Balancing Operations

Women who undergo a unilateral (one-sided) mastectomy and breast reconstruction often choose to undergo a balancing operation on the opposite side to achieve symmetry between the breasts. Depending on the appearance of the opposite breast, that operation can be a breast reduction, breast augmentation, or a breast lift (mastopexy). These operations are usually done at a subsequent operation (i.e. not at the time of the mastectomy and initial reconstruction). This not only limits the time in surgery at the initial stage but also allows the reconstructed breast to heal so that we know how best to match it. Balancing operations are generally covered by insurance.