I'm 35 years old and in two weeks, I'll have Mastectomy of left breast and immediate Breast Reconstruction with implant-expander. The PS told me that my right breast (the good one) needs just 2 cm lift which he will do with crescent lift. The second option is to put a small implant and increase size a little bit.
What do you think? Which procedure would have the best result (more symmetric breasts) in my body (my chest is skinny as you can see in the pic) for now and in the future? Thank you in advance.
Answer: Immediate breast reconstruction and options for normal breast Achieving a good breast reconstruction is more similar to completing a work of art. There is no formula or recipe or definitive step by step process. Some of these appraoches have been discussed. It is difficult with any implant breast reconstruction to achieve a natural "droop" to the breast. Despite the best of our intentions, the implant reconstructed breast tends to have a full non-sagging appearance. To this end, knowing that the left will have a full appearance with a relatively high riding nipple, performing a crescent lift on the normal side is a reasonable option.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: Immediate breast reconstruction and options for normal breast Achieving a good breast reconstruction is more similar to completing a work of art. There is no formula or recipe or definitive step by step process. Some of these appraoches have been discussed. It is difficult with any implant breast reconstruction to achieve a natural "droop" to the breast. Despite the best of our intentions, the implant reconstructed breast tends to have a full non-sagging appearance. To this end, knowing that the left will have a full appearance with a relatively high riding nipple, performing a crescent lift on the normal side is a reasonable option.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: Contralateral procedure following mastectomy
Thank you for the question and the photo...I hope that these answers will assist in your decision. A surgical procedure on the contralateral (opposite) breast is a very common thing to do for women who have a mastectomy on one side only. It is not uncommon to have asymmetry following the mastectomy, for which a mastopexy (breast lift) or an implant would do well to correct the issue. Both of these are relatively similar procedures, but very effective for this problem.
Looking at your photo, it appears that your right nipple is at an adequate position and would require a very small breast lift, if any. If you were to have an implant-based reconstruction, your reconstructed breast would be more perky, fuller, and rounder than your unaffected breast. Often times when an implant is chosen for the reconstructed breast, I recommend placing a small implant, just to give a more symmetric appearance by use of the implant and give those aforementioned properties. I would say that this may be the better option for your case. A discussion regarding the options with your plastic surgeon should include all of these and together you should make the decision for which option, if any, is best for you. Good luck!
Helpful
Answer: Contralateral procedure following mastectomy
Thank you for the question and the photo...I hope that these answers will assist in your decision. A surgical procedure on the contralateral (opposite) breast is a very common thing to do for women who have a mastectomy on one side only. It is not uncommon to have asymmetry following the mastectomy, for which a mastopexy (breast lift) or an implant would do well to correct the issue. Both of these are relatively similar procedures, but very effective for this problem.
Looking at your photo, it appears that your right nipple is at an adequate position and would require a very small breast lift, if any. If you were to have an implant-based reconstruction, your reconstructed breast would be more perky, fuller, and rounder than your unaffected breast. Often times when an implant is chosen for the reconstructed breast, I recommend placing a small implant, just to give a more symmetric appearance by use of the implant and give those aforementioned properties. I would say that this may be the better option for your case. A discussion regarding the options with your plastic surgeon should include all of these and together you should make the decision for which option, if any, is best for you. Good luck!
Helpful
June 17, 2012
Answer: Opposite Breast Balancing Breast Lift after Reconstruction
A crescent lift is a reasonable option for small adjustments of the nipple areolar positon.
However the timing would be best to first have the implant placement following tissue expansion, then let things settle down for some months. At that time a crescent balancing mastopexy (lift) can be performed if needed - often times as an office procedure under local anesthesia and/or IV sedation.
Helpful
June 17, 2012
Answer: Opposite Breast Balancing Breast Lift after Reconstruction
A crescent lift is a reasonable option for small adjustments of the nipple areolar positon.
However the timing would be best to first have the implant placement following tissue expansion, then let things settle down for some months. At that time a crescent balancing mastopexy (lift) can be performed if needed - often times as an office procedure under local anesthesia and/or IV sedation.
Helpful
May 29, 2011
Answer: Breast lift on the normal side can be done after reconstruction is completed
Expander implant reconstruction means that your breast will be reconstructed in stages over time. This means that your reconstructed breast will change in shape and size during the course. It would be very hard to plan an appropriate "mastopexy" of your right, normal breast until the left side is completely healed and settled. Why? The mastopexy design will be dependent upon the overal result of the left breast. It would be better for you to wait on the right breast until 3-6 months after the final procedure is completed on your left. This will be your best chance at symmetry.
Helpful
May 29, 2011
Answer: Breast lift on the normal side can be done after reconstruction is completed
Expander implant reconstruction means that your breast will be reconstructed in stages over time. This means that your reconstructed breast will change in shape and size during the course. It would be very hard to plan an appropriate "mastopexy" of your right, normal breast until the left side is completely healed and settled. Why? The mastopexy design will be dependent upon the overal result of the left breast. It would be better for you to wait on the right breast until 3-6 months after the final procedure is completed on your left. This will be your best chance at symmetry.
Helpful
December 15, 2009
Answer: Mastopexy (breast lift) after mastectomy reconstruction Thanks for the great question. The simple answer is it is too early to be able to tell the best answer. Most symmetry operations after mastectomy and reconstruction are staged. This gives time for the reconstruction to settle and find its final shape as well as give you more of a chance to see what you desire and need for symmetry. While multiple surgeries means a longer reconstruction process typically it produces greater cosmesis. Typically "crescent" lifts have minimal power in truly lifting the breast. Your insurance company should cover any symmetry procedures to the normal breast. Take care of the cancer and the immediate reconstruction and then evaluate the overall shape and create a plan six months after your reconstruction. I hope this helps.
Helpful
December 15, 2009
Answer: Mastopexy (breast lift) after mastectomy reconstruction Thanks for the great question. The simple answer is it is too early to be able to tell the best answer. Most symmetry operations after mastectomy and reconstruction are staged. This gives time for the reconstruction to settle and find its final shape as well as give you more of a chance to see what you desire and need for symmetry. While multiple surgeries means a longer reconstruction process typically it produces greater cosmesis. Typically "crescent" lifts have minimal power in truly lifting the breast. Your insurance company should cover any symmetry procedures to the normal breast. Take care of the cancer and the immediate reconstruction and then evaluate the overall shape and create a plan six months after your reconstruction. I hope this helps.
Helpful