Our procedures include:
- Axillary lymph node dissection — Surgery to remove all or a group of lymph nodes in the underarm (axilla), if your sentinel lymph node biopsy is positive for cancer.
- Breast reconstruction using implants — Uses saline or silicone gel implants to restore breast shape and size.
- Breast reconstruction using tissue from your body (flap procedures) — Uses tissue from your abdomen, back, thighs, or buttocks to rebuild your breast.
- Hidden scar™ surgery — UPMC is one of only two Centers of Excellence for Hidden Scar surgery in Pennsylvania. Hidden scar breast cancer surgery is an advanced technique that allows breast surgeons to remove cancerous tissue through a single incision in an inconspicuous area to minimize visible scarring.
- Lumpectomy — Also known as breast-conserving surgery or a partial mastectomy, a lumpectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the part of your breast with a cancerous tumor and some healthy surrounding tissue.
- Mastectomy — A surgical procedure to remove the entire breast. When both breasts are removed, it is known as a double mastectomy.
- Micropigmentation — Micropigmentation is a form of tattooing that places pigment (color) beneath the skin. UPMC offers reconstructive tattooing services that provide natural-looking results for eyebrows and restore the breast to its more natural look.
- MRI-guided breast biopsy — Uses MRI imaging technology to accurately identify suspicious areas of breast tissue for removal using a hollow needle.
- Needle localization — Also known as fine wire localization, needle localization uses a small needle to place a thin wire marking the location of a suspicious mass in your breast. A breast radiologist or surgeon performs the wire localization procedure using ultrasound, MRI, or mammography imaging guidance to precisely locate the suspicious area of tissue before a biopsy or surgical procedure to remove it.
- Nipple and areola reconstruction — Uses various techniques such as tattooing or tissue reconstruction to match the new nipple to your natural one.
- Oncoplastic surgery — Combines cancer and plastic surgery techniques to reshape your breast after a lumpectomy. This can often be performed at the same time as your breast cancer surgery.
- Radioactive seed localization — A radioactive seed about the size of a grain of rice is placed in the center of your tumor a few days before your lumpectomy surgery. During your lumpectomy procedure, your surgeon will use a special tool to locate the seed so they can precisely remove your tumor.
- Stereotactic breast biopsy — Uses mammography imaging technology to precisely locate suspicious areas of breast tissue for removal using a hollow needle.
- Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy — Uses ultrasound imaging technology to precisely locate suspicious areas of breast tissue for removal using a hollow needle.
Why Choose UPMC for Your Breast Procedure?
When you choose UPMC for your breast procedure, you will receive:
- A full range of breast surgery options — Your care team will recommend the appropriate surgical procedure for your type of breast cancer while considering your lifestyle, preferences, and reconstruction goals.
- Collaborative, multidisciplinary care — Your breast cancer care team will work closely with our plastic and reconstructive breast surgeons to provide the best cancer treatment and cosmetic results.
- Supportive services — Your team will encourage you to play an active role in your breast cancer treatment plan and provide the support you need to manage your treatment and recovery.
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-09-18.
