Looking for some advice, am having masectomy with reconstruction by way of an implant, and have been advised
to go for reduction on the other breast to achieve symetry. My gut reaction is to leave the healthy breast alone, I am currently a D cup, is there anyone out there who has had experience of this. Interested to know any info on anyone who has had implant on the one side, whilst leaving the other breast alone - does it look that uneven?. Would appreciate hearing from anyone. Many thanks.
Hi Rosie
I had mx with immediate recon via ld flap and implant. There is about a 2 cup size difference between the recon(G) and normal boob (Eish), though it is not so noticeable when dressed. The recon is wider and sort of squarish compared to a squishy boob. The implant I have is a different shape to the normal boob so I am booked for adjustment.Also, it is much heavier than a normal boob so I am having it replaced and the recon made smaller plus the real one reduced and hopefully getting a nipple at some date in the future. Okay, I am not thrilled about having a reduction as I liked my old shape but but the lack of symetry, especially in night wear or when naked, really bothers me, never mind the discomfort.
Guess it’s a tough choice and the key question is size or symetry.
Best Wishes
Jane x
hi Rosie
I too had a mx with immediate reconstruction via LD flap on my left breast in June this year.
I was a DD cup prior to mx and now the reconstructed breast is slghtly smaller than my natural breast and am still buying DD cup bras.
Whenever I was first diagnosed and talked through all the options with consultant about the best type of recon,I was horrified that anyone would even suggest reducing my other breast… my opinion was “Why would anyone want to voluntarily have surgery unnesessarily”, so i decided to leave the natural breast alone.
Now, 41/2 months post surgery I am definitely reconsidering a reduction next year, This is because of symmetry as you have said and I do find that even though there is very little difference to the untrained eye when dressed,I know in myself that I am a little asymmetrcal and this has now started to annoy me.
My consultant has said thta I can decide to go for the reduction at any time but has suggested that 12-18 months post surgery is an idea time because the other breast should have settled by then.
It realyy is a matter of personal choice and best not to rush into a decision until you decide yourself what you want to do.
Hope this is of some help to you
Carol x
Hi Rosie,
I hope you are soon able to come to a conclusion that works well for you. If its any help, I had a reduction in healthy breast for symmetry and my close friend opted not to, and we are both delighted with the outcome of our surgery some years after it (10 for me and 5 for her!)
I feel that it is very much a personal decision and hope all goes well with you
monica xxx
Hi girls. I had my right breast removed. I had implants put in behind the chest wall when I turned 40 years old to fix the sagging breasts. Then I got breast cancer at 46 years old and had to have the breast removed. Im on tamoxifen cause I tested positive for estrogen. Initially I was going to have a trans flap for the one breast but it will never be the same. I have decided I am going to have the other breast removed and have both rebuilt. My thinking is this. I want to be proactive rather then reactive. They will not have to remove any lymp nodes. I am removing my implants and going with small perky boobies. I will be the bionic woman when done…lol My goal is to get off tamoxifen as you run risk of two types of cancer (end. and uterous). My point is it is easier to match two reconstructed breasts then to match one to the natural one. As a bonus I lower my risk of breast cancer in the remaining breast.