Reconstruction R9
Symmetrisation of the opposite breast
Operating on the breast that has not been operated on, so that it answers the reconstructed one: augmenting it, reducing it or correcting its ptosis, during the same operation whenever possible.
- Anaesthesia
- General
- Techniques
- Augmentation, reduction, mastopexy
- Timing
- Same operation as reconstruction
- Decision
- Multidisciplinary board
Figures confirmed by the surgeon; they vary from case to case and are specified in consultation.
The essentials
The four questions that come up
- What does symmetrisation involve?
- Operating on the breast that has not been operated on, so that it answers the reconstructed one. Depending on the case, it is augmented, reduced, or its ptosis is corrected.
- Why is it so common?
- Because a successful reconstruction on one side does not make a balanced chest. The opposite breast may be too small, too large or ptotic, and implant reconstruction gives a stable, rejuvenated breast that the other has to answer.
- Which techniques are used?
- Breast augmentation, reduction and mastopexy techniques. Sometimes additional fat grafting can be considered in place of a small implant.
- When is it carried out?
- During the same operation as the breast reconstruction whenever possible. It can also be combined with the nipple and areola reconstruction session.
A successful reconstruction does not make a balanced chest
It is common to need a procedure on the opposite breast, which may be too small, too large or ptotic.
The reconstructed breast is a new breast: stable, round, at the right height. The breast that has not been operated on is the patient’s own age. That gap is where the request comes from, and it is what symmetrisation sets out to close.
Ptosis will therefore need correcting, precisely because implant reconstruction gives a stable, rejuvenated breast.
The techniques
Breast augmentation, reduction and mastopexy techniques are used. They are those of aesthetic breast surgery, applied here to an aim of symmetry.
Sometimes additional fat grafting can be considered in place of a small implant, where the volume to be matched is modest and the patient would rather avoid a prosthesis on her healthy breast.
When it is carried out
This procedure is carried out during the same operation as the breast reconstruction whenever possible.
It is one of the alternatives discussed at the reconstruction consultation, since the decision to augment the opposite breast can also be an opportunity to improve the chest and, in that case, to increase the volume of the reconstruction.
It can also be combined with the nipple and areola reconstruction session, about three months after the breast mound, which avoids multiplying operations.
The decision
Management of the opposite breast can prompt a wider discussion.
Depending on the patient’s history, age and genetic risk factors, the question may arise of considering instead a prophylactic mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. That is another conversation, and another decision.
In every case, this decision is validated by a multidisciplinary breast board.
Frequently asked questions
What patients ask
These answers reflect the content written and validated by the surgeon. Each one is written to stand alone, question by question.
Is a procedure on the opposite breast compulsory?
Can an implant on the healthy breast be avoided?
Can the chest be improved at the same time?
Who decides?
Meet us
Consultation
A first consultation is there to understand your request and tell you what is possible — including when the answer is that it is better to do nothing.
Clinique Esthétique Ferrère
16 ter rue Ferrère
33000 Bordeaux
In cosmetic surgery, French law requires a detailed written quote and a cooling-off period of at least fifteen days between the consultation and the operation. No deposit may be requested during that period. Two consultations are required before any operation.