Breast surgery innovations at Inova: what they mean for you

When you’re facing breast cancer surgery, you deserve more than excellent care. You deserve compassionate, forward-thinking treatment that supports your full recovery and quality of life.

At Inova, we’re committed to doing exactly that. Our breast team is using some of the latest innovations to improve outcomes, minimize side effects and help patients feel more like themselves after surgery.

Here are three new technologies we’re offering that are making a real difference in our patients’ lives.

Helping prevent lymphedema: lymphovenous bypass

Lymphedema – swelling that comes from a buildup of lymphatic fluid – is a common complication after breast cancer surgery, especially when lymph nodes are removed. It generally affects breast cancer patients in the arm or chest area, and it can be painful, frustrating and long lasting.

That’s why our surgeons offer lymphovenous bypass, a procedure that connects tiny lymphatic vessels to nearby veins. This allows lymph fluid to drain more effectively, reducing the risk of swelling.

What this means for you:

• Less risk of developing painful swelling
• A smoother, quicker recovery after surgery
• Better long-term mobility and comfort

If you’ve been worried about lymphedema, this technique offers real hope for prevention and relief.

Preserving nipple sensation after surgery

For many women, retaining nipple sensation after breast surgery is more than a cosmetic concern – it’s part of feeling whole again. Sensation can affect your body image, your relationships and your sense of self.

At Inova, our surgeons use nerve-sparing techniques to preserve nipple sensation whenever possible, especially in nipple-sparing mastectomies.

Why this matters:

• Helps you feel more like yourself after surgery
• Increases satisfaction with your body’s appearance and function
• Supports both emotional and physical healing

We work closely with you to personalize your surgical plan, keeping your priorities front and center.

A safer way to detect cancer spread: Magtrace

During breast cancer surgery, it’s important to check if cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. This is called a sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Traditionally, this procedure uses a radioactive dye. But at Inova, we’re proud to offer Magtrace, a cutting-edge, nonradioactive alternative. Magtrace uses magnetic particles to identify sentinel lymph nodes accurately and safely.

What patients love about Magtrace:

• No radioactive material needed
• Fewer side effects and risks
• A more comfortable and streamlined experience

This innovation means greater peace of mind during an already stressful time.

Your care. Your comfort. Our priority.

At Inova, we believe that leading-edge technology and human compassion go hand in hand. Our team is dedicated to delivering not just treatment, but care that honors your experience, your choices and your life after cancer.

Whether you’re exploring your surgical options or looking for a second opinion, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Have questions? Want to learn more?

Our breast care team is here to help.