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Surgery on the Opposite Breast

Operating on the opposite breast can improve symmetry in patients who have a unilateral mastectomy.

Summary

Patients who have a mastectomy on one side often find that their reconstructed breast and their existing breast do not look the same. Surgery on the opposite breast can improve symmetry.

This paqQrocedure can happen at any time after a patient has healed a from initial mastectomy and reconstruction. Patients with the best outcomes wait until they have finished any secondary or revision procedures on the reconstructed breast. It can take several months for a reconstructed breast to fully heal and reveal its final shape and size.

Types of Surgery on the Opposite Breast Procedures

Breast Reduction

This procedure improves symmetry in patients with an existing breast that is significantly larger than the reconstructed breast.

Breast Lift

This approach is suitable for patients whose existing breast sags lower than the reconstructed breast. This can be combined with an implant to increase volume in some cases.

Breast Augmentation

This procedure adds an implant to the existing breast to improve symmetry in implant reconstruction patients.

Risks & Benefits

The risks and details associated with surgery on the opposite breast depend upon the type of surgery performed. It’s important to note that chemotherapy and radiation impact timing, which is typically several months after breast reconstruction.

Most procedures are well tolerated and performed on an outpatient basis. Surgery on the opposite breast helps patients feel balanced and even.