Mission Hope's New Breast Surgeon Offers Hope with Oncoplastics: Breast Cancer Surgery without Extensive Scars

A breast cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event, impacting not only a patient's physical health but also their mental and emotional well-being. The journey through treatment and recovery can be arduous, leaving lasting scars both visible and invisible. 

Dr. Julie Barone, the new Medical Director of the Comprehensive Breast Program at Mission Hope Cancer Center in Santa Maria, understands this deeply. She specializes in treating patients comprehensively, addressing the multifaceted impact of a breast cancer diagnosis. 

One of her specialties is Oncoplastic surgery, a unique approach that combines the precision of traditional breast cancer surgery with the aesthetic benefits of plastic surgery. This innovative technique allows Dr. Barone to remove cancer while minimizing the cosmetic effects of surgery, promoting both physical and emotional healing.

Simply, Oncoplastic surgery is “removing cancer and making the breast look good,” Dr. Barone says.

This procedure is often performed during a lumpectomy, where Dr. Barone removes the tumor, surrounding tissue, and potentially nearby lymph nodes. She then utilizes techniques like bilateral breast reduction or lift to restore symmetry and minimize the visual impact of the surgery.

June Vertucci, a resident of Santa Maria, is a testament to the transformative power of Oncoplastic surgery. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, she underwent a lumpectomy that left her feeling self-conscious about her appearance. 

June said her initial lumpectomy did affect her self image. 

“Which can affect your self confidence,” she says. “And, beyond that, it’s a reminder each time you look at yourself. It’s a reminder, ‘Oh yeah, I’ve had cancer.’”

When speaking about her diagnosis and treatment in October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, June longed to move past this visual reminder, to reclaim her sense of self. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer again earlier this year, she chose Dr. Barone and opted for a lumpectomy with an Oncoplastic procedure.

“You don’t want (cancer) to define you,” she said. “You want it to be something you did, you had, you went through. You don’t want it, for me anyway… I didn’t want it to be part of my identity.”

The Oncoplastic surgery helped June achieve this goal. The visual reminder of her surgery faded, allowing her to move forward with a renewed sense of confidence and self-acceptance.

Dr. Barone says that’s her ultimate goal. 

“My goal is to remove cancer, but also, perhaps if I remove it and it looks good afterwards, in a couple years maybe you won’t remember who I was and you won’t remember that you had breast surgery,” she says. “You might not even remember where the scar was and that’s the ultimate goal – we want you cancer free but looking good as well.”

Oncoplastic surgery is a testament to the evolving landscape of breast cancer treatment, where the focus extends beyond simply removing the disease to encompass the emotional and psychological well-being of the patient. It's a powerful reminder that healing is not just about physical recovery, but also about reclaiming a sense of self and moving forward with confidence.

Dr. Barone says Breast Cancer Awareness Month, held every October, is a good reminder for women to get their annual mammogram screening, noting that early detection is key to successful treatment.

To learn more about Dr. Barone click here.