Has anyone who's had a unilateral mastectomy, had a lift of the other breast for symmetry?
I'm in treatment for ILC, ER+, PR+, HER2-. I had a unilateral mastectomy (left breast) with a tissue expander on August 10. (Stage 1b) Fortunately the lymph nodes were not involved, so I won't need radiation and it's unlikely I'll need chemotherapy. (I meet with the medical oncologist next week for the first time.) My exchange surgery is scheduled for January 8 and I'm trying to decide whether to have a lift of my right breast to achieve more symmetry. (I'm 71, but not sagging that much.) Does anyone have experience with either choice? 1) Implant in one breast, the other left as is or 2) implant in one breast with lift in the natural one. Thanks very much!
Answers
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Hi , and welcome @sjaantje
This is such a good question, and really one where there’s no right or wrong answer. It comes down to what feels most important and comfortable to you.A lift on the natural breast can help with symmetry, since an implant tends to sit and age differently than a natural breast, but it also means surgery and healing on a breast that otherwise doesn’t need it. There’s a lot to weigh, including symmetry, additional scars, recovery time, sensation, how much difference there is between the two breasts now, and how you feel about having surgery on the healthy breast.
Hopefully others who faced the same decision can share what they chose, why, and how they feel about it now.
Wishing you well with your oncology appointment next week. Please keep us posted. 💗
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