Breast Cancer Surgery/Mastectomy
Breast cancer surgery is an important part of treatment for many patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Modern surgical care is highly personalised and focuses not only on effective cancer treatment, but also on breast preservation, reconstruction, recovery, long-term wellbeing, and quality of life.
A/Prof Farid Meybodi provides comprehensive breast cancer surgery with expertise in breast conservation surgery, mastectomy, oncoplastic breast surgery, axillary surgery, and breast reconstruction. Every treatment plan is carefully tailored to the individual patient through a coordinated multidisciplinary approach.
Our goal is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care while supporting patients through every stage of diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and survivorship.
Personalised Surgical Planning
No two breast cancers are the same. Surgical recommendations are guided by:
- tumour size and location
- imaging and pathology findings
- breast size and anatomy
- genetic and family history factors
- lymph node involvement
- planned systemic or radiation therapy
- patient preferences and reconstructive goals
Careful planning helps ensure treatment remains both oncologically safe and appropriate for each patient’s individual needs.
Breast Cancer Localisation & SCOUT Localisation
Some breast cancers or abnormal areas identified on imaging cannot be easily felt during surgery. In these situations, localisation techniques are used to accurately guide the surgeon to the correct area during breast-conserving surgery.
Traditional wire localisation involves placement of a fine wire into the breast before surgery under mammogram or ultrasound guidance. Increasingly, modern wire-free localisation techniques such as SCOUT® localisation are being used in selected patients.
SCOUT localisation uses a tiny reflector placed into the breast prior to surgery, allowing the surgeon to precisely identify the area requiring removal during the operation using radar guidance technology. Potential advantages may include:
- improved surgical planning and incision placement
- greater patient comfort without external wires
- accurate localisation of small or non-palpable lesions
- preservation of healthy breast tissue where appropriate
These technologies form part of modern image-guided breast cancer surgery and help support precise, personalised surgical care.
Breast-Conserving Surgery
For many patients, breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) allows removal of the cancer while preserving as much normal breast tissue as possible.
Modern techniques may include:
- Standard lumpectomy
- Oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery
- Therapeutic mammoplasty
- Volume displacement and reshaping techniques
These approaches aim to achieve effective cancer treatment while maintaining breast contour and symmetry wherever possible.
Mastectomy Surgery
Some patients may require or choose mastectomy as part of their breast cancer treatment. Depending on the individual situation, options may include:
- Simple mastectomy
- Skin-sparing mastectomy
- Nipple-sparing mastectomy
- Goldilocks mastectomy
Reconstructive options may also be discussed at the same time as surgical planning.
Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is a highly personal decision and may be performed immediately during cancer surgery or delayed until after treatment is completed.
Reconstruction options may include:
- Implant-based reconstruction
- Autologous (tissue-based) reconstruction
- Fat grafting and lipofilling
- Revision breast reconstruction
- Symmetrisation procedures
Treatment planning focuses on achieving safe, natural, and individualised outcomes suited to each patient’s goals and preferences.
Axillary & Lymph Node Surgery
Assessment of the lymph nodes under the arm (axilla) forms an important part of breast cancer staging and treatment planning.
Depending on imaging and pathology findings, surgery may involve:
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
- Targeted axillary dissection
- Axillary lymph node dissection in selected patients
Every effort is made to tailor axillary surgery appropriately while minimising long-term complications where possible.
Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Care
Breast cancer surgery is delivered within a coordinated multidisciplinary treatment pathway involving various specialists and healthcare personnel: This collaborative approach helps ensure patients receive comprehensive, evidence-based care throughout treatment and recovery.
Recovery & Ongoing Support
Recovery following breast cancer surgery varies depending on the procedure performed and whether reconstruction is undertaken at the same time.
Comprehensive post-operative care may include:
- Wound and drain management
- Physiotherapy and mobility guidance
- Scar care and recovery support
- Lymphoedema assessment
- Survivorship and wellness support
- Ongoing surveillance and follow-up care
Our focus extends beyond surgery alone to supporting long-term recovery, confidence, and wellbeing.
Compassionate, Patient-Centred Care
A/Prof Farid Meybodi understands that breast cancer surgery can feel physically and emotionally overwhelming. We are committed to providing thoughtful guidance, clear communication, and compassionate multidisciplinary care to help patients feel informed, supported, and confident throughout every stage of their breast cancer journey.
