Breast Asymmetry Surgery

It is very normal for a woman’s breasts to be slightly different, but this is usually not noticeable. Occasionally, however, there is a significant difference with one breast being noticeably larger than the other (breast asymmetry). Naturally, this can be a source of worry and cause many women to feel self-conscious.

Procedure: A surgeon can increase the smaller breast with an implant, reduce the larger breast, or use two different-sized implants. Breast asymmetry correction is an individualized procedure with various possibilities of incision placement; around the areola, under the fold of the breast, in the armpit, or in the navel.

Anesthesia: General

Length of the procedure: 1 to 3 hours

Recovery: Back to work in 1 to 2 weeks

Results: Reduced size may be permanent or may increase in size with weight gain or hormone changes. Implants may require revision within 5 to 10 years.

Risks and complications:

Visible breast implant rippling

Loss of nipple sensation.

Persistent asymmetry.

Implant rupture or shifting.

Infection.

Hematoma.

Capsula contracture (internal scar tissue).

Breast Reduction Surgery

Description: Also known as reduction mammaplasty, breast reduction surgery removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body and to alleviate the discomfort associated with overly large breasts.

Procedure:

Step 1 – General anesthesia

Step 2 - The incision

A circular pattern around the areola

? A keyhole or racquet-shaped pattern with an incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease

An inverted T or anchor-shaped incision pattern

Step 3 - After the incision is made, the nipple (which remains tethered to its original blood and nerve supply) is then repositioned. The areola is reduced by excising skin at the perimeter, if necessary. Underlying breast tissue is reduced, lifted and shaped. Occasionally, for extremely large pendulous breasts, the nipple and areola may need to be removed and transplanted to a higher position on the breast (free nipple graft).

Step 4 - The incisions are brought together to reshape the now smaller breast. Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts; sutures, skin adhesives and/or surgical tape close the skin. Incision lines are permanent, but in most cases will fade and significantly improve over time.

Length of the procedure:

Recovery: When your breast reduction procedure is complete, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. An elastic bandage or support bra may be worn to minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect. You will be given specific instructions for breast reduction recovery that may include: how to care for your breasts following breast reduction surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Results: The results of breast reduction surgery will be long-lasting. Your new breast size should help relieve you from the pain and physical limitations experienced prior to breast reduction. Your better proportioned figure will likely enhance your self image and boost your self-confidence. However, over time your breasts can change due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors and gravity.

Risks and complications:

Unfavorable scarring

Infection

Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent

Anesthesia risks

Bleeding (hematoma)

Blood clots

Poor wound healing

Breast contour and shape irregularities

Skin discoloration, permanent pigmentation changes, swelling and bruising

Damage to deeper structures - such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs - can occur and may be temporary or permanent

Breast asymmetry

Fluid accumulation

Excessive firmness of the breast

Potential inability to breastfeed

Potential loss of skin/tissue of breast where incisions meet each other

Potential, partial or total loss of nipple and areola

Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications

Pain, which may persist

Allergies to tape, suture materials and glues, blood products, topical preparations or injectable agents

Fatty tissue deep in the skin could die (fat necrosis)

Possibility of revisional surgery