We have Correcting Breast Asymmetry
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Breast Asymmetry Overview
Breast asymmetry surgery corrects an imbalance of the size and shape of the breasts by either augmentation of the smaller breast, or reduction of the larger breast. A minor amount of asymmetry exists in most women and substantial asymmetry is not as rare as some people might think. There are a variety of reasons for breast asymmetry. Some women are born with a breast that is larger or smaller than the other, some women experience different changes in their breasts after breast feeding, and others may experience imbalance after major weight loss. Breast asymmetry is a cosmetic procedure and is not associated with breast reconstruction due to cancer. Breast asymmetry surgery can balance the size and shape of your breasts so you can feel confident about your figure and will make clothes fit and look better.
For many women, our feminine identity is linked to our breast shape and size. Having disproportional breasts can prompt feelings of inferiority. Finding bras and clothes that fit can also be a challenge. Empowering yourself to investigate your options for correcting breast asymmetry can be a positive experience. Just knowing that you have choices to improve your physique can help boost your self esteem. Feeling more confident about your body can help you feel more attractive and can add a sense of fulfillment to your life.
When you use 1800mySurgeon, you are assured of making an informed decision because all of our Board-Certified Surgeons are prescreened and continually monitored. The qualified patient coordinators at 1800mySurgeon are prepared to help you find Board-Certified Surgeons in your area, who specialize in breast asymmetry procedures, or we can provide a background check on any surgeon you choose.
Having Realistic Expectations for Breast Asymmetry Surgery
Having realistic expectations about how your body will change and how those changes will affect your life is important. Disappointment may happen, especially if you believe surgery will fix your life problems, save your marriage or cure depression. Having a breast asymmetry surgery will balance the shape and size of your breasts. Having a shapelier figure may boost your self-confidence, but it won’t change who you are or the way other people feel about you.
Questions to Ask Your Prospective Surgeon
Once you’ve made an appointment for a consultation, take the time to prepare a list of questions and concerns you want to address with your prospective surgeon. The consultation is your opportunity to assess the surgeon as much as it is their opportunity to determine your candidacy for the procedure. Take your time, be thorough and know that you are never required to commit to a procedure or a surgeon because you’ve had a consultation, even if the consultation is free.
Breast asymmetry surgery may require either augmentation or reduction of one or both breasts. You want to make sure that you choose a surgeon whose work you admire, and who listens closely to your desired goals. You will be able to see the outcome of some of their surgeries by looking at before-and-after pictures. Have the surgeon explain their procedure and why they value a certain technique more than others.
Make sure to speak to the anesthesiologist before you schedule a surgery, and inform them of any allergies or reactions you have to any medications. Make sure to tell both your surgeon and the anesthesiologist if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
This list of information may help you compile your questions and may encourage you to do some further research on the many different aspects of breast asymmetry procedures:
For breast augmentation to correct asymmetry:- Discuss your implant style and sizing options with your surgeon. Make sure you understand the risks associated with breast implants. Make sure you read and understand the manufacturers warranty for your implant choice.
- There are different types of implants: smooth, textured, high-profile, medium-profile, teardrop shaped, etc. Ask your surgeon about the types of implants they would recommend for your specific procedure and if there are any disadvantages to the implant choices they recommend.
- There are four generally accepted incision sites for breast implants: the underarm incision, around the nipple (areola), inframammary fold (the lower part of the breast where it meets the chest wall) and the umbilical incision (through the belly button). Ask your surgeon which incision site they recommend and why.
- Surgical scars are permanent, although they can be made indistinguishable. Make sure your surgeon listens to your concerns and questions about the incision site, the scar and any risks associated with them.
- There are two options for implant placement: above and beneath the chest muscle. There are many benefits for sub-muscular (below the muscle) placement, and many surgeons will only use this placement unless there is significant reason to place the implant above the muscle. Have your surgeon explain the benefits and risks of both.
- Make sure you understand were the surgeon will make incisions and how the scars will look. Remember only one breast will be scarred.
- Ask about nipple placement.
- Ask if you should consider a breast lift at the time of your breast reduction.
If you’re consulting with a surgeon from 1800mySurgeon, you can rest assured that you will be meeting with a qualified Board-Certified Surgeon. If you already have a surgeon in mind, we can also perform a background check before you schedule your consultation. Most importantly, always trust your instincts during the consultation. The success of your surgical experience will be based on how you feel about the surgeon, the surgery, your recovery and your result
Breast Asymmetry Surgery Recovery
Breast augmentations can be more painful during recovery than breast reduction because breast tissue has to expand for the placement of the implant. Breast reductions have larger incisions, often require drains, and bandages and sutures must be kept clean and dry.
Whether you’ve had augmentation or reduction, you will feel tired and sore for the first 48 to 72 hours. You will be given pain medication, and you will need lots of rest. There can be swelling and bruising that will subside over the next few weeks.
If you have children, they will need to be cared for by your spouse or another guardian for the first few days. You will need to avoid reaching or lifting of any kind for at least a week and for as long as two weeks.
If you work and your job is not strenuous (no reaching or heavy lifting), you should be able to return to work after one week. If your job requires physical activity, you should wait two weeks before resuming a full work load.
Full physical recovery may take up to six weeks. During that time you will gradually regain strength of movement as your body heals. Your scars may take up to seven months to completely heal.
Breast Asymmetry Risks
Any surgical procedure carries certain risks and the possibility of complications, infection, and adverse reaction to the anesthesia. There has been a lot of media attention on the risks of implants themselves over the last few decades: however, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that breast implants contribute to breast cancer or arthritis.
During your consultation, you will want to ask your surgeon about the following risks from breast implants:
- Capsular contracture – this happens when scar tissue forms around the implant and the implant begins to tighten or harden.
- Loss of nipple sensitivity – this is most common with an areola incision site but can occur with any implant technique and often subsides after a few weeks.
- Rippling: some implants may ripple if they are not filled completely or correctly
- Rupture: when the breast implants tear and/or leak. This may require a second operation to replace the implant. You will want to know the manufacturers warranty in the event of a rupture.
- Immune system disorders: some women have reported having symptoms such as joint pain swelling, fever, fatigue, or breast pain. No scientific evidence exists to prove immune system disorders are directly related to breast implants, but the FDA is continuing to study the risks.
If you are having a breast reduction, you will want to ask your surgeon about the following:
- Is there any risk of losing nipple sensation?
- If you are planning on breast feeding after your reduction, will there be any complications?
It is important to remember that no surgeon can guarantee your satisfaction with breast asymmetry surgery nor can they deny any risk factors. No matter how rarely risks occur, every surgery carries a certain amount of risk, and you have to decide for yourself if your potential desired result is worth the risk.
Long Term Results
You will notice an improvement in balance and shape immediately following your procedure, even if there is swelling. Breast reduction surgery tends to be permanent though factors of weight and age can contribute to the breast continuing to sag.
Although some women may never need replacements, breast augmentation is not always permanent and implants may need replacement after 10 or 15 years. Taking good care of yourself and staying healthy will help preserve your results. If your breast asymmetry surgery did not include a breast lift, and you are relatively young, you may need to consider a breast lift in the future.
Choosing Your Surgeon
At 1800mySurgeon, we are here to help you make an informed decision. One of the most important aspects for a successful outcome of your procedure is to choose the right surgeon, therefore all of our Board-Certified Surgeons are prescreened and continually monitored. We can help you find Board-Certified Surgeons in your area, who specialize in breast asymmetry correction or we can provide a background check on any surgeon you choose.