Breast Asymmetry
Breast Asymmetry Correction
Breast asymmetry correction surgery is used to correct problems
of symmetry between breasts. There are several approaches
that can be used: the size of the smaller breast can be
increased through the use of an implant,
the size of the larger breast can be reduced through breast
reduction surgery, or implants
of differing sizes can be used to increase the size of both breasts so that they are symmetrical.
The doctors and staff at The
Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery
will work closely with you to determine which approach is
right for you and will achieve the results you are looking
for.
Are You A Good Candidate for Breast Asymmetry Correction?
If you are generally healthy and have a clear understanding
of the limitations and potential results of your breast
asymmetry correction surgery, you are an ideal candidate
for the procedure. Working closely with the doctors and
staff at The Metropolitan
Institute for Plastic Surgery, you can be assured of
a smooth and safe procedure that gives you the results you
desire.
Back to Top
Meeting With The Doctor
Prior to your surgery, you will have a detailed consultation
with the staff and doctors at The Metropolitan Institute
for Plastic Surgery. The goal of this meeting is to make
sure you are a good candidate for breast asymmetry correction
surgery and to provide you with a clear understanding of
the procedure, as well as an accurate picture of how your
breasts will look after the surgery.
The staff at The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic
Surgery will:
· Outline in detail how the surgery is performed
and what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure
· Clearly discuss the potential risks of the procedure
· Provide detailed cost, payment, and insurance (if
applicable) information
· Answer all your questions
You will be asked to provide:
· Details about your medical history
· A list of all medications you currently take including
over the counter medications such as aspirin, vitamins,
and herbal supplements
· Information regarding your tobacco and alcohol
consumption.
Back to Top
How The Procedure Is Performed
Your breast asymmetry correction surgery will be performed
at the Center for
Ambulatory Surgery, Inc. (CASI) or at one of the area
hospitals where The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic
Surgery doctors operate. The doctors and staff of the Institute
are dedicated to ensuring your complete comfort during and
after the procedure. The surgery may be performed under
either general anesthesia or local
anesthesia with sedation depending on your doctor’s
recommendation and your wishes. The procedure generally
takes one to three hours to complete and you will go home
shortly after your surgery is completed.
A
breast augmentation, breast
reduction, breast lift,
or a combination of these procedures is used to correct
the symmetry of your breasts. With these procedures, incisions
are made around the areola, under the fold of the breast,
or in the armpit area. With breast augmentation, the doctor
forms a pocket to hold your implant, which is centered under
the nipple. With breast reduction surgery, the doctor removes
excess breast tissue, fat, and skin and then contours a
new breast shape and repositions the nipple and areola.
Breast lift surgery elevates
and resculpts the breast tissue and skin envelope to provide
a more youthful shape and position.
Once the implant is in place or the new breast shape is
formed, stitches are used to close the incisions and your
breasts are bandaged with gauze dressings. A special surgical
bra is placed over your breasts after the surgery to ensure
that your breasts are held in the best position for healing
Back to Top
What To Expect After Your Surgery
| Activity | When |
|---|
| Shower or Bath | One to Two Days After Surgery |
| Back to Work | One to Two Weeks After Surgery |
| Driving | When You Are Pain Free |
| Physical Contact With Breasts | Three to Four Weeks After
Surgery |
| Strenuous Activity | Three to Four Weeks After Surgery |
| Fading of Scars |
Several Months
to One Year |
Immediately After Your Surgery
In most cases, you will be ready to go home shortly after
your breast asymmetry correction procedure. You may be drowsy
after the anesthesia and the area around the incisions will
be sore so it is important to have someone drive you home
after your surgery.
The First 24 to 48 Hours After Your Surgery
During the first 24 to 48 hours after your procedure, you
may feel tired from the anesthesia and sore from the surgery.
The doctor will prescribe pain medication to alleviate most
of the discomfort. Your discomfort level will improve rapidly
after the first two days. Recovery from breast revision
surgery is generally easier than with breast augmentation.
The First Two Weeks After Surgery
You will notice a marked improvement in your discomfort
level during the first few weeks after your surgery. Other
things to be aware of:
· The gauze dressings placed over your breasts will
be removed a few days after your surgery. Once they are
removed, you can take a shower or bath.
· Your first post-operative visit is scheduled within
two to three days after surgery; follow-up visits are scheduled
for one week, two weeks, and one month after surgery.
· Any bruising you experience will usually disappear
in about two weeks.
· You may experience some numbness in the area of
the surgery. This numbness is caused by the swelling of
your breasts after surgery and usually disappears within
six weeks of surgery.
· Your stitches will be removed within 10 to 20 days
after surgery.
You should sleep on your back for the first week after
surgery to help with the healing
process. You should wear the special surgical bra placed
over your breasts after surgery at all times for the first
few days. A softer sports bra should be worn at all times
for the first two weeks after surgery. The bra should be
worn even while sleeping to help hold your breasts in the
correct position. You may take the bra off to shower or
bathe, but must put it back on immediately after drying
off. If the bra feels too tight, call the staff at The Metropolitan
Institute for Plastic Surgery immediately – bras that
are too tight can cause skin problems.
Back to Top
Resuming Your Normal Routine
Everyone heals at different rates and you are the best judge
of when you are ready for certain activities, but the following
are general guidelines:
· You can most likely return to work or school within
a week of your surgery.
· You can resume driving as soon as you experience
no pain when you turn the steering wheel.
· You should avoid sex for at least the first week
after your surgery.
· Do not go without a bra for at least six weeks
after your surgery.
· Strenuous exercise can
begin about three to four weeks after your surgery, but
remember that everyone heals at different rates so take
these activities slowly until you feel ready. Our patients
are encouraged to plan an exercise program and discuss it
with the staff prior to resuming exercise.
· The scars on your breasts should be protected from
sunlight for at least a year after surgery.
Things To Be Aware Of After Your Surgery
· The skin of your breasts may appear shiny due to
swelling. Within a few weeks, the swelling will disappear
and the skin will return to a normal appearance.
· You may experience some numbness in the area of
your surgery, but this generally goes away within six weeks
of your surgery.
· Your breasts may heal at different rates. One breast
may swell, one may feel less comfortable, or the shapes
of your breasts may look different. This is normal; however,
when your body is fully recovered, your breasts will look
very similar and natural.
· After breast augmentation surgery, you may hear
or feel a “sloshing” sensation after surgery.
This is not the implant; it is fluid that has accumulated
in the area around the implant immediately after surgery.
Your body will naturally absorb this fluid within a few
weeks.
Back to Top
What Are The Possible Side Effects or Risks?
Like all surgical procedures, there are risks associated
with breast asymmetry correction. These risks can be greatly
reduced by closely following the instructions provided to
you by the staff of The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic
Surgery. And, the doctors and staff at the Institute will
be with you every step of the way to ensure a safe and pleasing
outcome.
Some possible side effects include:
· Infection
· Loss of nipple sensation
· Persistent asymmetry
· Implant rupture or shifting
· Capsular contraction
· Visible implant rippling
· Scarring
Back to Top
How Long Will the Results of Your Breast Asymmetry Correction
Last?
Breast reduction surgery is permanent. Breast implants are
permanent, but may require revision within five to ten years.
Also keep in mind that your breasts may sag, droop, or increase
or decrease in size over time due to the natural affects
of aging.
Questions You May Have
· Will my insurance coverage pay for my
breast asymmetry correction surgery?
In most cases, breast asymmetry correction is considered
a cosmetic procedure and, therefore, is not covered by insurance.
You are responsible for the full payment for your procedure.
Cost and payment options will be discussed fully with you
at your initial consultation. In a few cases where breast
asymmetry is significant and/or caused by congenital abnormalities
such as Poland’s syndrome, insurance may be provided.
The staff at The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery
will work with you to determine if your insurance will cover
all or part of the procedure.
· Are there alternatives to breast asymmetry correction?
No surgery is always an option. However, an augmentation, implants,
lift, reduction,
or a combination of procedures is necessary to create a
symmetrical, aesthetically pleasing shape.
Back to Top
