery
Why Choose Gabriel J. Kaufman MD FACS for Breast Cancer Surgery?
Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman brings a unique blend of expertise to breast cancer surgery in Albany as a dual board-certified surgical oncologist and plastic surgeon to help patients preserve their breasts once diagnosed with breast cancer. With advanced expertise in both breast surgical oncology and plastic reconstructive surgery, Dr. Kaufman offers a comprehensive approach to breast cancer treatment using advanced techniques (mammoplasty/mastopexy) developed by European surgical groups.
After spending a year training in Paris, Dr. Kaufman learned to appreciate the complex surgical decision-making when treating patients with the diagnosis of breast cancer. His experience allows him to remove cancer effectively but also to consider the aesthetic outcome, often planning for immediate reconstruction when appropriate using plastic surgery approaches. This dual focus ensures that patients receive the best possible care for both their health and their appearance while giving them the opportunity for breast conservation when other surgeons have told them mastectomy only.
“Working with a maven and world-renowned surgeon like Dr. Clough was the most influential experience of my surgical career…we spent time modifying and describing a unique approach to breast cancer called oncoplastic surgery.” — Dr. Kaufman
of 3
Breast Cancer Surgery Before & Afters
Oncoplastic Breast Conservation Cancer Surgery at a Glance
- Purpose: Remove breast cancer while preserving the breast (lumpectomy)
- Options: Advanced plastic surgery techniques (mammoplasty/mastopexy)
- Duration: Typically 1.5 - 4 hours, depending on the procedure
- Recovery: 2-6 weeks, varies based on the extent of surgery
- Benefits: Effective cancer treatment with consideration for aesthetic outcomes and breast preservation as well as Improved physical and emotional well-being
The Role of Surgery in Your Breast Cancer Journey
What is Oncoplastic Breast Cancer Surgery?
Breast cancer surgery is often the first line of treatment for breast cancer. Dr. Kaufman combines plastic surgery techniques with surgical oncology practices (oncoplastic surgery) for breast preservation to not only maintain the natural shape of the breast but also successfully remove the area of concern without causing deformity.
“Many of my patients have been told they need mastectomy prior to seeing me, and they are often surprised to find that I can perform breast conservation and achieve excellent results with both body image and breast shape remaining intact.” —Dr. Kaufman
Empowering Choices
What is an Oncoplastic Breast Cancer Procedure Like?
Using the decision-making tools from reconstructive surgery, Dr. Kaufman is able to devise a treatment plan that preserves the breast and prevents deformity. Advanced surgical planning may include restorative mammoplasty techniques or tissue advancements to achieve these goals.
“I like to spend a majority of my time during the initial consultation not only getting to know my patients and their families but also planning the surgery with markings and photography so I can review and refine each case prior to the surgical day.”
Oncoplastic Surgery for Breast Preservation:
Breast cancer surgery varies depending on the chosen technique:
- Use of mammoplasty and mastopexy patterns to enhance the breast outcome
- Removal of the tumor and a margin of surrounding tissue
- Usually performed under general anesthesia
- Typically takes 1.5 -4 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and for symmetry of the opposite breast
- Performed in the same surgery as breast cancer removal
Dr. Kaufman will discuss these options in detail during your consultation, helping you choose the best approach for your individual case. His diligence and constant effort to provide the best possible surgical solution for his patients is what defines Dr. Kaufman as a surgical oncologist of the breast.
“I have been granted a unique set of skills and I look forward to serving the community of breast cancer patients in the Capital Region and beyond to the best of my ability.” — Dr. Kaufman
Making an Informed Decision
What Conditions Does Oncoplastic Breast Cancer Surgery Address?
With breast cancer surgery Albany patients can address:
A new breast cancer diagnosis in patients that have a strong desire to preserve their breasts to avoid mastectomy, the oncoplastic approach can help to achieve this goal even when they have been told mastectomy is the only option.
- Invasive breast cancer or DCIS
- Large tumors of the breast
- Central breast tumors
- Aesthetically sensitive areas of the breast
It may also be recommended for individuals at very high risk of developing breast cancer and wishing to achieve nipple sparing risk-reducing mastectomy.
Combining Cancer Removal and Breast Restoration in One Surgery
What Are the Benefits of Oncoplastic Breast Cancer Surgery?
Oncoplastic breast cancer surgery offers several crucial benefits over traditional lumpectomy, which can lead to breast deformity:
- Strategic Removal of the breast cancer
- Opportunity to minimize deformity and improve the breast shape
- Restored aesthetic appearance
- Increased balance and symmetry with the opposite breast after mastopexy procedure
- Decreased neck, and shoulder pain if a reduction procedure is performed
- Improved physical and emotional well-being
Hope and Healing
Am I a Candidate for Oncoplastic Breast Cancer Surgery?
Dr. Kaufman is experienced in working with complex cases and is dedicated to finding innovative solutions tailored to each patient’s needs. He will review your breast imaging and offer to confer with a dedicated breast radiologist to create a roadmap for your surgical approach. Dr. Kaufman will assess your individual case, considering factors such as the size and location of the tumor in the breast as well as your overall health and your personal preferences to determine the most appropriate surgical approach.
The Road to Recovery
Breast Cancer Surgery Recovery
During the recovery, patients should:
- Expect some swelling, bruising, and mild or moderate discomfort for the first few days
- Wear a surgical support bra as directed by Dr. Kaufman
- Gradually return to normal activities within the first few days
- Suture and drain removal by day 10
- Light Exercise can resume in 1 to 2 weeks
- Strenuous exercise and can resume in 3 to 4 weeks
- Attend follow-up visits with Dr. Kaufman and his team to monitor your progress in healing incisions and nipple areolar health
Beyond the Operating Room
Breast Cancer Surgery Results
Oncoplastic surgery can afford Excellent breast cosmesis with robust removal of the primary cancer
The primary result of breast cancer surgery is the removal of the primary tumor while maintaining the breast shape. Additional outcomes include:
- Improvement of breast shape and aesthetic
- Increased symmetry after mastopexy is performed on the opposite breast
- Decreased neck and shoulder pain if a reduction procedure is performed
- A renewed sense of wholeness and improved self-image.
Dr. Kaufman will provide a clear picture of the results you can expect to achieve and work tirelessly to provide the best possible outcome, combining breast cancer with an aesthetically rewarding outcome.
Breast Cancer Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
The need for additional treatments depends on various factors, including the stage and type of cancer. Dr. Kaufman will work with your oncology team to determine the best treatment plan and surgery sequencing.
The impact on appearance varies depending on the location of your breast cancer in the breast and its initial size. Dr. Kaufman's expertise in Oncoplastic surgery will minimize deformity and often improve breast shape. Patients often undergo a lift procedure on the opposite side to balance the breast result and achieve symmetry.
In many cases, yes. Dr. Kaufman's unique training allows him to perform breast conservation even when you have been told that only a mastectomy is possible. The power of oncoplastic surgery has enabled Dr. Kaufman to routinely offer breast preservation with only a few instances of having to perform a mastectomy.
