Unilateral Mastectomy - Reconstruction Options?

I reconstruct unilateral mastectomies with implants with great frequency.  The "match" presents some challenge, but achieving a perfect match with autologous tissue is not a certainty, either.  Implant technology has come a long way, with several different shape options for each implant size.  Attention to the shape of the remaining breast is very important. Fat grafting is my "go to" technique for improving symmetry and correcting contour abnormalities.Projecting persistent symmetry, over time, is a tall order.  Normal physiologic changes in our bodies, weight gain / loss, and gravity all take their tolls on even the most perfect native breasts.That being said, having been in practice for over 20 years, I have had patients on whom I performed TRAM reconstructions in the 90's return for reconstruction of the remaining breast after a second mastectomy.  I find that implant based reconstructions can be the equal of autologous reconstructions.   

You may want to consider autologous reconstruction. Many women prefer
to utilize their own excess skin and
fat on their tummy (essentially using excess tissue that would be thrown
away in a cosmetic tummy tuck) with a procedure called a DIEP free
flap (tummy tuck breast reconstruction). In this procedure, we move
healthy tissue with its own bloody
supply and healing potential to restore the chest wall and breast after
cancer treatment. Autologous (using your own tissue ) reconstruction is
especially powerful after radiation therapy. As you are learning, there
are limitations with implant based reconstruction.  Although implants are very safe, they are foreign bodies.  Whereas autologous
reconstruction helps to restore a soft supple breast using your own
tissue.
Please see a board certified plastic surgeon who is well versed with
autologous reconstruction to learn more about your options.Dr. BasuHouston, TX