Breast asymmetry: What Is It, | Risks, Results, Options and Cost

Introduction

One of the most distinctive features of a woman, which gives her beauty, physical attractiveness, confidence, and self-esteem is her breasts. These make up a feature that defines the femininity of women since it marks the proportion and harmony of feminine forms.

According to data released by the Spanish Society in Plastic Surgery SECURE, one of the most demanded plastic surgeries in Spain is breast surgery. Along these lines, a survey carried out by the same entity showed that 53% of the interventions have an aesthetic purpose and in 47% of the cases, they are restorative.

Breast asymmetry corresponds to a restorative surgery, which, whether or not it has an aesthetic objective, is aimed at improving the morphology of the breasts, as occurs in this case, due to certain congenital malformations (Poland Syndrome, Pectus Excavatum), or asymmetries that arise due to age and other factors such as pregnancy or breast cancer.

That is why, when a woman suffers breast asymmetry, her emotional health can be affected, which is why it is increasingly common for them to seek the solution in reconstructive plastic surgery.

How do I know if I am a candidate?

No woman has perfect symmetry in the area of the breasts, but there are times when the inequality between the two is very noticeable, which is why we speak of breast asymmetry.

This concept corresponds to an imbalance in the shape, size, or location of the breasts, which translates into adverse psychological disorders such as low self-esteem, low confidence, and depression in some cases.

Each case of breast asymmetry is different and varies in each case. Some patients will be able to correct the asymmetry with the implantation of breast implants of different sizes in one breast and the other, other patients will require a deeper surgery of their mammary gland and others will obtain a better result with a reduction or elevation of their breast, as they explain. the specialists of the

In any case, emphasizes that the ideal patients to undergo this type of surgery are those with various morphological problems such as:

• When the breasts show a disproportionate and different size.
• When the architecture of the breasts and areola is different.
• When one of the breasts shows a different drop or ptosis.

This surgery is not recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding and for minors, since they are still in the process of development and the morphology of their breasts can change over time.

Types of breast asymmetry

there are 6 types of breast asymmetries:

• Type 1: Both breasts are large, but one is larger than the other. Treatment: A reduction of both breasts should be carried out.
• Type 2: One breast is of normal development and another, on the contrary, is large or hypertrophic. Treatment: Reduction only of the large breast.
• Type 3: One breast is infantile or hypoplastic and the other is large or hypertrophic. Treatment: Small breast augmentation and large breast reduction.
• Type 4: Both breasts are infantile or hypoplastic and tuberous. Treatment: The increase of both breasts.
• Type 5: One breast is tuberous and hypoplastic and the other is normal in size but very sagging. Treatment: Correction of the tuberosity and breast implant in one and mastopexy in the other.
• Type 6: Both breasts are tuberous, tube-shaped abnormal breasts, but one is larger than the other. Treatment: Correction of the tuberosity with or without a breast implant.

summarizes that this surgery has a double objective: that, once the operation is finished, they resemble each other, and that with the passage of time the changes in one and the other generate the least possible differences

Breast Reduction: What Is It, | Risks, Results, Options and Cost

How do I choose my surgeon?

It is very important to take the time to know and inquire about the professional who will perform the reconstructive surgery, so first of all, we must find out about the most recognized specialists in the field who have certified experience in this field.

The SEC recommends that patients, regardless of the reasons that lead them to undergo breast surgery, make sure that the professional in charge of it has the title of “Specialist in Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery”, and that It is obtained after at least 11 years of training (six undergraduate in Medicine and five specializations via MIR).

In addition, the intervention must be carried out in a health center with the appropriate surgical facilities and equipment.

In parallel, the ISAPS, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery explains that it is very important to trust the plastic surgeon who will be in charge of the surgery, providing us with a useful guide to making a correct choice:

• We must ensure that he is a certified, qualified, and experienced surgeon.
• You must provide patient safety by demonstrating your success rate, results, and years of experience.
• Likewise, you must provide us with information about the centers and facilities in which you attend and who make up your work team.

What is the first appointment with the surgeon like?

During the first appointment with the plastic surgeon specializing in reconstructive surgery, the patient must detail his case, exposing all his doubts, concerns, and expectations.

Then the specialist will evaluate the patient, performing an exploration of the thorax and breasts to define the specific possibilities in each case, recommending a specific surgical technique, as evaluated.

In the pre-surgical study of sinus asymmetry, the goals to be achieved with the surgical treatment must be established to offer a satisfactory result. Likewise, the patient must make clear what aspects they want to improve and what volume they want to achieve, according to

On the other hand, the specialist will ask you about your medical history such as possible allergies, illnesses, and personal and family history. In addition, at the first appointment, the surgeon will detail the procedure to be performed and what type of incision will be made depending on the type of treatment that has been selected. In the case of needing implants, also in this first consultation the shape of the implant, the cubic centimeters, and its location should be clarified.

Each of the treatments must be individualized in both breasts and according to each case. Various treatments may have to be combined to correct asymmetry, such as reducing one breast and lifting the other.

Finally, it is important to create a fluid relationship with the surgeon to achieve a satisfactory result according to expectations.

How to prepare for the day of the operation?

As in any surgery, a comprehensive pre-anesthesia study is mandatory. In addition, a comprehensive pre-operative breast examination and a mammogram will be performed. This, to look for a finding to treat in the same intervention, explains

In the different appointments, the surgeon will detail all the information about how you should prepare for the day of the surgery, what foods and liquids you can take, and until what moment. If you are a smoker, remember that you should stop smoking about 6 weeks before to avoid problems such as scarring. If you are taking any medication, the professional will tell you if you should stop it.

On the day of the surgery, it is better to be accompanied by a family member or close friend.

How is surgery performed?

As we have explained, each asymmetry requires a different type of intervention. However, to correct the various causes of breast asymmetry various interventions can be combined as the case may be:

• Augmentation mammoplasty: In some, breast asymmetry can be resolved with the implantation of breast prostheses of two different sizes, in a way that balances and gives symmetry to the breasts in a simple way. C, L, or T-shaped incisions can be made.
• Mastopexy: In another more complex case, the patient may need surgery, in which the structure of the mammary gland or the size and elevation of the breast are corrected. Mastopexy consists of lifting and relocating the breast in its natural position by removing excess breast tissue and reshaping its contour. In addition, the areola and nipple area is relocated. In this intervention, the surgeon makes almost imperceptible incisions around the areola.
• Reduction mammoplasty: The main objective of breast reduction is the reduction of the mammary glands (and sometimes the nipple) and the removal of excess skin from the breasts. The surgeon makes incisions around the areola to remove excess skin and glands according to each patient. C, L, or T-shaped incisions can be made.
• Fat transfer to correct breast size: Fat is suctioned from the abdomen, hips, or thighs, similar to liposuction. The fat is then purified and processed before being inserted into the breasts through tiny needles. Along these lines, incisions and scars are avoided. It is important to note that fat cells are free of tissue grafts. This treatment is recommended for patients with pendulous breasts of different sizes, since they can perform a breast lift with a mastopexy, in conjunction with fat transfer to achieve asymmetry in the size of the breasts.

It is important to note that in any case, general anesthesia will be required. The intervention lasts about 3 hours and, in some cases, the patient will have to spend a night in hospital. This will be defined by the surgeon according to the health condition of each patient.

What are the benefits of breast asymmetry surgery?

The benefits are multiple for patients who undergo this surgery.

In these particular cases, Dr. Martín del Yerro highlights the following benefits:

• Positive feelings about yourself increase.
• You acquire greater confidence and security in your image.
• Discomfort is usually minimal and patient satisfaction is usually very high.
• They are long-term results.

Postoperative and recovery

After a surgical intervention to correct breast asymmetry, the patient will be recommended to rest for 2 to 3 days, avoiding physical activity or effort, to promote a correct evolution and healing according to each case.

The plastic surgeon will recommend a special postoperative bra that you will need to wear for about a month. In the case of a reduction mammoplasty to correct the asymmetry, the surgeon will indicate special care such as bandages and special dressings, which will be removed a few days later.

In addition, the surgeon will prescribe pain medication, which will make the recovery process much more bearable. Additionally, patients are instructed to avoid drinking alcohol and smoking for a period of 1 to 2 weeks, as these components delay the healing process.

Generally, the stitches are removed 8 days after the intervention. Likewise, the breasts will feel more sensitive and the scars will initially be pink, an aspect that will gradually improve after the sixth week.

Finally, the specialists from the AC Clinic explain that after the intervention, the patient may present symptoms of decreased sensitivity in the nipple, but this is temporary. Likewise, return to work can be done two weeks after surgery.

What is the recovery time?

The recovery time will always vary in each patient and this will depend on their general health.  mentions that the recovery time will vary depending on the intervention that the patient performs according to the case of breast asymmetry. Along these lines, the professional explains that after a mastopexy or breast lift, the initial appearance is artificial and with a volume greater than that which corresponds due to the inflammation typical of the surgery. This usually goes down in 2 or 3 weeks. On the other hand, he mentions that it is normal to have a burning sensation in the nipples during the first two weeks. The stitches are removed in 7 to 14 days, and the swelling lasts for 3 to 6 weeks, explains

Risks and complications

If the pre and post-operative care are taken into account, there should be no complications or side effects. However, in some cases it may occur:

• Infections
• Bleeding from the incisions
• Keloids
• Healing problems
• Loss of sensation in the nipple and areola.
• Dissatisfaction with the results.

The patient must consult her surgeon immediately in the event of any of these symptoms.

Results

It is important to note that the benefits are multiple since this type of intervention has minimal risk and the patient experiences a noticeable improvement in her physical and emotional appearance in a few weeks, providing:

• More confidence and self-assurance.
• With permanent results.
• More symmetrical breasts.
• Balance your figure.
• Scar little visible in time.

Frequent questions

• Does having an asymmetrical breast affect breastfeeding? No, asymmetry is not related to the ability to breastfeed, unless one of the breasts does not have any development, according to
• What surgery should I have if I have sagging breasts and at the same time I want to reduce the size of the areola? mentions that what should be done in this case is a mastopexy, since in this intervention the size of the areola can be reduced, along with the placement of breast implants to give a better shape to the breasts.
• Can you just put one breast implant? Yes, it is very possible to put a single implant on the small side to achieve acceptable symmetry, although they will never be the same size, explains
• Is it normal to have a fever one week after the breast asymmetry operation? mentions that pain accompanied by a little fever is common after surgery, but if this persists, you must visit the plastic surgeon to rule out any problems or complications.
• Can you fix an asymmetric chest through Social Security? Breast asymmetry requires an evaluation to see if it is a case of pure aesthetics or can be classified as a malformation, says