When you receive a breast cancer diagnosis — or learn that a suspicious finding needs a closer look — one of the first questions you'll have is: What happens next?
At Lifetime Surgical in San Jose and Los Gatos, we understand that breast health decisions are deeply personal. That's why we're proud to offer a full range of breast surgery services, now led by Dr. Avery Joseph, D.O., who brings specialized training in breast surgical procedures alongside expertise in minimally invasive and robotic surgery.
A breast biopsy removes a small sample of breast tissue for examination under a microscope. It's one of the most common breast procedures and a critical step in diagnosing or ruling out breast cancer.
When it's needed:
Types of surgical breast biopsy we perform:
Most surgical breast biopsies are performed as outpatient procedures. Recovery is typically quick, with most patients returning to normal activities within a few days.
A lumpectomy removes a cancerous tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue while preserving the rest of the breast. Long-term survival rates are comparable to mastectomy for many early-stage cancers.
Who is a candidate? Patients with early-stage breast cancer (Stage I or II), a single tumor small relative to breast size, and no prior radiation to the breast area.
Dr. Joseph works closely with each patient's oncology team to determine whether lumpectomy is the right approach.
A mastectomy involves the surgical removal of one or both breasts. Modern techniques include skin-sparing and nipple-sparing approaches that improve reconstruction outcomes.
Types:
Our team coordinates closely with plastic surgeons when patients elect reconstruction.
This minimally invasive procedure identifies and removes the first lymph node(s) to which cancer is most likely to spread. If the sentinel nodes are cancer-free, further lymph node removal is typically unnecessary — significantly reducing the risk of lymphedema.
Dr. Avery Joseph brings specialized training in breast surgical procedures. Her approach combines technical expertise with the empathy and communication skills essential during a breast cancer journey.
Lifetime Surgical is a full-service center with over 15,000 procedures performed, including access to the da Vinci robotic surgical system, top oncologists and radiologists in the Bay Area, and affiliations with Good Samaritan Hospital, Los Gatos Community Hospital-El Camino, Silicon Valley Surgery Center, and Fremont Surgery Center.
We work with each patient individually, considering pathology, cancer stage, health history, cosmetic goals, and personal values and preferences.
What is the difference between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy?
A lumpectomy removes only the tumor and a small margin, preserving most of the breast. A mastectomy removes the entire breast. The right choice depends on tumor size, location, genetic factors, and personal preference.
Will I need radiation after breast surgery?
Radiation is almost always recommended after lumpectomy. After mastectomy, radiation may or may not be needed depending on the cancer stage and lymph node involvement.
Can I choose which surgery to have?
Absolutely. Dr. Joseph believes in thorough education and shared decision-making — she'll ensure you understand every option before choosing.
Early detection saves lives. The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms starting at age 40-45, with frequency adjusted based on age and risk factors. If you have a family history of breast cancer or BRCA mutations, talk to your doctor about personalized screening.
If you've been referred for breast surgery, or want a second opinion, contact Lifetime Surgical to schedule a consultation with Dr. Avery Joseph.
Lifetime Surgical — San Jose & Los Gatos, CA
lifetimesurgical.com
Wondering which surgical procedure might be right for your condition? We're here to help you understand your treatment options and develop a personalized surgical plan. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
Your path to improved health may be more achievable than you think—with advanced surgical techniques leading to faster recovery, reduced complications, and a significantly enhanced quality of life.
.png)
