A lumpectomy, also known as breast-conserving surgery, removes a tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue.
Unlike a mastectomy, which removes the entire breast, a lumpectomy allows you to retain your natural breast shape.
Dr. Elvira Klause is a board-certified general surgeon in Laguna Hills, California, specializing in breast surgeries like lumpectomy and mastectomy procedures.
Known for her compassionate approach, Dr. Klause ensures our patients feel heard and supported throughout their treatment.
Understanding the details of lumpectomy, from the pre-surgery evaluation to the surgery and recovery, is important in mentally and physically preparing for the surgery.
Read on to learn what you need to know.
Your preparation starts with your pre-surgery consultation with Dr. Klause. You’ll discuss your diagnosis, medical history, medications, goals for the procedure, and many other topics during this visit.
Dr. Klause provides pre-op instructions, such as medication changes and fasting before surgery. She also recommends tips to prepare for recovery, starting with having someone drive you home after the procedure.
A lumpectomy typically requires general anesthesia, usually taking around two hours. It’s an outpatient procedure.
During surgery, Dr. Klause expertly removes the tumor and a small amount of the nearby tissue. She may remove lymph nodes nearby as well. These small glands are often the first place breast cancer spreads.
Dr. Klause sends this tissue to a highly trained pathologist, who examines the margins (edges of the tissue) to determine whether cancer cells exist there. She will discuss the pathology report with you during a follow-up visit in a few weeks.
After removing breast tissue, Dr. Klause closes incisions with small sutures. If you have lymph node removal, Dr. Klause typically places a drain to help remove fluid buildup.
Dr. Klause provides personalized recovery instructions, ranging from scar treatment to drain care and pain management. Most people can resume light activity like walking immediately, but arm exercises must wait about a week (or after drain removal.)
Generally, you must empty your drain twice a day. Dr. Klause asks that you keep track of the fluid drainage level. Typically, she removes the drain 7-10 days post-surgery when the fluid is less than 30 cc’s a day, although it could take longer.
It’s normal to have some discomfort, bruising, and breast tenderness after a lumpectomy. Dr. Klause closely monitors your progress during follow-up visits and adapts your recovery plan if needed.
Paired with radiation, lumpectomy has success rates equal to those of mastectomy (full breast removal,) especially when performed by an elite surgeon like Dr. Klause.
If you need a lumpectomy, Dr. Elvira Klause provides expert surgical care with a compassionate touch. Call our office at 949-245-6910 to book your consultation in Laguna Hills, California.
