Urgent care vs. the ER: How to know where to go
June 11, 2026
Visit the ER for serious illness or injuries when you need emergency care. Visit urgent care for minor injuries or illnesses that need same-day care.
Breast surgery
Breast surgeons at Ascension Wisconsin deliver surgical care for breast cancer, tumors and breast reconstruction.
Personalized breast surgery in Wisconsin
Breast surgeons at Ascension Wisconsin deliver surgical care for breast cancer, tumors and breast reconstruction.
Why choose Ascension Wisconsin for breast surgery
At Ascension Wisconsin, our experienced breast care providers are part of a national team of doctors, sharing best practices and advanced treatment options for breast care — bringing the best cancer care to you, close to home. When you choose Ascension Wisconsin, you get a multispecialty team of doctors, prioritizing early and personalized treatment: board-certified surgeons, breast radiologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, a cancer navigator, and a dedicated team of oncology nurses, dietitians, rehabilitation specialists, financial advocates, research coordinators, lymphedema specialists and additional care team members.
Understanding your breast surgery options
Being told you need breast surgery can be overwhelming. Our care team is here to answer your questions and help you understand your options.
Breast surgeons at Ascension Wisconsin treat breast cancer, tumors and other noncancerous conditions. Your surgical options may include breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy and reconstruction. Your breast surgeon will work with you to determine the approach that aligns with your diagnosis and treatment goals.
Cancer is personal — and so is the way we care for you
Dr. BuAli discusses the surgical options available to diagnose, treat, and prevent breast cancer.
How we treat breast cancer
Your breast surgeon and oncologist work together to recommend treatment options. We’ll explain the different types of breast surgeries and help you decide what treatment is right for you.
Plastic surgeons help restore the shape of your breast after surgery. You may have an implant or use your own tissue. Depending on your health and the stage of your breast cancer, you may have reconstruction done at the same time as your cancer removal, or at a later time. When you have a mastectomy without cancer present, reconstruction is usually done at the same time.
This type of surgery, also known as a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, only removes the tumor in its entirety. The goal of this surgery is to remove the cancer, while saving as much of the healthy breast tissue as possible. Our surgeons can discuss immediate breast reconstruction, including consultation with a plastic surgeon.
A a Hidden Scar lumpectomy may also be an option for some patients incisions are placed in less visible locations, such as:
- Axilla: In the armpit, usually hidden in a natural fold
- Inframammary fold: The natural crease beneath the breast
- Periareolar: Along the edges of the areola
Ask your doctor if you’re a candidate for Hidden Scar lumpectomy.
During a Hidden Scar nipple-sparing mastectomy, the incision is made in the inframammary fold — the natural crease beneath the breast. This makes the scar less visible. You may choose a Hidden Scar nipple-sparing mastectomy if no cancerous tissue is found in your nipple, and if your breast size and shape allows for it.
A Hidden Scar nipple-sparing mastectomy may also be an option for some patients, including those with:
- Genetic mutations that increase breast cancer risk (who may opt to have a prophylactic mastectomy)
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
- Small tumors not located beneath the nipple
This advanced technique can be used for breast-conserving procedures and mastectomies. It involves placing incisions in a location that’s harder to see, so there is less visible scarring. As a result, you have little to no visible reminder of the surgery or your cancer.
During a mastectomy, your surgeon removes all or part of your breast or breasts to treat breast cancer. Not all breast cancers need a mastectomy to be treated. The type of surgery depends on your cancer, and shape and size of your breast. Talk with your doctor about what option is right for you. If you are a gene mutation carrier, a mastectomy can also be performed to decrease your risk of developing breast cancer in the future.
If you choose to have a mastectomy and don’t have any cancerous tissue in your nipple, you may qualify for a nipple-sparing mastectomy. With this type of surgery, your surgeon will make a small incision to remove the affected breast tissue without removing your nipple(s). This often results in less scarring. This also allows for immediate breast reconstruction that can provide a more natural look. The size and shape of your breast also determines whether you can have this type of surgery.
Patient education
It’s important to fully understand your breast surgery options before deciding on the best treatment plan for you. Ask questions during your visit so you can make informed decisions.
To help you remember what questions to ask, you can print these breast surgery consultation questions and bring them to your consultation
Cancer prevention options
Understanding your risk and getting the recommended screenings can help detect cancer early, when it’s most treatable. If you have risk factors for developing cancer, speak with your doctor to determine if the Ascension Wisconsin Cancer Prevention and Wellness Program is right for you. We’ll work closely with you to create a personalized plan and connect you to care that supports your overall well-being and health goals. Your care team provides:
- Personalized risk assessment — may include genetic tests, physical evaluation, screening and other lab and imaging tests.
- Referral to cancer specialists for follow-up care, if needed.
- Wellness plan with health coaching and goal setting — may include medication management, nutrition and exercise counseling to support weight management, and referral to alcohol and drug addiction counseling, if needed.
To schedule an appointment, call 262-785-2273
Our locations for breast surgery in Wisconsin
At Ascension Wisconsin, our cancer centers provide advanced care and a full range of support services.
Southeast Wisconsin Cancer Centers
Sherman Cancer Center – Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital – Elmbrook Campus (Brookfield, WI)
Reiman Cancer Center – Ascension Wisconsin Health Center - Rawson Avenue (Franklin, WI)
Polly and Bill Van Dyke Cancer Center – Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital – Ozaukee Campus (Mequon, WI)
Polly and Bill Van Dyke Cancer Center – Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital – Milwaukee Campus (Milwaukee, WI)
Ascension All Saints Hospital Cancer Center (Racine, WI)
Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital – Mayfair Road Cancer Care (Wauwatosa, WI)
Northeast Wisconsin Cancer Centers
Ascension NE Wisconsin – St. Elizabeth Campus Cancer Center (Appleton, WI)
Ascension Calumet Hospital Cancer Care (Chilton, WI)
Michael D. Wachtel Cancer Center – Ascension NE Wisconsin – Mercy Campus (Oshkosh, WI)
Get a second opinion
Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension Wisconsin. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
Financial assistance and support
We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs. Your cancer care navigator can connect you to a financial counselor.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.
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