PROCEDURES ON THE CONTRALATERAL BREAST TO ACHIEVE SYMMETRY FOLLOWING AN UNILATERAL POSTMASTECTOMY BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

Introduction: Nowadays, the primary aim of unilateral breast reconstruction is achieving symmetry of the opposite breast. In conjunction with these symmetrical breast reconstructions, the degree of ptosis, breast size and reconstruction of the nipple areola complex, have become more frequently requested by the patients. Materials and Methods: Between 2004 and 2009, 18 patients with an age range from 30 to 51, have been operated on for achieving symmetry with the contralateral breast. Primary post-mastectomy reconstructions were autologous in 8 patients, whereas 10 patients were reconstructed with implants. For the autologous cases, contralateral reconstructions were performed about 6.5 months post-operatively. Seven patients had a reduction mammoplasty, 4 had breast augmentation with an implant, another 4 had augmentation mastopexy, and 3 patients had only mastopexy. All patients were followed closely by the oncologic team during the reconstruction period. The prostheses for augmentations were cohesive silicone gel implants. Results: No tumors have been encountered in pathological examination of the breast reduction materials. Patients have been followed up for approximately 14 months. After one year past the operation, the physical and mammographic exams were completely normal. Discussion: A questionnaire was filled out by the patients following the contralateral breast reconstruction. Satisfaction was observed almost in all patients emphasizing the importance of re-gaining the lost organ with as much as possible symmetry. In this study, we outlined the importance of the detailed pre-operative planning to achieve symmetry in patients having a unilateral breast reconstruction. Procedures and methods have been discussed as well.