Breast Asymmetry

Imagine that your breasts are like a sofa cushion. A cushion has the outer cushion fabric and it has stuffing inside the cushion. The fabric gives the cushion its shape and the stuffing inside the cushion gives its size (or volume). Your breast skin is like the cushion’s fabric. The skin gives your breast its shape. The breast tissue inside the skin gives the breast its size.

If your breasts have a different shape, you may need some sort of breast lift, also called a “mastopexy”. You can think of it as the surgeon resewing the cushion’s fabric so the cushions will look more alike. 

If your breasts have a different size, your surgeon may change the “stuffing” inside the cushion by using implants, fat grafting or taking out some tissue from the larger side. 

Because Breast Asymmetry Surgery is so custom tailored to each individual, only a visit to a Plastic Surgeon so they can see you and give recommendations, will tell you exactly what you might need.  

The goals of breast asymmetry surgery are to:

• Adjust the shape of the breasts
• Adjust the size of the breasts
• To make the left and right breasts look more the same

Because one woman might need breast implants, another might need a breast lift, and yet another might need both, the only way to know how much breast asymmetry surgery will cost is to see the Plastic Surgeon at our office where they will give you recommendations based on your particular case.  Afterwards, our Cosmetic Coordinator will let you know about what the cost would be. 

Many patients choose to receive financing for their surgery. Our Coordinator can give you the options that best fit your budget.

Breast Asymmetry Surgery can take 1-2 hours if you only need a breast implant to 3-4 hours if you need both a breast implant and a breast lift. Also, some cases may be more complex than others, which often means a longer surgery time. 

The incisions can range from a very small incision for a breast implant to a larger “donut”, “lollipop” or  “anchor”-type incision, depending on what would be best getting your breasts to look more similar. To find out more about these incisions, please look on our “breast lift” page. 

Whichever incisions are used, you can be sure that our surgeon will do everything they can to ensure that your breasts look as similar as possible. To do this, the surgeon may sit you up several times during the surgery to see what the breasts look like with gravity working on them or they may try several different size breast implants to see which looks best.

The recovery time will depend on the extent of surgery but, in general, you can expect swelling and mild discomfort at the site, which can be controlled with medication. If implants are used, your chest may feel tight and the chest muscles may be sore. 

Most women can go back to work in 7-10 days, depending on the type of work that you do. You should not do any lifting, pulling or pushing, or any strenuous activity until your surgeon says it’s ok.  

Although it is not common, there are sometimes complications after Breast Asymmetry Surgery

Asymmetry

Even after trying to make your breasts look as similar as possible, the breasts still won’t look exactly the same because our bodies always have some differences. If you look at your eyebrows or eyes, you will probably also see small differences between the left and right sides. The goal of this surgery is to make the breasts look more similar than how they started off. Complete symmetry is not possible.  

Scarring

How you scar depends on your genetics. Some people’s genetics make them more like or less likely to get scars that are darkened, raised or thickened. But rest assured that our surgeons will use the most meticulous suturing and best technology available to optimize your healing. 

Q: How much time is needed for Breast Asymmetry Surgery?
A: This particular surgery really depends on your individual case. Depending on what is needed, it could range from 1 hour to 3-4 hours.

Q: Is Breast Asymmetry Surgery an inpatient or outpatient procedure?
A: Outpatient.

Q: What are the most common problems after Breast Asymmetry Surgery?
A:  Most problems after surgery are temporary. The can include discomfort, pain, swelling, and  numbness. There will be visible scars that can range from a short scar to an anchor-type incision.

Q: What is the recovery time?
A: Most women are able to return to work or school in 7-10 days. 

Q: How long do the results last?
A: Due to the customization needed for each person, it is difficult to say for this particular surgery. In general, gravity, aging and individual skin quality will determine how long the results will last. Your surgeon will be able to answer this question in more detail during your consultation.

Q: How do I know whether I need implants or a lift?
A: During your consultation, your surgeon will give you their recommendation on whether you would benefit from implants, a lift, or both. Every situation is different and needs both artistry and keen understanding of surgical technique to achieve the best results. After you've heard the options, you and your surgeon will decide together what would work best for you.