Managing Asymmetry in Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy-A Systematic Review and Highlight of Clinical Pearls

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Background/Objectives: As breast reconstruction techniques continue to progress, patient satisfaction with aesthetic outcomes has become an increasingly important marker of success. Obtaining optimal symmetry often requires secondary procedures whether reconstruction is unilateral or bilateral, implant-based or autologous, immediate or delayed. Consequently, determining the ideal method to achieve symmetry, particularly in challenging scenarios, such as the radiated breast, is nuanced and requires experienced decision-making. Methods: A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines, including the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase bibliographic databases, to identify original articles addressing asymmetry in both implant-based and autologous breast reconstruction. Studies based on benign breast disease or oncoplastic reconstruction for partial mastectomy/lumpectomy defects were excluded. Results: The search initially yielded a total of six hundred and fifty unique articles. After complete assessment of inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of forty-one articles were included in total. Conclusions: This article provides a systematic review of the current literature available to guide surgeons on managing asymmetry in breast reconstruction and highlights case examples of freq

Evidence level

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

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