Breast Asymmetry
Virtually every woman and man has some degree of breast asymmetry. This may
be due to factors beyond the breast alone, such as rib cage shape and your chest
muscle anatomy. But often one breast is very different from the other. This may
involve difference in size and volume, or difference is shape and amount of
skin, difference in the amount and the distribution of the breast gland and
differences in the size and shape and level of one nipple and areola as compared
to the other. All of these aspects of asymmetry can be corrected by surgery, and
the unevenness improved. The procedures described below span the spectrum from
simply placing implants to doing a breast lift and many combinations in between.
Women are very happy with the results of this procedure and the surgery is very
safe and predictable.
THE BREAST IMPLANTS
- Unevenness may need to be corrected with implants or reduction of one
side or both.
- Saline or silicone implants may be used. Your anatomy, concerns and
priorities will help us determine which implants are best suited for you
- The latest in technologies are utilized including all shapes (anatomic,
teardrop, or round) and textures (smooth or fuzzy). These allow the doctor
to customize your surgery. Silicone gel filled implants can be used in some
situations.
- The many new types of implant fillers such as soybean are still
experimental and not yet approved by the FDA.
THE PREOPERATIVE FEATURES
- Breasts that are small, uneven or asymmetric AND deflated, drooping, or
sagging.
- On one or both breasts the nipple is at or below the level of the breast
fold. At times most of the breast tissue is concentrated low in the breast
or at the bottom of the breast.
- One or both breasts may not have much breast tissue up high and there is
a need for more upper pole fullness.
- One or both breasts may have large or puffy areola that are not in
proportion to the rest of the breast and your body.
- One or both breasts may have nipples that are uneven in their position,
with one side higher or lower than the other.
- Desire for better fit in clothing or more sensual body image.
THE PROCEDURE
- A light general anesthesia is used and it takes about three hours.
- Incisions can be placed either in the crease or around the nipple or
areola. Rarely it may be necessary to make an incision straight down the
nipple to the crease or into each side of the lower breast crease.
- The nipples and areola usually can be made in proportion to the breast
size you desire and be made more level.
- If an implant is needed, the space is made for the implant and the size
you desire is created, temporary breast implant sizers are inserted in the
space and inflated to the correct volume and adjustments are made. The
nipples are lifted and corrected and the excess skin is tightened up with a
minimal use of incisions.
- A careful exam of the breast tissue is undertaken to make sure no
abnormalities are present.
- The only dressing is a surgical bra.
- No drains.
- This can be combined with other surgeries.
THE RECOVERY
- You can go home after several hours.
- You can shower on the second day after surgery.
- Moderate pain for the first two days that is mostly gone by the third
day and easily controlled by medications.
- You will feel very groggy for the first two days and weak for about ten
days.
- Swelling is moderate for the first week after which it rapidly
disappears.
- Breasts are high on the chest for the first three weeks then settle into
a very normal position and contour.
- Usually no bruising.
- Resume many activities within the first week, and most by at least three
weeks.
- No stitches to remove. They are all dissolvable.
- Off of work for five to seven days, often less.
THE RESULTS
- Enlarged, full, lifted, balanced and even breasts with nice size areola
and more even nipples.
- Very natural result that just gets better in time.
- Softness and natural bounce that persists.
For before and after images of this procedure
click here
Please call or contact the office for any
further information or to schedule an appointment. |