Breast Asymmetry Correction
A difference in size or shape between breasts can be linked to low self-esteem, or feelings of discomfort or embarrassment which aren’t conducive to healthy body image perception.
As a rough rule of thumb, a breast cup size is equivalent to around 150ml of tissue, and volume asymmetry generally becomes noticeable when there is a difference exceeding around 50ml. As well as volume asymmetry, breasts may exhibit asymmetry in their shape, position or nipple location. Sometimes all of these may co-exist. Asymmetry can be natural or in some cases result from breast conditions (for example, Poland Syndrome) or previous surgery. The treatment options are equally variable and must be tailored to your exact needs.
There are several options for addressing breast volume asymmetry through surgery. In general, you can increase or decrease the size of one breast, or increase or decrease the size of both breasts by different amounts. Common methods of increasing breast size involve the use of implants or fat grafting, whereas either liposuction or standard breast reduction techniques are used to decrease breast size.
Occasionally the difference in size can require us to expand the skin on the smaller side, using a temporary ‘expander device’ – a balloon-like implant that can be gradually inflated after it has been inserted, gradually stretching your skin on one side until it is ready to be replaced with your definitive implant. Other techniques may be necessary to adjust asymmetry in breast position or shape.
Your breast asymmetry will be analysed, and we can discuss the different components of what is right for you. I will then break down how they may each be addressed; whether it can be done during a single operation, and provide you with a realistic expectation of the outcome you can expect. Treatment may include a breast enlargement, reduction, uplift, fat grafting and nipple adjustment, which will be discussed and agreed upon during your consultation.
Improving the symmetry of your breasts with cosmetic surgery can make you look better as a result of feeling more confident, alleviating the need to hide your breasts, fill your bra on one side or feel like you are limited to certain types of clothing. However it is important to appreciate that perfect symmetry is not a realistic goal – every pair of breasts is different both before and after surgery.
A one-night stay in hospital is typical after most of the above treatments for breast asymmetry. Your recovery will depend on the type of surgery you have undergone.
You can expect the results from your corrective surgery to be stable if you have surgery in adulthood when your breasts have stopped growing. Breast asymmetry surgery should permanently improve the size and shape discrepancies between your breasts, except if one implant or very different implants have been used, in which case you may expect them to age differently.
- Analgesia (pain relief) – Ibuprofen and paracetamol can be taken]
- Complete rest will be necessary for 48 hours
- Daily tepid showers will be possible after 48hours
- Surgical skin tapes should be left in place for 2 weeks
- The hospital or surgeon should be contacted if you develop a temperature
- The hospital or surgeon should also be contacted immediately in rare cases of bleeding or rapid swelling
- Patients should take care not to over exert themselves in the first few weeks and to keep pressure off the wounds
- Wounds will be checked and sutures removed normally at 1 week
- I will see you routinely at 1, 2 and 6 weeks after surgery
- Dressing care nurses may see you more often
- Swelling reduces after a few weeks
Usually General Anaesthetic
Reasonably mobile: next day
Hospital stay: Usually 1 night stay
Washing: Usually 72 hours
Full recovery: 2-4 weeks
1-3 hours, depending on the nature of surgery
Driving: 1-2 weeks
We advise patients to stop smoking 2 week before and after any surgery
Time off work: 2-4 weeks depending on the nature of surgery
Exercise: 4-6 weeks
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