Contralateral breast symmetrisation in immediate prosthetic breast reconstruction after unilateral nipple-sparing mastectomy: the tailored reduction/augmentation mammaplasty.

BACKGROUND

In the literature on nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) with one-stage immediate implant reconstruction, contralateral symmetrisation has drawn little attention, with many surgeons still performing standard cosmetic mammaplasty procedures. However, standard implant-based mammaplasty usually does not result in proper symmetry with the mastectomy side, especially regarding breast projection, overall shape, and volume distribution.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 19 consecutive patients undergoing unilateral NSM with immediate prosthetic reconstruction and contralateral simultaneous symmetrisation by using the tailored reduction/augmentation mammaplasty technique between June 2012 and August 2013.

RESULTS

The average follow-up time was 13 months (range, 10-24 months). No major complications, such as infection, haematoma, and nipple-areola complex necrosis, were experienced.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience suggests that simultaneous contralateral symmetrisation with tailored reduction/augmentation mammaplasty after unilateral immediate implant reconstruction after NSM facilitates durable and pleasant symmetric outcomes.