Is Symmetry Difficult to Achieve with Breast Reconstruction?

Complete symmetry for any breast surgery and especially for reconstruction post mastectomy is an illusive goal especially as a single stage. It is more likely when you are trying to match a small breast without much sag. Without photos it would be impossible to give a more detailed opinion. Not to be discouraged when the breasts are not symmetric, much of the time the patient prefers the reconstructed breast.

Symmetry is our constant goal following mastectomy and breast reconstruction. The two key factors to consider are:


the shape and size of your breasts

any sagging and excess skin.


We use a variety of techniques to maximize symmetry. The other breast may be adjusted with the use of implant and/or a breast lift, or breast reduction. If operations on a breast are required to achieve symmetry, that surgery is covered by all insurance plans, thanks to federal legislation.

Complete symmetry is always a challenge in breast reconstruction. This is especially true in one-sided reconstruction (unilateral). As plastic surgeons, our goals usually are to try and re-create a breast mound that looks like a breast and to provide as much symmetry as possible.  Be patient, if often requires multiple operations.

The hardest part of a unilateral breast reconstruction is trying to match the other side.  Often times, you need to alter the normal breast to better match the reconstructed breast. This may include any combination of procedures, from an augmentation to a lift to a reduction, etc.  even then, there is always some asymmetry.  The goal is to get it as close as possible.  Unfortunately, when you are dealing with one breast that has gone through a mastectomy/reconstruction, overtime it will act differently then the normal breast.  It may not settle as much, may be firmer over time, etc.  This is why breast reconstruction is a lifelong endeavor for a patient - over time there are often small revision surgeries to maintain symmetry. I hope this helps.

Symmetry can be approached with breast reconsrtuction, but no one is exactly symmetric.  There are many options for breast reconstruction including tissue exapnders and implants, latissimus flaps with implants, fat grafting for small contour problems, TRAM flaps, DIEP flaps, SGAP, and IGAP flaps to name a few. You require an exam first to figure out what is best for you..