A Life-Changing Breakthrough in Breast Cancer Surgery
We understand that a breast cancer diagnosis can have an immense impact on the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of you and your family. But with advanced surgical techniques, like Hidden Scar® breast cancer surgery, our breast surgeons are now able to effectively treat cancer while helping patients achieve optimal cosmetic results and improved self-confidence.
Rochester Regional Health’s Breast Center was the first in Western New York to offer Hidden Scar® surgery.
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What is Hidden Scar Breast Surgery?
Hidden Scar® breast cancer surgery is an advanced type of breast cancer surgery where the incision sites are hidden, and scars are not visible when the incision heals. The Hidden Scar® approach can be performed for both nipple sparing mastectomy or lumpectomy procedures. The goal of the procedure is to preserve the physical appearance of the breast and leave little trace of the surgery after the incision site heals.
Who is a candidate for Hidden Scar breast cancer surgery?
Hidden Scar? breast cancer surgery may be appropriate for a wide range of breast cancer patients undergoing nipple-sparing mastectomy or breast-conserving (lumpectomy) procedures.
You may be a candidate for a Hidden Scar breast cancer surgery if:
- your tumor is small compared to the size of your breast
- your tumor is confined to a specific area of the breast
- your tumor is small enough that your breast surgeon can completely remove the tumor as well as some margin of normal tissue around it
- cancerous cells have not spread to the nipple
What to expect during Hidden Scar breast cancer surgery
The main difference in what to expect with Hidden Scar? surgery vs traditional mastectomy or lumpectomy is where your surgeon makes the incision.
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Hidden Scar Lumpectomy |
Hidden Scar Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy |
During a Hidden Scar? lumpectomy surgery, your surgeon will make the incision in your armpit, in the crease under your breast, or along the border of the areola (around the nipple).
During a Hidden Scar? mastectomy procedure, your surgeon will make the incision in the crease under your breast.
Benefits of Hidden Scar breast cancer surgery
This life-changing technique can:
- lessen the emotional impact of surgery, by leaving no visible reminders
- increase self-confidence
- offer an overall greater sense of well-being
- make general reconstructive surgery easier (if needed)
Frequently Asked Questions
Hidden Scar surgery is available for women needing a mastectomy or lumpectomy, but your breast surgeon will determine if you are a candidate based on the size and location of your tumor, and the shape and size of your breasts.
Yes. Hidden Scar Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy is a safe approach that can be used in women with a family history of breast cancer opting for risk-reducing surgery.
This will be determined based on the location of your tumor. Your breast surgeon will determine whether to make the incision in your armpit, in the inframammary fold (the natural crease beneath your breast), or around the areola (the area around the nipple).
No, breast surgeons receive advanced training for use of the specialized technology during surgery. After training and being supervised during surgery, they earn certification in Hidden Scar surgery.
No. Hidden Scar surgery is only performed at the Breast Center located in Rochester General Hospital. However, consultation for the procedure can occur at any of our Breast Center locations.