TITLE:
Successful Mastectomy Reconstruction after Successful Oncoplastic Breast Reconstruction: Maximizing Aesthetic and Oncologic Outcome
AUTHORS:
Emily Nguyen, Nikta Marashi, Jenna Capuano, Lincoln Snyder, Nicolas Ashjian, Brian Kim, Kevin Lin, Sadie Kim, Brian P. Dickinson
KEYWORDS:
Breast, Cancer, Autologous, Reconstruction, Mastectomy, Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Breast Cancer Research,
Vol.15 No.2,
March
5,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: Breast reconstruction serves as a critical and technically demanding element of comprehensive oncologic care. Oncoplastic reconstruction following breast conserving surgery yields excellent aesthetic results and maintains oncologic safety with survival rates equivalent to mastectomy. Management of recurrent breast cancer in the previously radiated breast can be challenging as oncologic and aesthetic goals must be balanced in the setting of previous surgical scars, radiation, chemotherapy, and patient comorbidities. The reconstructive plastic surgeon should have all tools available to manage and treat the breast cancer patient along their entire journey including recurrences and anticipated complications. Purpose: To educate the early career Plastic & Reconstructive surgeon how to manage a common and challenging clinical scenario of a breast cancer recurrence after prior oncoplastic reconstruction. Methods: A case report is presented on one patient who underwent successful oncoplastic reconstruction following breast conserving surgery and later developed a recurrent breast cancer. Results: Initial oncoplastic reconstruction of the lumpectomy defect yielded excellent aesthetic results. Management of recurrent breast cancer required thoughtful consideration to ensure oncologic safety while adapting the reconstructive strategy in the setting of prior radiation. The definitive aesthetic component was intentionally delayed until completion of oncologic therapy and stabilization of medial and patient factors. Conclusions: Successful oncoplastic reconstruction and successful mastectomy reconstruction are often employed in the same patient throughout different stages of their breast cancer journey. Plastic & Reconstructive breast cancer surgeons need to be knowledgeable of all techniques of breast cancer reconstruction and need to pre-emptively address complications or possible recurrences from the initial consultation to the final aesthetic procedure.