The Division of Breast Surgery at Westchester Medical Center provides world-class multi-disciplinary care by national experts. The comprehensive breast program is led by Toan Nguyen, MD, FACS, Section Chief of Breast Surgery, who is a Mayo Clinic fellowship-trained surgeon. Dr. Nguyen is a nationally recognized surgeon who currently serves on the Board of Directors for the American Society of Breast Surgeons and is the Lead Site Reviewer for the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC).
When Is Breast Surgery Needed?
Breast surgery may be needed for a number of reasons, including:
- Breast cancer
- Benign breast conditions
- Breast reconstruction following breast cancer treatment
The Breast Program is comprehensive, which means we are able to assess and treat all patients with any breast conditions, not just cancer. We offer the latest advances in breast screening using 3D mammograms with tomosynthesis for all patients, as well as a screening breast ultrasound and MRI program for women with dense breast tissue or who are at high risk for developing breast cancer. These technologies detect breast cancer at a much earlier stage allowing for a significantly higher chance of cure. We offer on-site comprehensive medical oncology and radiation oncology services and provide lifelong survivorship care. We also provide a risk-based assessment for all patients and offer genetic testing.
Types of Breast Surgeries at WMC
Because there are many different conditions and reasons that may require breast surgery, the type of breast surgery treatment you receive may vary. WMCHealth has extensive experience in various cosmetic, reconstructive, and cancer-treating breast surgery procedures. Surgical treatments include:
- Lumpectomy
- Goldilocks mastectomy
- Oncoplastic surgery
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
- Targeted axillary dissection
- Axillary lymph node dissection
- Axillary reverse mapping
- Lymphovenous bypass
- Aesthetic flat closure after mastectomy
- Breast reconstruction with implants
- Autologous breast reconstruction
- Breast revision surgery
- Simple mastectomy, skin-sparing mastectomy, nipple-sparing mastectomy
If you do need breast surgery, your WMCHealth doctor will explain what to expect and guide you through the procedure.
What to Expect During Breast Surgery
During breast surgery, patients can expect thorough preoperative consultations to discuss goals, options, and potential risks. On the day of surgery, you’ll receive anesthesia for comfort. Recovery timelines and post-operative care instructions will be provided, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way at WMCHealth.
Every patient undergoing breast surgery is offered a consultation with our world-renowned plastic surgeons to optimize cosmetic outcomes. After overcoming breast cancer, patients often face less than optimal cosmetic outcomes with their breasts, which negatively affects quality of life. Our team of plastic surgeons are here to discuss with you all the options available, which can restore or even enhance the cosmetic appearance of your breasts following surgery.
Breast Resensation
What is Breast Resensation?
Breast resensation is a surgical procedure designed to restore feeling to reconstructed breasts after a mastectomy. During this process, surgeons reconnect nerves divided during the mastectomy, enabling patients to regain sensation.
Our Approach
At WMCHealth, our board-certified breast and plastic surgeons specialize in resensation surgery. The procedure can be performed at the time of mastectomy, during breast reconstruction, or as a separate operation. Using advanced techniques, we reattach divided nerves in the chest wall to nerves in the reconstructed breast tissue, creating a pathway for nerve regrowth.
WMCHealth offers comprehensive care—our hospital provides complete breast cancer treatment and reconstructive options under one roof. This integrated approach ensures seamless coordination between your oncology and breast and plastic surgery teams, leading to better outcomes and a smoother recovery process.
Who is a Candidate for Breast Resensation?
Breast resensation surgery may benefit patients who have undergone or are planning to undergo:
- Mastectomy for breast cancer treatment
- Prophylactic mastectomy for high-risk patients
- Breast reconstruction without previous nerve repair
- Failed attempts at breast resensation
Ideal candidates are generally in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the gradual nature of sensation recovery. Our team will assess your case to determine if resensation surgery is right for you.
For appointments, please contact 914.909.6416.
Why Choose WMCHealth?
Westchester Medical Center is a tertiary academic medical center affiliated with New York Medical College. It is the only American College of Surgeons (ACS) accredited Level-I Trauma Center for adults and children in the region. The institution trains the next generation of physicians and surgeons, as well as medical students.
Our state-of-the-art campus in Valhalla offers all the services necessary to defeat breast cancer, along with facilities in Kingston and Poughkeepsie. We use the most up-to-date technology and minimally invasive procedures, as well as advanced breast-conservation techniques and reconstructive surgery. Our breast cancer program is fully accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) and the Commission Cancer (CoC), two quality programs overseen by the American College of Surgeons.
To receive this accreditation, the Breast Program met or exceeded the highest standards established by the NAPBC for treating women who are diagnosed with the full spectrum of breast disease. These standards include proficiency in leadership, a multidisciplinary tumor board, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education and quality improvement.
We are committed to provide the highest level of care in a warm, family-friendly environment. If you have breast cancer, let us walk with you along your journey.
Breast Surgery Recovery
Following breast surgery, you can anticipate a personalized recovery plan tailored to your specific procedure. Pain management strategies will be in place to ensure comfort, and regular follow-up appointments will monitor progress. Swelling and bruising are common but typically subside within a few weeks. Patients may need to wear compression garments and avoid strenuous activities during the initial recovery period. As healing progresses, gradual return to normal activities will be guided by the surgical team to promote optimal outcomes and patient satisfaction.