Transverse resection: a new technique of reduction mammaplasty.

In patients who undergo breast reconstruction after unilateral mastectomy for breast cancer, the contralateral natural breast is often disproportionately large in comparison with the reconstructed breast. Such patients may express a desire to have reduction of the larger breast in order to achieve symmetry. A novel technique is described for breast reduction in such cases, which, despite the presence of visible scars, found acceptance among patients. The primary goal of reduction mammaplasty in these cases is symmetry, keeping in mind the shape, volume and degree of ptosis of the reconstructed breast, and not achieving youthful-looking breasts.