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 for patients from the Greater Los Angeles area, Orange County, and Ventura County.
What Is Breast Conserving Surgery (Lumpectomy)?
A lumpectomy removes a tumor plus a margin of surrounding healthy 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 partial mastectomy. Many women appreciate having the option of breast-conserving surgery.
How Is Breast Cancer Treatment 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 conducting a sentinel lymph node biopsy 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 within the surgical site.
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Who Is a Good Candidate for Lumpectomy?
The option of a lumpectomy comes as a relief for many women diagnosed with invasive 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.
Before determining candidacy, your evaluation typically includes breast imaging such as a 3D mammogram for a more detailed view of the tumor and surrounding tissue.
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.
Unparalleled Expertise With a Compassionate Touch
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.
Unparalleled Expertise With a Compassionate Touch
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.
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.
Lumpectomy FAQs
What is the difference between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy?
A lumpectomy removes only the breast tumor and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue, preserving most of the natural breast. A mastectomy removes the entire breast. Lumpectomy is often followed by radiation therapy and is considered a breast-conserving approach for eligible patients.
How long does a lumpectomy procedure take?
A lumpectomy typically takes about one to two hours, depending on the size and location of the tumor and whether lymph nodes are evaluated during the same procedure. Because Bedford Breast Center is an all-encompassing breast care practice, surgical planning, imaging coordination, and pathology review are streamlined.
Is a lumpectomy performed under general or local anesthesia?
Most lumpectomies are performed under general anesthesia, allowing you to remain fully asleep and comfortable during surgery. In select cases, local anesthesia with sedation may be appropriate. Your surgical team will review your health history and preferences to determine the safest and most comfortable approach for you.
How soon after a lumpectomy does radiation therapy begin?
Radiation therapy typically begins about three to six weeks after surgery, once the incision has adequately healed. Because Bedford Breast Center coordinates screening, surgical treatment, and follow-up care under one roof, patients benefit from a seamless transition between surgical and adjunctive therapies.
What is the recurrence rate of breast cancer after a lumpectomy?
When combined with radiation therapy, lumpectomy has been shown to offer survival rates comparable to mastectomy for early-stage breast cancer. The risk of recurrence varies depending on tumor characteristics, margins, and individual risk factors. At Bedford Breast Center, treatment plans are personalized to minimize recurrence risk while preserving breast appearance whenever possible.
How large will the scar be after a lumpectomy?
Scar size depends on the tumor’s size and location, but surgeons aim to place incisions in discreet areas and minimize visible scarring. Careful surgical planning and cosmetic closure techniques help optimize healing and maintain the natural contour of the breast.
Will my breast look different after a lumpectomy?
Some patients notice subtle changes in shape or volume, especially if a larger tumor is removed. However, many women are pleased with their cosmetic outcome. At Bedford Breast Center, surgical planning takes aesthetics into account, and oncoplastic techniques may be used to preserve symmetry and natural contour whenever possible.
Does insurance typically cover lumpectomy surgery?
Lumpectomy is a medically necessary cancer treatment and is typically covered by insurance plans. Coverage details vary, so the practice’s experienced administrative team works closely with patients to verify benefits and coordinate coverage for surgery and related care.
How do I prepare for lumpectomy surgery?
Preparation may include preoperative imaging, lab testing, and a review of medications. Patients are usually asked to avoid certain medications, such as blood thinners, before surgery and to arrange transportation home afterward. Your care team will provide detailed instructions tailored to your health history to ensure a smooth surgical experience.
How does a lumpectomy at Bedford Breast Center in Beverly Hills differ from other surgical centers?
Unlike many facilities that focus solely on surgery, Bedford Breast Center provides comprehensive breast care, from screening and diagnostics to cancer treatment and cosmetic procedures. This integrated approach allows for highly personalized treatment plans, collaborative decision-making, and attention to both medical outcomes and aesthetic results.
How do I know if I'm a candidate for a lumpectomy?
Candidacy for a lumpectomy depends on several factors, including the size and location of the tumor, your overall breast size, and whether the cancer has spread to surrounding tissue or lymph nodes. At Bedford Breast Center, our breast surgery specialists conduct a thorough evaluation using advanced imaging and pathology to determine whether lumpectomy, also called breast-conserving surgery, is the right option for you. Our all-encompassing approach means your care team considers every aspect of your diagnosis and health history to create a personalized treatment plan.
What imaging tests are used before a lumpectomy?
Before a lumpectomy, your care team at Bedford Breast Center will typically use imaging studies such as diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, and, in some cases, breast MRI or Breast CT to map the precise location and extent of the tumor. These imaging tools help our surgeons plan the procedure with the highest level of accuracy to achieve clear margins while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible. Because we offer comprehensive breast screening and diagnostic services under one roof, your imaging and surgical planning are seamlessly coordinated.
Will lymph nodes be removed during my lumpectomy?
In many cases, a sentinel lymph node biopsy is performed at the same time as a lumpectomy to determine whether cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes under the arm. If the sentinel nodes test positive, a more extensive axillary lymph node dissection may be recommended. Your surgeon at Bedford Breast Center will discuss the specifics of your procedure with you in advance so you know exactly what to expect.
How soon can I return to work after a lumpectomy?
Most patients are able to return to light or desk work within 1 to 2 weeks following a lumpectomy, though recovery timelines vary depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing. If your job requires physical exertion or lifting, your surgeon may recommend waiting three to four weeks before resuming those activities. The team at Bedford Breast Center will provide personalized post-operative guidance so you can recover safely and comfortably.
What follow-up care is needed after a lumpectomy?
After a lumpectomy, follow-up care typically includes radiation therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence, along with regular oncology appointments and breast imaging surveillance. Many patients also receive hormone therapy or other adjuvant treatments depending on the cancer type. At Bedford Breast Center, we coordinate all aspects of your post-surgical care, from pathology review to radiation referral, ensuring a seamless continuum of treatment and monitoring long after your procedure.
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) 878-0881 or contact us using the online form to schedule an appointment.
Curious if your procedure is covered by insurance? Bedford Breast Center has partnered with a specialized billing service to help you maximize your insurance benefits. Click here to take a short quiz and find out if you qualify.
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.
Curious if your procedure is covered by insurance? Bedford Breast Center has partnered with a specialized billing service to help you maximize your insurance benefits. Click here to take a short quiz and find out if you qualify.
