Lipofilling What is Autologous Fat Grafting? Fat grafting, also known as lipofilling or autologous fat grafting, is a minimally invasive reconstructive method that an Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon uses to achieve an excellent outcome after breast cancer surgery. It utilises a patient's own adipose tissue to replenish volume loss resulting from breast cancer treatment or congenital abnormalities. This procedure involves transferring fat from one area of the body, typically the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, to another area that requires augmentation or reconstruction. Fat injection specifically re ..read more

Goldilocks Mastectomy WHAT IS A GOLDILOCKS MASTECTOMY? Goldilocks procedure is undertaken subsequent to a mastectomy, aimed at total elimination of all breast tissue. Following bilateral mastectomy, the remaining fatty tissue and skin undergo a transformative process to craft a breast mound, thereby providing a semblance of shape and definition to the breast. While this procedure is commonly employed for patients with larger and heavier breasts, the applicability extends to some patients with smaller breasts. Without the use of tissue expanders, implants or flap insertion; the Goldilocks maste ..read more

Triple Negative Breast Cancer  What is a Triple Negative Breast Cancer? Triple Negative Breast Cancer, abbreviated to TNBC, is a unique subtype of breast cancer characterised by the absence of these three receptors (hence Triple Negative) on the cancer cells. Breast cancer is not a singular entity. There are so many variables, and while most breast cancers fit into a particular mould, a smaller percentage are distinct and different. Understanding the characteristics and differences of t between triple-negative breast cancer and other types of breast cancer is crucial for accurate diagnos ..read more

Nipple Discharge What is Nipple Discharge? Nipple discharge refers to the presence of fluid coming out of the nipple. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, infection, injury, or breast cancer. The discharge can be unilateral (from one breast) or bilateral (from both breasts) and may vary in colour and consistency.   What is normal Milky discharge? What is the difference between Unilateral or Bilateral nipple discharge? Nipple discharge can occur from one breast (unilateral) or both breasts (bilateral). Unilateral nipple discharge is more concerning and may ..read more

Gynaecomastia What is Gynaecomastia? Gynaecomastia is an increase in the amount of breast gland tissue in boys or men, caused by an imbalance of the hormones oestrogen and testosterone. It can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly. Pseudogynaecomastia refers to an increase in fat but not glandular tissue in male breasts. Newborns, boys going through puberty and older men may develop gynaecomastia as a result of normal changes in hormone levels, though other causes also exist. Usually, gynaecomastia is not a serious problem, but it can be difficult to cope with the condition. Men and ..read more

Oncoplastic Breast Surgery Combining the principles of oncologic and advanced plastic surgery techniques, to obtain an oncologically sound and aesthetically pleasing outcome. How will I feel after oncoplastic breast conserving surgical procedures? Following are the excellent benefits of these techniques Emotional well being Faster recovery Better quality of life Higher rates of satisfaction Who is eligible for oncoplastic breast conserving surgery? Oncoplastic breast conserving surgery is an option for breast cancer patients who can be treated through breast conserving procedures. The br ..read more

Lumps & Bumps Removal A detailed discussion on Lipoma, from diagnosis to treatment ..read more

What is melanoma and why is it important? What does Melanoma mean? What are stages of melanoma ? What is the role of Surgery and the Surgical Oncologist? The most likely and initial treatment for melanoma, and the extent and role depends on the progress of the cancer. Early stage melanoma, a biopsy followed by wide local excision is required, where the skin surrounding the melanoma is removed. This is to minimise the risk of recurrence of the melanoma locally.  Later stage melanoma, surgery is a diagnostic tool to assess the spread of the melanoma. You may need invasive surgery to remo ..read more

A brief description of what to expect If you’ve been referred to a breast clinic by your GP or if you’ve been recalled following routine breast screening, it’s natural to feel anxious or worried. The vast majority of people who are seen at a breast clinic will not have breast cancer . However, it’s still important to attend your breast clinic appointment so you can be fully assessed Being referred to a breast clinic by your GP GPs decide whether or not to refer you to a breast clinic and how quickly a person should be seen depends on their symptoms. A patient with signs and symptoms that may ..read more

What are your options and what should your expectations be? I remember my first Dragon Boat Race, as part of the Breast Cancer Institute team (the BCI) at Westmead, back in the day, was it 2007? The cold, sparkling water at Darling Harbour, exhilarating paddling with the BCI team, beautiful sun and sky, life putting on a show for us!! Dragon boating, we celebrated breast cancer patients, and we saluted their return to not 'just normal,' but better than normal. In this post, I discuss breast cancer surgery options and what they entail, post operative recovery and beyond.  Surgery for br ..read more