Would You Recommend a Lift and Small Implant in the Natural Breast to Provide Symmetry to the Flap Reconstructed Breast? (photo)

I had an immediate left breast reconstruction using the SIEA flap done 4 months ago. I will be planning for the nipple reconstruction and refinements to be done in the next month or so. The reconstruction is definitely 'perkier' than my natural non-cancer breast. Since I like the size/volume of the reconstructed breast, I am looking for opinions regarding a lift and placement of a small implant in the contralateral, natural breast for symmetry. Thanks for your time.

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by 4sonsNJ

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Next step for reconstruction

Congratulations, you've had a great result for your first stage of mastectomy reconstruction. Your plastic surgeon is the best person to make any recommendations for your next step. But based on your photos, I'd likely suggest a small implant and lift to match your SIEA reconstructed breast. But again, a physical exam is needed to make any recommendations. Best of luck. Dr. Basu Houston, TX

Breast Implants for Symmetry after SIEA Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction

Breast Implants for Symmetry after SIEA Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction is not common because one of the goals of using your own tissues as in the SEIA peforator breast reconstruction is to avoid the need for implants. Your right breast is more ptotic, or hangs down more than your reconstructed left breast. That can be improved with a breast lift provided the volume of the breasts is equal. I cannot tell for sure whether your right breast volume is lass than that on the... more

Breast asymmetry is well corrected without implants.

Hi. The point of doing reconstruction with your own tissues is not to need implants. So that would not be my first choice. It looks like all you need is a little lift on the right, as well as modifying the reconstructed breast. see video

Asymmetry after Flap Breast Reconstruction

Firstly, you have a wonderful result. Few surgeons are capable of performing SIEA flaps and yours has done a great job by any standard. You have had the Rolls Royce of breast reconstructions! It is normal to carry out secondary surgery at 4-6 months for balancing, nipple reconstruction and occasionally abdominal scar revision. While, yes, putting an implant on the normal side may initially improve balance, it is my belief that an implant on one side and not the other is a recipe for future... more

Matching natural breat to reconstructed breast

Yes. You would need a lift plus a small implant to match the two sides. I'm not sure what's going on in the armpit area of your reconstructed breast since it is hard to tell from the pictures. But, you may need some fat grafting and/or scar tissue release to smooth out the contour in that area. Your surgeon did a very nice reconstruction using an SIEA free flap. Usually breast reconstruction is a multi-Stage procedure, as I'm sure your surgeon explained to you. Usually the... more