Breast related concerns are increasing day by day, and with this increases the search queries like
“Is vacuum assisted biopsy painful?”
“Can a whole fibroadenoma be removed without surgery?”
“Is VABS safe?”
“What is the difference between VABB and surgery?”
“How long is the recovery after vacuum excision?”
As minimally invasive breast procedures grow in India, Vacuum Assisted Breast Surgery has become a preferred option for diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Rohan Khandelwal is the only doctor in Delhi NCR, gives services related to Vacuum assisted breast biopsy, which is a minimally invasive excision without any stitches or big scars.
What Is Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy?
VABB is a needle-based biopsy done using vacuum suction to extract tissue samples. Unlike a normal biopsy, it removes more tissue and is extremely accurate.
Why Do Oncologists Prefer VAB Over FNAC or Core Biopsy?
| Parameter | FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology) | Core Needle Biopsy | VAB (Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy/Excision |
| Tissue Sample Size | Very small; only cells | Moderate; small tissue cores | Large, continuous tissue sample |
| Diagnostic Accuracy | Lower; cannot differentiate some benign from malignant lesions | Good | Highest, near-surgical accuracy |
| Ability to Remove Lump | Cannot remove | Cannot remove | Can remove fibroadenomas up to 3–4 cm |
| Risk of Missing Cancer | High (sampling error) | Moderate | Low due to larger sample |
| Pain & Comfort | Least painful | Mild discomfort | Minimally invasive, well-tolerated |
| Scarring | Minimal | Small scar | Almost no visible scar |
| Recovery Time | Immediate | 1–2 days | Same day; faster recovery |
| Need for Surgery Later | Often required | Sometimes required | Least likely; can be both diagnostic + therapeutic |
| Best For | Cysts, basic screening | Diagnosis of suspicious lesions | Diagnosis + complete removal in one go |
What Is Vacuum-Assisted Excision (VAE)?
Vacuum-Assisted Breast Excision uses the same device as VAB but removes the entire fibroadenoma or benign lump.
Why women prefer this:
✔ No stitches✔ Very small incision
✔ 20–30 minute procedure
✔ No general anesthesia
✔ Minimal scarring
✔ Go home the same day
For fibroadenomas, this is the most preferred option today.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for VAB/VAE?
This is a relatively new procedure and is done by only experienced and renowned breast health surgeons in India. It is useful for various kinds of breast treatments. We have listed below the ideal breast issues it is used to cure.
Women with:
✔fibroadenomas✔complex fibroadenomas
✔small benign lumps
✔intraductal papillomas
✔radial scars
✔lumps <3 cm
For suspicious tumors, Vacuum Breast Biopsy is used for diagnosis, not removal.
Is Vacuum Assisted Excision Painful?
Not really. It’s done under local anesthesia. Women often describe it as: “Pressure sensation, not pain.”
How Does the Procedure Work?
We have simplified the procedure
✔The breast is numbed✔A tiny nick is made
✔Needle device enters the lump
✔Vacuum suction pulls tissue into the needle
✔Rotating cutter slices it
✔Sample is collected
✔Bandage applied
For VAE in the case of Breast Lump Treatment, the device continues removing until the entire lump is gone.
Risks & Safety
VABS is a very safe procedure and is done with advanced equipment. It doesn’t need big cuts for excision; they are done using vacuum and are very convenient, done in very little time and are painless. But listed below are a few minor risks that can occur in rare cases;
✔bruising✔swelling
✔temporary tenderness
✔No effect on breastfeeding
Recovery Timeline of Vacuum Assisted Breast Biopsy
It is a quick procedure; it does not require admission to the hospital, and most women resume work the next day.
Difference between Vacuum Biopsy vs Surgical Removal
| Feature | Vacuum-Assisted | Surgery |
| Stitches | None | Yes |
| Scar | Minimal | Visible |
| Anaesthesia | Local | General/Local |
| Recovery | 24 hours | Several days |
| Cost | Moderate | Variable |
| Accuracy | High | High |
For cosmetic-conscious patients, VAE is preferred. Vacuum-assisted excision and biopsy is revolutionising breasthealth care in Delhi NCR. It offers precision, comfort, aesthetics, and confidence, all without traditional surgery. For women who want clarity, minimal downtime, and quick recovery, VABS/VAE is one of the best modern choices. Regular follow up imaging can help monitor your breast health if you are prone to developing multiple fibroadenomas. Visit Dr. Rohan Khandelwal, the best breast surgeon in India for consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if the lump is benign, Vacuum Assisted Breast Excision can remove it entirely. Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy (VAB) or Vacuum-Assisted Excision (VAE) uses a rotating cutting needle that gently “shaves” and removes the entire fibroadenoma or benign breast lump in small segments. Unlike traditional core biopsy, which only takes a sample, VAB actually vacuums out the full lump up to 3–4 cm in size.
No. There is no evidence that VAB causes or spreads cancer. The needle does not rupture a cancer or push cells around. VAB is a standard, globally accepted technique used in major cancer centers worldwide. In fact, because VAB takes larger samples with precision, it reduces the chance of a missed cancer diagnosis, making it a safer option than FNAC or even core biopsy for many breast lesions.
Typically, 10 to 30 minutes from start to finish. The active biopsy or excision part usually takes 5–10 minutes, but additional time is spent on preparation, anaesthesia, positioning, and post-procedure dressing. Since it’s done under local anaesthesia, you remain awake, comfortable, and can go home shortly after.
Just mild rest for the rest of the day. Most women resume normal activities the next day. You may feel mild soreness or pressure at the biopsy site, which improves within 24 to 48 hours. Heavy exercise, swimming, or lifting weights should be avoided for 1–2 days. There are no stitches, only a small bandage so recovery is very quick.
Rarely. The same lump does not grow back if completely removed. Once a fibroadenoma or benign lump is excised using VAE, it doesn’t regenerate. However, some women tend to form fibroadenomas naturally due to hormonal patterns. In such cases, new lumps may appear in other parts of the breast over the years, but the previously removed one stays gone.
