Dr. Ellie Kraft

Breast Surgical Oncologist

Oncoplastic Surgeon

Education/Training


Dr. Ellie Kraft is a fellowship-trained breast and oncoplastic surgeon who completed the nation’s only oncoplastic surgery fellowship at the Hoag/University of Southern California Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship in Los Angeles, California from world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Melvin Silverstein (the father of oncoplastic surgery) in 2021. During her time there, she was awarded the coveted, Muzzy Fellowship award for the fellow that most exemplified the ideal oncoplastic surgeon. She is a board-certified general surgeon and graduated at the top of her class from the general surgery residency program at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City. In 2024, she was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), the most esteemed recognition from her fellow surgeons for practicing surgery at an exemplary level. Dr. Kraft earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, one of the largest and most prestigious medical centers in the Midwest.

She previously practiced breast surgery at Stanford University in Palo, Alto California prior to being recruited back to Hoag hospital to join to join her mentor Dr. Silverstein and is on faculty of the first independent oncoplastic fellowship that was started in 2024 at Hoag Hospital.

What is oncoplastic surgery and why should a patient want it?

Early History of Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer treatments have evolved significantly over the centuries. In the late 1800s, William Halsted developed the radical mastectomy, removing the entire breast, underlying muscles, and lymph nodes. Though it extended survival, this aggressive surgery caused significant physical and emotional trauma.

Shift to Less Radical Surgery

By the mid-20th century, research began to show that less extensive surgery could be just as effective. This shift led to the development of breast-conserving surgeries that preserved healthy tissue while still treating the cancer.

The Emergence of Lumpectomy and Radiation (1970s-1980s)

In the 1970s, lumpectomy (removal of the tumor with a small margin) paired with radiation therapy emerged as an effective alternative to mastectomy. Landmark studies, like the NSABP B-06 trial in the 1980s, confirmed that lumpectomy with radiation was equally effective in many cases of early-stage breast cancer, becoming the standard of care for eligible patients.

Oncoplastic Surgery (1990s-Present)

In the 1990s, oncoplastic surgery combined cancer surgery with reconstructive techniques to preserve the breast’s appearance. The goal is to remove cancer while maintaining breast shape and symmetry. Pioneered by Dr. Melvin Silverstein, these techniques have revolutionized breast cancer surgery by offering superior cosmetic results without compromising cancer treatment. He has trained 65+ oncoplastic surgeons in the United States and that training remains one of the highest accolades in the world of breast cancer surgery.

Current Landscape

Today, breast cancer treatment is highly personalized. While mastectomy remains necessary for some cases, lumpectomy with radiation is the standard for many early-stage cancers. Oncoplastic surgery enhances cosmetic outcomes and improves patients' quality of life, making breast conservation an appealing option for many women. Dr. Kraft is one of 65+ Silverstein-trained oncoplastic surgeons in the country and remains dedicated to advocating for her patient’s best interests.

Services:

Breast Cancer Surgery

Dr. Kraft offers a comprehensive range of breast cancer surgeries, including excisional biopsies, lumpectomies, oncoplastic lumpectomies combined with breast reduction, nipple-sparing mastectomies, and total mastectomies.

Benign Breast Surgery

For benign breast conditions such as fibroadenomas, intraductal papillomas, flat epithelial atypia, atypical ductal hyperplasia, and atypical lobular hyperplasia, Dr. Kraft specializes in lumpectomies with an oncoplastic approach. Her techniques aim to minimize visible scarring while preserving the natural shape and size of the breast.

Prophylactic Breast Surgery

Dr. Kraft offers prophylactic surgery for patients with high-risk breast cancer lesions, including BRCA1, BRCA2, and other genetic mutations that increase the risk of developing breast cancer. She specializes in nipple-sparing and skin-sparing mastectomies, working closely with Hoag’s plastic surgeons to provide both implant-based and tissue-based reconstruction options.

Insurances Accepted:

For more detailed information please visit https://hoagmedicalgroup.com/patients/insurance-accepted/ or call Dr. Kraft’s office, at 949-764-5780

HMO Plans

  • Aetna

  • Aetna Value Network

  • Anthem Blue Cross of California

  • Anthem Priority Select HMO

  • Hoag Medical Plan

  • Blue Shield of California

  • Blue Shield Trio

  • Cigna

  • Cigna So Cal Select

  • United Healthcare

PPO Plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Shield of California

  • Cigna

  • Coventry

  • First Health

  • Healthnet PPO (excluding Ambetter PPO/Covered CA)

  • Medicare

  • Multiple / PHCS

  • Tri Care / Healthnet

  • United Healthcare

Medicare Advantage Plans

  • Anthem Blue Cross of California

  • Blue Shield of California

  • SCAN

  • United Healthcare

Medicare PPO Plans

  • Aetna Medicare PPO

  • Alignment Health PPO Powered by Hoag

  • Anthem Medicare PPO

  • Blue Shield Medicare PPO

Covered California

  • Blue Shield HMO TRIO

  • Blue Shield PPO Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum Plans

Schedule Your Appointment

Dr. Kraft has two primary offices and can see you at either location for your convenience, please call the number listed below to schedule:

Hoag Breast Center Newport Beach

Sue J. Gross Comprehensive Breast Center

1 Hoag Dr, Newport Beach , CA 92663

Call to schedule appointment: (949) 764-5780

https://g.co/kgs/fSG6xpy

Hoag Breast Center Irvine

16305 Sand Canyon Ave Suite 160, Irvine, CA 92618

Call to schedule appointment: (949) 764-5573

https://g.co/kgs/cXe4RZs