Achieving symmetry in unilateral breast reconstruction: 17 years experience with 683 patients.

Breast symmetry is one of the most important parameters of patient satisfaction in breast reconstruction. We undertook this retrospective study to determine whether autologous reconstruction requires opposite-breast procedures less often to achieve symmetry than do non-autologous techniques. The records of 683 patients who underwent delayed breast reconstruction between March 1983 and March 2000 were reviewed.