Before and after bilateral breast reconstruction revision in a 47-year-old BRCA gene positive woman with significant scoliosis. She previously had bilateral nipple sparing mastectomies and implant reconstruction. She was told that she could not choose her implant size – which is ridiculous!
Breast reconstruction should be viewed as an opportunity for a woman to choose the breast size, shape and other details of what she would like to have after a mastectomy. She had healthy breast skin that had not been damaged by radiation – therefore she could certainly choose to be reconstructed fuller and rounder than her original breast size.
Because of her chest wall asymmetry (scoliosis), two very different implants were used – a 150 cc difference between sides allowed for the very best possible symmetry. Capsulectomy and implant exchange was performed bilaterally.
Long-term follow up photos are shown 3 years after surgery. The images with her arms overhead shows some mild asymmetry that is a result of scoliosis – her right ribs stick out further than on the left, but she is very pleased with her outcome and has been able to successfully move forward in life without a constant reminder of her BRCA gene carrier diagnosis.
*All photos are actual patient photographs and are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results may vary.
