Dennis R. Holmes, M.D., F.A.C.S. is an internationally renowned breast cancer surgeon, researcher and innovator with locations in Santa Monica, Glendale, and Los Angeles, California. His leading-edge procedures include oncoplastic surgery, which improves the effectiveness and cosmetic appearance of lumpectomy using techniques that preserve or improve breast shape and appearance at the time of lumpectomy.
Oncoplastic surgery is a group of breast surgical procedures that combine lumpectomy or partial mastectomy with procedures to preserve or improve breast appearance after surgery. Oncoplastic surgery includes esthetic scar placement to minimize the appearance of breast incisions. It also includes complete full-thickness closure of the lumpectomy cavity to prevent formation of depressions and reduce fluid (seroma) accumulation in the breast after breast surgery. More complex oncoplastic surgery includes breast cancer surgery combined with breast reduction or breast lifts of both breasts to improve breast appearance and symmetry.
As an educator and early adopter of oncoplastic surgery, Dr. Holmes has more than 15 years’ experience in oncoplastic surgery and has served as co-chair of the American Society of Breast Surgeons Beginner oncoplastic surgery course, co-developer and co-chair of the society’s first Intermediate level oncoplastic surgery course, faculty of the new American College of Surgeons’ Beginning Oncoplastic Surgeon Course, and a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons’ Oncoplastic Surgery Course Workgroup which developed and manages the society’s Oncoplastic Surgery Certification Program and regional training courses.
The key decision that the oncoplastic surgeon has been to make is recognizing which patients are best suited for oncoplastic surgery and which cancer may benefit from removal with oncoplastic surgery. Though some procedures may be performed by Dr. Holmes alone, Dr. Holmes usually collaborates with a plastic surgeon for more complex oncoplastic procedures to achieve the best results. After identifying a potential candidate for oncoplastic surgery, Dr. Holmes will make arrangements for you to meet with a plastic surgeon to plan the oncoplastic approach that best meets your goals.
California law requires that all health plans provide coverage for surgical procedures on the opposite breast that are performed to maintain or restore breast symmetry after breast cancer surgery. Therefore, most oncoplastic surgical procedures are covered by insurance.
Most women can benefit from some form of oncoplastic surgery. However, women that benefit most are those with large breasts or low-hanging breasts who might benefit from breast reduction or breast lift. Oncoplastic surgery may also be particularly beneficial for women with breast cancers in the part of the breast where obvious scars and poor cosmetic results more common, such as in the upper inner and lower breast.
"He treated my daughter who had stage one breast cancer. He put us at ease and calmed our fears , he was the perfect surgeon for our situation."
"He has to be one of the most incredible doctor that I've been blessed to have on my survival team. He's saved my life! I'm a proud 28 yr B C survivor."
"Dr. Holmes is kind, professional, and has a lot of patience answering every question you might have."
"Great and SMART staff. Great place with ZERO infection rate. I was back to work after surgery way sooner then expected! Awesome place great center."
