When you hear the term breast surgery, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For many, it’s cosmetic procedures like breast implants, reduction, or enlargement. But did you know that breast surgeries also include medical procedures like removing lumps, treating infections, or even addressing cancer?
This is where a lot of confusion happens. Since gynecologists specialize in women’s health, many people assume they also perform all types of breast surgeries. But that’s not entirely true! While gynecologists will take care of breast screening for diagnosing a disease , cosmetic surgeries like implants or reduction are done by plastic surgeons, and cancer-related surgeries are handled by general surgeons trained in breast surgery or surgical oncologists.
Let’s break it down so you know exactly who to see for what.
What Role Does a Gynecologist Play in Breast Health?
Gynecologists are often the first point of contact for women’s health concerns, including breast health. While they are not trained to perform breast surgeries, they do play a crucial role in:
- Breast Health Screening – Conducting routine clinical breast exams and guiding patients on self-examination techniques.
- Referrals for Further Evaluation – If a lump, cyst, or any abnormality is detected, gynecologists refer patients to specialized professionals like surgical oncologists, breast surgeons, or radiologists for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
- Patient Education and Awareness – Helping patients understand risk factors, the importance of regular screenings, and when to seek further care.
Who Performs Cosmetic Breast Surgeries?
If you’re thinking about:
- Breast augmentation (implants)
- Breast reduction
- Breast lift or reshaping
Then you won’t be seeing a gynecologist! These procedures are done by plastic or cosmetic surgeons, as they require specialized training in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.
What about Cancer-Related Breast Surgeries?
For conditions like breast cancer, major lumps, or mastectomies (removal of the breast), breast surgeons and surgical oncologists are the right experts. They handle:
- Lumpectomy – Removing a small cancerous lump.
- Mastectomy – Removing the entire breast due to cancer.
- Reconstructive Surgery – Restoring breast shape after treatment (usually done by a plastic surgeon).
So, if a gynecologist detects a serious breast condition, they’ll refer you to a breast surgeon or surgical oncologist for proper treatment.
Why Do People Think Gynecologists Perform Breast Surgeries?
This misconception exists because gynecologists often conduct breast exams and help women with breast-related concerns. Since they are the first point of contact, it’s easy to assume they handle all breast procedures. But just like a heart doctor (cardiologist) doesn’t perform heart surgery, a gynecologist may diagnose breast issues but won’t necessarily perform surgery.
Choosing the Right Place for Breast Surgery
If you’re considering breast surgery—whether medical or cosmetic—choosing the right healthcare facility is essential. At Vitadell Healthcare, we ensure that patients are connected with the best specialists for their needs. We offer the best daycare treatment in Kolkata which includes expert consultation, diagnosis, and procedures that require no overnight hospital stay.
Conclusion
While gynecologists play an important role in breast health, they don’t perform all types of breast surgeries. If your concern is cosmetic, a plastic surgeon is the right expert. If it’s medical, a breast surgeon or oncologist should be consulted.
If you’re unsure about where to start, Vitadell Healthcare is here to guide you with the best daycare treatment in Kolkata and the right expert care.