At Aster International Institute of Oncology, our Breast Oncology Wing services combine the highest standards of cancer treatment with advanced reconstructive techniques, ensuring that women do not have to choose between life-saving surgery and their sense of self.
Our dedicated team of surgical oncologists, reconstructive surgeons, radiologists, and counsellors work together to create treatment plans that are tailored to each patient's diagnosis and personal needs. With world-class infrastructure, advanced imaging, and minimally invasive techniques, we deliver results that enhance survival, recovery, and quality of life.
The Breast Oncology Wing at Aster International Institute of Oncology (AIIO) offers complete, multidisciplinary breast cancer care centered on clinical safety, aesthetic preservation, and long-term quality of life. Our goal is to effectively treat the disease while preserving function, appearance, and your long-term wellbeing.
We prioritize clinical safety, complete cancer control, and long-term patient wellbeing. Treatment decisions are made to preserve physical form and functionality, enabling patients to maintain confidence and emotional wellbeing. We offer coordinated care throughout the cancer journey, supporting a return to normal daily life.
Every single case is reviewed by a Multidisciplinary Tumour Board to ensure precision diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and optimized outcomes. Our team comprises of
Surgical, Medical, and Radiation Oncologists
Radiologists & Pathologists
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons
Psycho-oncologists, Physiotherapists, Fertility & Lymphedema specialists
The diagnostic process is centered on the Triple Assessment, which includes a clinical exam, imaging, and biopsy. This assessment is supported by advanced imaging technologies such as Targeted USG (Ultrasound), MRI, and PET-CT, ensuring high diagnostic accuracy. All findings are then consolidated and analyzed through Tumour Board-based treatment planning to finalize a personalized and precise strategy for the patient.
Advanced Surgical Services
Breast-Conserving Surgery (BCS) & Oncoplasty
Our Oncoplasty services ensure women do not have to choose between life-saving surgery and their sense of self. Whenever medically safe, breast preservation is prioritized. Oncoplastic surgery is a modern approach that allows safe tumour removal while simultaneously reshaping or reconstructing the breast.
This dual approach guarantees:
Oncological Safety: Achieving clear margins (complete tumour removal) without compromising survival rates.
Cosmetic Outcome: Preserving the breast's natural contour, volume, and symmetry, which reduces deformities and improves long-term body image.
Oncoplastic surgery techniques include:
Volume displacement techniques – These involve reshaping and redistributing the remaining breast tissue after tumour removal. Common methods include therapeutic mammoplasty (reshaping the breast similar to a reduction procedure) and mastopexy (breast lift). This approach works best when enough healthy tissue is available to create a natural breast shape.
Volume replacement techniques – When larger areas of tissue are removed, surgeons may use tissue flaps from other parts of the body such as the back, abdomen, or thigh. Options include local tissue flaps, perforator flaps, or microvascular free flaps. These advanced methods help restore breast contour while ensuring symmetry with the opposite breast.
Globally, oncoplastic surgery has transformed breast cancer care—allowing women to achieve both effective treatment and long-lasting cosmetic satisfaction compared to traditional surgical methods.
Recovery & Limitations
Oncoplastic breast surgery, while highly effective, may not be suitable for every patient. The choice of procedure depends on factors such as the stage of cancer, the tumour’s location, and overall health. In some cases, individuals with specific medical conditions may not be ideal candidates for this type of surgery.
For those undergoing the procedure, recovery is usually smooth but requires patience and care. Most patients stay in the hospital for one to two days, though a longer stay may be needed if complex reconstruction is performed. Initial healing typically takes about two to three weeks, and full recovery—allowing a return to normal daily activities—can be expected within six to eight weeks.
At every step, our doctors provide guidance and support, ensuring patients know what to expect and can plan their recovery with confidence. informed choices.
Mastectomy Options
When mastectomy is required, techniques are selected based on safety, lifestyle, and reconstruction plans. We prioritize safe cancer removal with maximum preservation of natural chest contours. Preserving Techniques: Skin-Sparing Mastectomy, Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy, and Robotic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy. Traditional Approach: Simple / Modified Radical Mastectomy.
Breast Reconstruction
The purpose of reconstruction is to restore symmetry, identity, and confidence. We provide immediate or delayed reconstruction using Autologous flap reconstruction (DIEP, LD, PAP), Implant-based & hybrid reconstruction, Nipple reconstruction & 3D tattooing, External prosthesis options
Axillary Management (Minimising Morbidity)
Aster International Institute of Oncology uses advanced, minimally invasive axillary protocols to reduce the risk of shoulder stiffness, numbness, and lymphedema. The Goal is to avoid full axillary dissection whenever possible and preserve long-term mobility.
Comprehensive Support & Advanced Technologies
Lymphedema Prevention & Management
Our dedicated Lymphedema Clinic focuses on proactive monitoring and management to reduce lifetime risk:
Services provided include:
Baseline limb measurements
Surveillance protocols
Physiotherapy & compression therapy
Advanced surgical options: LVB, VLNT
Chemotherapy & Radiation Oncology
Cancer treatments are delivered using cutting-edge protocols and technologies for safety and reduced side effects. Chemotherapy is delivered in a safe, comfortable, and monitored environment. We have Dedicated breast chemotherapy suites, Chemoport insertion and Scalp cooling facilities. We also provide Home-based or outpatient chemo options (as applicable) Radiation Oncology maximises tumour control while protecting the heart and lungs. The Technologies in Radiation Oncology include
Deep Inspiratory Breath Hold (DIBH)
IMRT / VMAT
Intraoperative Radiotherapy
Short-course protocols
Technology & Innovation
The Aster International Institute of Oncology (AIIO) is distinguished by its commitment to Technology & Innovation, investing in key advancements such as Robotic mastectomy, ICG sentinel node mapping, FAPI PET advanced imaging, MRI & USG-guided biopsies, and 3D oncoplastic planning. These technologies deliver tangible benefits, including minimal scars, faster recovery, high diagnostic accuracy, and superior natural cosmetic outcomes. AIIO's dedication to patient experience is further demonstrated by its Structured Patient Pathway, which is a predictable and clear process encompassing initial consultation, Triple Assessment, Tumour Board review, personalized treatment, primary therapies (surgery/chemo/radiation), rehabilitation, and long-term survivorship care, effectively reducing patient uncertainty. Ultimately, women choose AIIO for its complete breast cancer management under one roof, advanced technology-driven care, expertise in oncoplasty and reconstruction, strong supportive oncology services, and a structured survivorship program, all focused on long-term quality of life. AIIO invests in technologies that improve safety, accuracy, and patient comfort, leading to minimal scars, faster recovery, and natural cosmetic outcomes.
Structured Patient Pathway
Our predictable and clear pathway reduces uncertainty and supports patients at every step:
Breast clinic consultation
Triple assessment
Tumour board review
Personalised treatment plan
Surgery / chemotherapy / radiation
Rehabilitation & physiotherapy
Survivorship and long-term care
Why Choose Aster CMI Bangalore?
AIIO is committed to delivering precise cancer treatment while supporting physical, emotional, and functional wellbeing. At Aster Hospitals, Bangalore, we are committed to delivering world-class, patient-centric breast cancer care. Here's what makes us a leading choice:
Multidisciplinary Expertise: Each patient benefits from the knowledge of a diverse team that includes surgical oncologists, reconstructive surgeons, radiologists, medical oncologists, psycho-oncologists, and pathologists. Every case is discussed in a dedicated multidisciplinary tumour board where specialists collaborate to design a treatment plan tailored to the individual—balancing medical effectiveness with long-term quality of life.
Experienced Surgeons: Our breast surgeons are not only highly trained in cancer surgery but also skilled in advanced reconstructive and cosmetic techniques. This dual expertise means patients undergo safe tumour removal while preserving or restoring the natural appearance of the breast—reducing physical and emotional trauma associated with cancer surgery.
Advanced Techniques: We stay at the forefront of surgical innovation. Procedures such as sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) minimize the need for extensive lymph node removal, lowering the risk of complications like lymphedema. For reconstruction, our team uses microvascular flap techniques and oncoplastic approaches that combine cancer removal with plastic surgery principles, resulting in superior functional and cosmetic outcomes.
Holistic Patient Support: Healing is more than surgery. Our care extends to psychological counselling, physiotherapy for mobility and strength, nutritional support to improve recovery, and patient-led support groups that create a community of encouragement. This holistic approach addresses the mind, body, and spirit, helping patients and families cope at every stage of the journey.
FAQs
Want to find out more about the treatment? The answer to your questions can be found below.
Is the Surgery Painful?
Post-operative pain is managed exceptionally well with modern techniques. While any surgery involves some discomfort, the pain is typically mild to moderate and highly controllable. We utilize modern anesthesia protocols and a combination of prescription and over-the-counter medications to ensure your comfort. Our focus is on pain management, ensuring that your recovery experience is as smooth and pain-free as possible.
Will Radiation Affect Cosmetic Results?
While radiation therapy can cause mild changes, advanced planning minimizes the impact. Radiation can sometimes lead to mild changes in breast shape, firmness, or size due to tissue tightening (fibrosis).3 However, modern oncoplastic surgery is specifically designed to counteract these effects. Advanced surgical planning involves anticipating the potential effects of radiation and using techniques (like tissue rearrangement and volume displacement) to ensure the reconstructed breast is better positioned to handle post-radiation changes, thereby preserving the long-term cosmetic result.
How Long is the Recovery Time post surgery?
Most patients recover in stages and can get back to light activities fairly soon. Initial Recovery (2–3 weeks): Most patients are able to resume light, non-strenuous daily activities like walking, driving, and desk work within this timeframe.
Full recovery usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks, including the time needed to return to exercise and heavier activities. Your surgeon will give you a recovery plan that fits your specific surgery.
Can Both Breasts Be Made Symmetrical?
Yes, making both breasts look as similar as possible is an important goal in oncoplastic surgery. Surgeons often plan procedures for both the affected and healthy breast, such as a lift, reduction, or augmentation, to create a natural and balanced appearance.
