Reduction mammaplasty and mastopexy for the contralateral breast after reconstruction surgery following cancer resection : A report of 3 cases

Background : Breast reconstruction generally involves autologous tissue transplantation and placement of a mammary prosthesis. When the patient’s breasts are extremely large and ptotic, breast reconstruction often results in significantly asymmetrical appearance. However, a good aesthetic outcome after reconstruction surgery following cancer resection is an important quality-of-life factor. We evaluated the efficacy of touch-up surgery, either reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy, performed on the contralateral breast for symmetrization. Methods : Reduction mammaplasty was performed on the contralateral breast in 2 patients and mastopexy was performed on the contralateral breast in 1 patient after reconstruction surgery following cancer resection, between 2008 and 2014. We reviewed each patient’s medical record for general clinical information and for the methods of breast cancer resection and breast reconstruction used, wait time between breast cancer resection and touch-up surgery, preservation of the sensitivity of the nipple-areola complex after the touch-up surgery, and aesthetic outcome (based on visual analog scale score). Results : Wait times in the 3 cases were 4, 9, and 18 months. Nipple-areolar sensitivity was well preserved in all 3 cases. Aesthetic outcomes were judged “excellent” or “very good.” Conclusion : Revision surgery on the contralateral breast 4 to 18 months after breast reconstruction substantially improves the aesthetic outcome.