Breast Symmetrisation Surgery
What Is Breast Symmetrisation Surgery?
Breast Symmetrisation Surgery is a surgical procedure to either:
- To reshape and match the appearance of the normal breast after the affected breast has undergone cancer therapy, or
- To match the size and shape of the remaining breast after a previous reconstruction surgery has not achieved satisfactory results.
Breast Symmetrisation Surgery encompasses a number of techniques and procedures which include:
- Breast reduction
- Breast enlargement (augmentation)
- Nipple reconstruction
- Lipomodelling or Lipofilling.
What Conditions Does Breast Symmetrisation Surgery Help?
Breast Symmetrisation helps in cases where breast cancer therapy has resulted in a significant difference between the breasts that can result in psychological issues such as depression and low self-esteem.
Breast Symmetrisation can also be used to truly match breasts to each other in normal cases of breast asymmetry and in cases where earlier reconstructive surgeries have not delivered final results.
Why Is Breast Symmetrisation Surgery Required?
A Breast Symmetrisation procedure can help improve scars and balance breasts. Its main aim is to give better-shaped breasts, which are proportionate to the patient’s body, resulting in better self-esteem and body image.
Who Is Breast Symmetrisation Surgery Suitable for?
Breast Symmetrisation is suitable for any individual who is:
- Aged 18 and above.
- Not suffering from chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
- Is not currently undergoing radiotherapy and has completed treatment.
- Not planning pregnancy or breastfeeding in the near future after the procedure
Preparation Before Breast Symmetrisation Surgery
Breast Symmetrisation is an inpatient procedure.In order to prepare for the surgery, the patient should be adequately counselled to ensure that the informed consent obtained is fully understood.
A complete history and physical examination are completed to determine eligibility for the procedure, which will include lab tests and a mammogram.
The patient and doctor discuss their expectations and probable final shapes of the breasts after the surgery. The patient is also advised to stop smoking and use of anti-inflammatory medicines including aspirin before treatment, to reduce chances of bleeding.
Steps in Breast Symmetrisation Surgery
Breast lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The steps vary according to the procedure being performed.
- In breast reduction, an incision is made to remove excess breast fat and skin.
- In breast augmentation, an implant is inserted under the breast tissue after an incision is made.
- For Lipomodelling and Lipofilling, a lipo machine is used to redistribute the breast fast to achieve a better breast shape.
- In nipple reconstruction, the nipple is replaced and adjusted to a better location.
In certain cases, drainage tubes may be added to allow removal of excess fluid and blood. Commonly, your surgeon will use an occlusive dressing. There are some occasions where a PICO or Provena Vacuum dressing will be used. There is a dressing attached to a small battery pack which applies suction to the dressing to aid wound healing. It stays in place for 7 days.
The complete procedure can take two to three hours.
What Should I Expect After Breast Symmetrisation Surgery?
Once stable, the patient is discharged, on the same day or after spending a night at the hospital. The patient will also be prescribed pain medication as well as antibiotics to be used as instructed.
For the first few weeks, the breasts might be extra sensitive and tender, and there also can be swelling and bruising. The doctor will advise the patient to limit physical activity for up to six weeks and allow the breasts to heal.
The doctor will recommend the patient to make timely follow up visits to remove stitches if needed and for monitoring recovery.
Possible Risk or Complications of Breast Symmetrisation Surgery
Breast Symmetrisation carries all the risks associated with major surgery, such as infection, bleeding and a severe allergic reaction to anesthesia. In addition to these generalized risks, breast lift surgery can also lead to:
- Temporary bruising and more permanent scarring.
- Loss of feeling and sensation in the nipples and areolar region.
- Added difficulties or complete inability to do breastfeeding
- Symmetrical challenges, between the two breasts, in size and shape, requiring additional surgery to correct
