Breast Surgery Specialist

How Is Breast Disease Treated?

Treatment depends on the diagnosed breast issue. Benign breast issues typically do not require surgery. However, if a patient is diagnosed with cancer, Dr. Wool and Dr. Hoeltgen will use their significant surgical experience to treat the disease. The doctors have significant experience in breast conservation therapy, which is a lumpectomy procedure with sentinel node biopsy. A lumpectomy is a common procedure performed to remove cancerous cells from breast tissue. However, this procedure can result in a loss of 50-75% of tissue and asymmetrical shaping. Mastectomies, which are the removal of the whole breast, are also common when treating breast cancer, and many women are unhappy with how their breasts look following this procedure. The doctors work in partnership with a plastic surgeon who can help to repair a woman’s breasts after she is cancer free and healthy.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Breast surgery is performed under general anesthesia or a twilight sleep. Most patients are able to return home on the same day. During the operation, the doctor marks the areas where the injections and incisions are made. The surgeon will remove tissue for a biopsy or remove the cancerous tissue. Recovery is prompt with a rapid recovery to full function. If the patient is diagnosed with breast cancer, all findings are reviewed with the patient and a counseling session is undertaken to review and explain the treatment options that are appropriate. When necessary or requested, referral to medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, plastic surgeons, and other support personnel can be arranged. Breast brachytherapy (accelerated partial breast radiation) and interoperative radiation are also available for selected cases.

What Are the Expected Results?

Dr. Wool and Dr. Hoeltgen are gifted surgeons and perform surgeries that effectively remove diseased tissue while preserving as much breast tissue as possible. The surgeons are experienced in breast conservation therapy and mastectomy. Both surgeons tailor each treatment to each patients' individual needs. Most patients experience some swelling following the surgery and will need to wear a surgical bra until the surgeon removes the dressings. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for a few days and may also need to avoid heavy lifting. Follow-up chemo or radiation treatments may be needed after surgery. Over-the-counter pain relievers can minimize any postoperative discomfort. Pain medications can also be prescribed by the doctors if necessary.