Breast Augmentation Q&A

92%

WORTH IT RATING

774 Reviews

Ask a Question

Breast Augmentationbefore & after photos

View Before and Afters

Average Breast Augmentation Cost: $6,200

Learn about Breast Augmentation

3,419 people and 890 doctors are talking about Breast Augmentation

Get Free Email Updates

Can I Have a Reduction in One Breast and Reconstruct in the Other

asked 1 year ago by Christine Lake Charles in Lake Charles, Louisiana
Latest answer by Babak Dadvand, MD
Question viewed 222 times
Tags: female, reconstructive, reduction

had a mastectomy on left and the right is a 38G. I need a reduction and reconstruction.

15 answers to Can I Have a Reduction in One Breast and Reconstruct in the Other

Breast Reduction and Reconstruction

Thanks for the question. It is quite common to find patients with unilateral mastectomies who undergo reconstruction and subsequently need either a mastopexy or a breast reduction on the contralateral side for symmetry. I recommend you consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your region who has a practice emphasis in breast reconstruction. Best, Glenn Vallecillos, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Glenn Vallecillos, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.BeverlyHillsCosmeticSurgeon.com

Breast Reconstruction and Breast Reduction

The short answer to your question is absolutely. Breast reconstruction not only deals with the breast that had cancer but also on the opposite breast. The technical details, how to stage the procedures, vary from one plastic surgeon to another. But in short, you should start out by making an appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs breast reconstruction as part of their practice. Hope that helps and good luck! Dr. Babak Dadvand

Babak Dadvand, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction and breast reconstruction

This is a very common combination of procedures. The staging can vary from one individual to another. I occasionally use the areola and nipple of the larger side to reconstruct the mastectomy side.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reconstruction and Breast Reduction

Christine, This is a great question. I think you should visit with a board certified plastic surgeon to learn what options that you are a candidate for in breast reconstruction. Breast Reconstruction usually involves 3 separate procedures. One inpatient procedure and 2 outpatient procedures: 1st Procedure: Breast Mound via tissue expander or abdominal (DIEP/TRAM) or back (latissimus dorsi) tissue 2nd Procedure: Symmetry achieved by... more

Paul S. Gill, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.drpaulgill.com

Breast reconstruction and balancing reduction

Yes you most certainly can have a reconstruction and opposite breast reduction at the same time. Some surgeons prefer to do the reduction at a later date to allow for the reconstructed breast to heal and for its shape to settle. This allows for perhaps slightly better symmetry between the two breasts. Sincerely, Martin Jugenburg, MD

Martin Jugenburg, MD
Toronto Plastic Surgeon

www.torontosurgery.ca

Breast reconstruction and a reduction on the opposite side

I am sorry to hear about the need for a mastectomy but hopefully it will protect your health. Reconstruction can be done and often requires a reduction or lift on the opposite side to help the match be better. This is routinely done and is covered by insurance.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Other Breast in Breast Reconstruction

You certainly can have a reduction of your very large opposite breast in conjunction with your breast reconstruction following mastectomy. In fact there is a Federal law which mandates this which has been in effect for several years.

John Whitt, MD
Louisville Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction and breast reconstruction

After a breast reconstruction a breast balancing procedure is usually done to the opposite breast to obtain symmetry. This can be achieved with a reduction, lift or even an augmentation if needed. So what you are asking about is part of the complete reconstruction process of your breast following the mastectomy. All the best

Dana Khuthaila, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

www.drkhuthaila.com

Breast redcution and reconstruction

Breast reconstruction usually includes making the two breasts symmetrical whether to reduce, augment or lift tha other breast. This is quite common.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Can I Have a Reduction in One Breast and Reconstruct in the Other

Yes of course you can. Seek a boarded Plastic Surgeon in your area. From MIAMI Dr. Darryl j. Blinski, best of luck.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reconstruction on One Side and Breast Reduction on the Other Side- A common Combination

Combining reconstruction of one breast with a procedure on the other breast to produce symmetry is quite common. To obtain symmetry with a reconstructed breast, plastic surgeons will often perform a breast reduction, a breast lift, or a breast augmentation on the "unreconstructed" breast. If an insurance company provides benefit coverage for mastectomy, under Federal law, it generally must also provide coverage for reconstruction and any procedure done on the unreconstructed breast... more

David Greenspun, MD, MSc
New York Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction for symmetry to reconstructed breast

A federal law passed several years ago mandates breast reconstruction be covered as an insurance benefit for women undergoing mastectomy for cancer. It also requires coverage for a procedure on the opposite breast for symmetry. This could be either a lift, reduction, or implant.

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction and reconstruction

A breast reconstruction on one side and a breast reduction on the other side is fairly common. Your plastic surgeon will give you a few options and discuss the stages of the procedures based on your individual needs, medical condition and body type. It may take 2 or 3 procedures to get the result you desire. In most cases, all procedures should be covered by your insurance.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Options for Reconstruction in One Breast and Reduction on Other

The answer is yes. And given your history of breast cancer and a mastectomy, your reconstructive procedure with implants or using your own tissue will be covered by your insurance. In addition, the reduction will be covered as part of the balancing procedure. Reconstruction after mastectomy must be covered by insurance thanks to the only health care mandate that is federal law (1998 federal law).

C. Bob Basu, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Can I have a reduction on one side and a reconstruction on the other?

Very good question! When performing a breast reconstruction, it is very common to address the size and shape of the other breast often with a completely different procedure. As such, it would make a lot of sense in your case to reduce the other side since it would be extremely difficult to match this large of a cup size. Instead, it would be far more optimal to reconstruct one side and then reduce the other to match. I hope this helps! see video