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.