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Improving Breast Symmetry After a Lumpectomy

Breast Symmetry Changes after a Lumpectomy

While lumpectomy preserves much of the natural breast, it can sometimes leave visible differences between the treated and untreated breast, whether in size, shape, or position. Further, radiation therapy after the lumpectomy can lead to fibrosis (scarring) that further exaggerates these differences.

For many women, these asymmetries become an unexpected and lasting reminder of their cancer journey. 

To combat this daily reminder, we offer thoughtful, restorative options to help you feel your best. To achieve symmetry after lumpectomy, our surgeons may recommend fat grafting to the lumpectomy site, or a breast reduction or breast lift (mastopexy) on the unaffected breast. 

Breast augmentation with implants may also be an option in select cases, though it is best to avoid implants after radiation whenever possible. 

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Key Information

  • Symmetry procedures can help balance the look and feel of both breasts after a lumpectomy.
  • Options include fat grafting to the lumpectomy site, a breast lift (mastopexy), or breast reduction of the other breast, and occasionally breast augmentation with implants, depending on your situation and surgical goals.
  • These procedures are often performed on the unaffected breast to create a more even result.
  • Insurance usually covers symmetry procedures when related to breast cancer reconstruction—PRMA’s team can help navigate your benefits and let you know ahead of time.
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Understanding Your Options

We believe every woman deserves to understand all her options for breast asymmetry correction in a supportive, pressure-free environment. Whether you're considering a breast lift or reduction, or simply want to explore what’s possible, we’re here to guide you with compassion, expertise, and honest answers.

Fat Grafting

For patients seeking subtle, natural symmetry after a lumpectomy, fat grafting is an excellent option. This technique uses your own fat, harvested from areas like the abdomen or thighs, to gently add volume to the lumpectomy site, helping it more closely match the shape and fullness of the unaffected side. 

Breast Lift After Lumpectomy for Symmetry

A breast lift, or mastopexy, reshapes and elevates the unaffected breast to better match the size, contour, and position of the breast treated with lumpectomy. This procedure is beneficial when the treated side appears smaller, firmer, or sits higher on the chest.
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Breast Reduction for Symmetry

A breast reduction, on the other hand, removes excess tissue from the unaffected breast to better align with the size and shape of the breast treated with lumpectomy. This option is ideal when the lumpectomy has left one breast noticeably smaller, creating an imbalance. 
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Breast Augmentation with Implants

When one breast appears smaller or deflated after a lumpectomy, breast augmentation with an implant can help restore balance. By also adding volume to the unaffected breast, this procedure creates a more symmetrical shape—helping you feel confident in and out of clothing. 

For patients who have had prior breast or chest radiation therapy, however, our surgeons prefer to avoid using implants as this has been shown to increase the risk of implant-related complications.
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What to Expect During Surgery

Symmetry surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and may take a few hours, depending on the approach. 

Fat grafting involves injecting your own fat into the lumpectomy site to correct the contour deformity and volume loss. 

A breast lift or reduction involves reshaping and repositioning tissue to better match the reconstructed breast. Breast augmentation using different-sized implants (larger on the lumpectomy side) may also improve overall breast symmetry in situations where there is a significant size discrepancy between the two breasts. 

For any of these approaches, most patients go home the same day or after a short stay, and recovery time varies by procedure. Your surgical team will walk you through every detail, from preparation to post-op care, to ensure a smooth, confident recovery.

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Recovery Timeline

  • Week 1:
    During the first week, you’ll likely experience swelling, soreness, and mild bruising. This is completely normal, and while gentle walking is encouraged, rest is key.
  • Weeks 2:
    Pain will continue to ease by the second week, and you’ll attend a follow-up visit to check your progress. Many patients even feel ready to return to light activities or desk work. 
  • Weeks 3-4:
    Bruising fades, and swelling begins to settle. You can slowly increase your activity level, but still avoid heavy lifting or intense workouts. Your body adjusts to its new shape, and healing continues beneath the surface.
  • Weeks 5-6:
    Most women feel close to their usual selves by this point. Depending on your surgeon's advice, you may be cleared to resume more vigorous activities. Scars begin to soften, and final results are taking shape.
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Sensation Restoration

PRMA has transformed breast reconstruction with their revolutionary TruSense® procedure, a proprietary technique that restores breast sensation in qualified patients—giving back not just form, but feeling.
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Am I a Candidate for a Breast Symmetry Procedure After Lumpectomy?

Choosing breast asymmetry correction after a lumpectomy is a personal decision that your goals, anatomy, and overall health should guide. These surgeries aren’t one-size-fits-all, but many women are excellent candidates. 

You may be a strong candidate for a breast symmetry surgery after lumpectomy if you:

  • Are experiencing visible asymmetry between your breasts after your lumpectomy.
  • Have one breast that feels too large, heavy, or droopy compared to the other.
  • Are in overall good health and cleared for elective surgery.
  • Have realistic expectations about outcomes and scarring.
  • Are finished with radiation, or have received your surgeon’s approval to proceed.
  • Want to improve your comfort, clothing fit, or body confidence.
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Find Your Surgeon

PRMA is the only center in San Antonio, Texas, and one of the few centers worldwide that offers breast reconstruction on such a large scale. Discover why thousands of women travel from across Texas, the US, and the world for their breast reconstruction surgery. We are proud to have a tremendous global reputation for surgical excellence.
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Dr. Peter Ledoux
Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and microsurgical techniques
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Dr. Steven Pisano

Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and complex microsurgery

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Dr. Chet Nastala
Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in advanced breast reconstruction
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Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo
Championing Advanced Breast Reconstruction Access Nationwide
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Dr. Oscar Ochoa
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon & Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
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Dr. Gary Arishita
Dedicated to Restoring Confidence Through Expert Reconstruction
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Dr. Andrew Gassman
Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and aesthetic surgery
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Dr. Anton Fries
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in advanced lymphatic surgery and reconstructive microsurgery
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Dr. Lauren Whipple
Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and reconstructive care
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Dr. Tyler Merceron

Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and microsurgical care

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Dr. Courtney Carpenter
Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in breast reconstruction
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Dr. Edwin Acevedo
Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and microsurgery

Will Insurance Cover Breast Symmetry Procedures After Lumpectomy?

The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) requires insurance providers to cover reconstruction of an affected breast and procedures to achieve symmetry on the unaffected side, including breast lifts or reductions.

At PRMA, we work closely with your insurance provider to verify coverage and guide you through the process, so you can focus on healing, not paperwork.

For more information, visit Insurance FAQs in the patient resource center. 

Insurance FAQs
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Preparing for Surgery

Many of our patients travel in from all parts of the country for reconstruction procedures. To help you prepare, our team will walk you through every step, from pre-op planning to travel arrangements, to ensure a smooth and supported experience.

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Preparing for Surgery
Travel Accomodations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a symmetry procedure after a lumpectomy, and why might I need one?
After a lumpectomy, it’s common for the treated breast to look different in size or shape compared to the other. A symmetry procedure helps restore visual balance, so both breasts look and feel more even.
Do symmetry procedures always involve operating on both breasts?
Not always. Sometimes, only the affected breast needs adjustment, depending on the extent of tissue removed. In other cases, making small changes to the opposite breast can help achieve the most natural, balanced result. 
Can symmetry be restored using natural tissue instead of implants?
Yes. Depending on your anatomy and goals, PRMA offers natural tissue options—like fat grafting or flap procedures—that can enhance volume or contour without the use of implants. We’ll work closely with you to choose what aligns best with your body and lifestyle.
Is symmetry restoration done at the same time as my lumpectomy?
It can be—but not always. Some patients are candidates for immediate symmetry procedures, while others may benefit from waiting until after radiation or other treatments. Timing is personal, and we’ll guide you toward the safest, most effective path forward.

Let’s Create the Balance You Deserve

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