No two breasts are the same; up to 88 percent of women have been found to have some degree of asymmetry in their breasts.
Breast asymmetry is more common than you may think and is generally corrected for cosmetic reasons. Patients may describe their breast as tubular breasts (tuberous breasts deformity), small (hypoplasia; the underdevelopment of tissue), or that their breasts sit in an irregular shape.
Fortunately, breast asymmetry can be corrected through one (or two) surgical procedures. However, if there are lumps or bumps causing the asymmetry, it is best to seek a second opinion from a health professional as it may be a sign of breast cancer.
What is involved in breast asymmetry correction?
Breast asymmetry correction can involve one or two surgical procedures, or Dr Leo Kim may choose to only work on one breast. These procedures can be combined together, and include:
- Breast Augmentation (Implants) – Dr Leo Kim can place a breast implant on the smaller breast to improve the lost breast volume and improve the breast symmetry. If the patient desires both breasts become larger, then Dr Leo Kim has the option to use an implant (of two different sizes) to create symmetry and enhance the breasts. Alternatively, Dr Leo Kim can choose to use the same sized breast implants on both sides, as well as performing a breast lift or reduction on the larger breast to give the optimal results for the patient, in terms of desired shape and volume.
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy) – Generally found in breast asymmetry where one breast is slightly larger, often the nipple and areola is lower than the other breast. This is often a result of breastfeeding. In this case, a breast lift can be performed on one side. However, in patients with tuberous breasts, a breast lift and implant are often combined, plus the addition of fat grafting to enhance both breast volume and contour the shape.
- Breast Reduction (Reduction mammaplasty) – A breast reduction may be performed on the larger breast to match the smaller breast in both breast volume and shape. However, if the patient desires both breasts be smaller, this gives Dr Leo Kim the option to perform a breast reduction on both sides, with the exception of how much breast tissue is removed from both sides to help achieve breast symmetry.
The procedure, or combination of procedures, used to create an improved breast symmetry will be discussed and established during your consultation with Dr Leo Kim.
Breast Asymmetry Correction Recovery
Recovery for breast asymmetry correction surgery will depend on what procedure(s) the patient chooses to undergo. Minor swelling, bruising and possible minor discomfort is expected after any breast surgery, and in some cases for breast augmentation, the swelling or minor comfortability may be slightly longer. Any pain, discomfort or swelling can be controlled through medication prescribed by your doctor.
Scarring may take time to heal and will mature over time and become barely perceptible. However, scarring will depend on what procedure(s) you undergo and where the incision is placed.
During recovery, you will be required to wear a garment for the first four to six weeks around the clock, separate from showering. This will help support your new breasts and reduce swelling; however, this will subside after around two weeks. You may require assistance after surgery for the first few days to help perform day-to-day activities, including driving home from the surgery. Daily activities can be resumed at 6 weeks post-surgery.
Your final results may not be able to be seen until around three to twelve months post-operation.
What to know before breast asymmetry correction
Before considering a surgical procedure such as a breast asymmetry correction, you must be in generally good health with no medical conditions that impair healing or increase surgical risk, maintain a stable weight, be a non-smoker or have quit smoking, uphold a positive mindset and have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve as well as your surgeons’ abilities.
It is also important to establish what size you desire; if you want to only achieve an accurate symmetry to your original size, enlarge your breasts and create symmetry, or possibly downsize both breasts. This can be discussed during your consultations with Dr Leo Kim and if necessary, he can give a rough idea of a suitable size. However, it is essential you have an idea of what size you’d like.
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Risks associated with breast asymmetry correction
Any invasive surgical procedure poses risk. These risks will be discussed with you in detail at your consultation.
- Anaesthesia – Some patients experience an adverse reaction to the anaesthesia. If you’ve experienced a bad reaction to anaesthesia before it is crucial you mention this to your surgeon during the consultation.
- Bleeding – Bleeding can occur and while a little light bleeding is no concern, excessive bleeding may require a return to operating theatre. Fortunately, this is rare.
- Breast Implant Complications – To learn more about the risks associated with breast implant insertion, visit breast augmentation surgery.
- Haematoma – A painful pool or pocket of blood that can accumulate under the skin, resembling a bruise. Fortunately, this is rare.
- Infection – You will be provided with the right antibiotics to prevent any posed risk of infection. Following postoperative care procedures is the best way to avoid any risk of infection.
- Numbness – It is rare for permanent numbness to occur; however, it is possible and something to keep in mind. Loss of sensation can also occur in the nipple or surrounding the nipple.
- Poor Scar Healing – Noticeable healing and bad scarring are extremely rare. Poor scar healing is virtually unheard of when postoperative scar care is followed closely.
- Revision Surgery – Some patients choose to come in for a second surgery to help better achieve their desired results.
Breast Asymmetry Correction FAQs
Dr Leo Kim and his experienced team have answered frequently asked questions regarding this surgery. If you have a separate question or concern, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
No two breasts are the same. A retrospective analysis of 100 patients in 2006 showed an overall of 88 percent of women examined had some degree of asymmetry, and 65 percent of these women had more than one parameter of asymmetry (whether it was asymmetric breasts, asymmetric nipples, etc.).
Therefore, breast asymmetry is very common, however, some women develop a more pronounced asymmetricity thereby, seeking a correctional surgery. If this sounds familiar to you and your breasts, request a consultation with Dr Leo Kim at Quayside Specialists, Sydney CBD, to learn more about your options.
If you choose to correct your breast asymmetry through breast implants, which is possible, Dr Leo Kim can place a breast implant on the smaller breast to improve the lost breast volume and improve the breast symmetry. If you wish to enlarge both breasts, Dr Leo Kim has the option to use an implant (of two different sizes) to create symmetry and enhance the breasts.
Alternatively, if you wish to correct your breast asymmetry without using breast implants, breast asymmetry can be addressed surgically with either a breast lift, a breast reduction, or a combination of procedures. Request a consultation with Dr Leo Kim at Quayside Specialists, Sydney CBD, to discuss your options in further detail.
There are different kinds of breast asymmetries, which can include the difference in size or tissue density. On a mammogram, asymmetry typically means there’s more tissue in one area than on the opposite side (this is the white area displayed on the mammogram).
Request a consultation with Dr Leo Kim at Quayside Specialists, Sydney CBD, to discuss your options for breast asymmetry correction surgery in further detail.
Breast Asymmetry Correction Sydney CBD
When you come in to see Dr Leo Kim at Quayside Specialists, Sydney CBD, we will ensure you feel self-assured about your decision and are fully informed on all the options suitable for your needs.
Contact us today to book a consultation or make an enquiry.