Reconstruction/breast reduction following lumpectomy?

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Hi all

I'm a year down the line now - had my first clear mammogram a couple of weeks ago! :-) I'm immensely grateful to have finished that first year but my boobs are now totally different sizes and it's beginning to really bother me. It is noticeable in clothing and as for getting a nice bra to fit? Forget it ;-)

Has anyone else had surgery to match up their breasts after a lumpectomy? My preference would actually be a reduction on the 'good' side, but would also consider other options.

Also, do you know if this is something the breast care team are likely to support?

I've got an appointment with consultant in a few week's time so would like to get a feel for options prior to then.

Many thanks in advance!

  • Hi Verma,  Lumpectomy or partial mastectomy to use the medical term and maybe more appropriate as to how much tissue sometimes needs to be removed.  I understand as I am small breasted too (34A).  Had lumpectomy on each breast and was very worried that I would be uneven.  Thankfully they look good although I can see my right breast is a little bit smaller but no dents.  
    The thing that really makes me angry is that the surgeon never told you about the possibility that the cosmetic result could be less than optimal.  He should have given you all the information.  Lipofilling can really make a big difference and here is a link that may help.  My advice right now would be to focus on getting through radiation and I have read it is good to wait a year before lipofilling as radiation effects can show up.  That was my plan as I decided that I was going to see how I was looking after radiation was done.  For me my year is up.  I am 74 years old but in good shape.  Right now I am doing exercises to keep my chest muscles in shape.  I don’t have to worry about sagging as breasts are small.  I laugh when I read my doctor’s notes as it starts out small breasted and then very small breasted is in the notes too.  
    Well I have rambled on and here is the link. 

    https://bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12885-022-09485-5
    Take care and I told my surgeon that I felt small breasted women don’t have many choices as no reduction, lift or surgery to match breasts up are even options.  Pretty much lumpectomy and hope area of excision is not too large or mastectomy.  

    Barbara 

    Barbara