Anyone with significant differences in the size and shape of their breasts can undergo asymmetry correction. Women who may still want to give birth and breastfeed should carefully consider whether to have this operation, as pregnancy and breastfeeding can change the shape of their breasts. Women planning to correct breast asymmetry after giving birth should plan to do so at least six months after they stop breastfeeding.
The first step to resolving breast asymmetry involves a consultation with a plastic surgeon, who will assess the problem and recommend a solution. Most often this involves silicone implants of different sizes along with a breast lift. Somewhat less often a reduction is performed on one breast, or an implant is placed in one and the other is reshaped to match the new shape of the first. In the first case, the surgeon will recommend suitable implants during the consultation.
During the consultation the surgeon will also provide information about the operation, recovery period, healing process and potential complications. If the surgeon and patient agree on using implants, the surgeon will recommend a suitable size and shape during the consultation.
Breast asymmetry correction is performed under total anesthesia, so you will need to have an internal examination and mammogram or breast ultrasound before the operation. Your doctor needs to be informed of all medications and food supplements you take regularly, including hormonal contraception. You may need to stop taking certain medications before the operation. You should be completely healthy for the three weeks right before the operation with nothing contagious, not even a cold. If you do have any contagious illness during this time, make sure to inform your surgeon.
The operation usually involves putting silicone implants of varying sizes into the breasts to make them more symmetrical. In some cases a silicone implant is used in only one breast, or a reduction may be performed on one breast. In any case, the second breast is then modified to match the new size and shape of the first. Breast asymmetry operations are usually performed in conjunction with breast lift.
The incision usually leads from the nipple downwards and then perpendicular to that along the crease under the breast in the shape of an anchor. Tubes are placed in the incision sites to drain excess fluid, and then the incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches. Next the breasts are covered with sterile dressing and an elastic bandage. The operation takes about two hours.
Most patients stay at the clinic overnight, and then the doctor removes the drainage tubes and they can go home to continue recovering there. You can take a shower and get your breasts wet starting on the fourth day after the procedure; after the shower, put the elastic dressing back on. After several days you will trade the dressing for a compression bra, which you should wear for five weeks.
Pain levels after the procedure will depend on whether you had a reduction and lift or if silicone implants were also used. The recovery period is somewhat more painful with implants, though it can still be managed with ordinary painkillers. Swelling and hematomas usually subside within three weeks.
You should avoid physical activity for a week after the procedure. For some time after the operation you will need to lie on your back and avoid bending forward and other movements that put pressure on the pectoral muscles.
Starting 18 days after the operation we recommend that you begin massaging the scar area. We will show you how to do the massage before you leave the clinic. In most cases you press the pad of your finger on the scar hard enough that your nail turns white and hold the pressure for about 15 seconds. Do the same along the entire length of the scar, but do not go past the ends of the scar. Perform this massage at least five times a day.
After recovering at home for a week you can resume office work, and after another week you can resume light physical activity. You can return to normal activity levels four weeks after the operation. You should avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight for at least a month after the operation and protect the scars from sunlight for three months.
Anyone who has had a breast operation should come for regular checkups and have a mammogram at our mammography department if recommended by the doctor.
The results of the operation are permanent. However, the breasts will still be subject to the effects of gravity and the aging process, so they may begin to sag over time. This can be addressed with a breast lift.
