A classic lumpectomy is surgery that removes the tumor and the area around the tumor but often leaves the skin, nipple, and areola intact. If this significantly reduces the size of your breast, a reduction or lift can be done on the other breast so both are the same size and as symmetrical as possible.

 Reconstruction after a classic lumpectomy is rarely needed as the cosmetic result is often already nice. A minority of women (2%) seek reconstruction after a classic lumpectomy, especially when a defect is obvious. They are referred to a plastic surgeon to fix the defect.