What is breast asymmetry?
It is the difference in size and shape of one breast from the other one congenitally, structurally, acquired, or post-breastfeeding. Two breasts in women are not usually 100% the same, but this minimal asymmetry usually does not bother the person. The situation mentioned here is that the two breasts are clearly different from each other.
What are the causes of breast asymmetry?
There are many reasons for breast asymmetry. Developmental problems such as Poland syndrome, chest wall anomalies, tubular breast deformity; acquired conditions such as trauma, breast surgery, burns, hormonal changes, weight gain and loss and asymmetrical deformity after breastfeeding. Another thing to be aware of is the sudden and rapidly developing asymmetries. In this case, the presence of tumor should be kept in mind.
What are the physical examination findings of breast asymmetry?
On physical examination, there is a visible size difference between both breasts. In addition, the inframammary folds (the folds under the breasts) and the positions of the nipples are generally at different levels.
How is breast asymmetry treated?
A detailed history and a well-performed physical examination are very important when determining the treatment algorithm. The size difference between the two breasts, the positions of the nipples, the degree of sagging/ptosis of the breasts and the patient’s demands are evaluated. Breast asymmetry correction surgeries require meticulous and accurate planning. In surgical treatment, different procedures are usually applied to different breasts. In case of volume deficiency; breast augmentation with silicone implants (See Breast Augmentation Section) or fat injection to the breast (See Fat Injection (Lipofilling) Applications Section); in case of sagging, breast lift with or without implants (See Breast Lift Section); in case of breast size, breast reduction (See Breast Reduction Section) can be performed.
What is the ideal timing for breast asymmetry correction?
The ideal timing for surgical intervention is usually after breast development is complete.
Is 100% symmetry achieved after breast asymmetry correction surgery?
The goal in these surgeries is to minimize the obvious asymmetry. However, it should not be forgotten that it is not possible to achieve 100% symmetry with any technique. Therefore, the expectation should be the most similar shape possible, rather than 100% symmetry.
Are breast asymmetry correction surgeries performed in a single session?
In these surgeries, different procedures are usually applied to different breasts and the problem is tried to be solved in a single session. However, in some cases, a second session may be required. In addition, it should not be forgotten that revision surgery may be required in difficult cases.
What is the post-operative period after breast asymmetry correction surgery?
This situation varies according to the procedure performed on one or two breasts. For detailed information, you can review the Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, and Breast Reduction sections. After the surgery, a medical bra is dressed, and this bra is used for an average of 4-6 weeks. After the breast asymmetry correction surgery, the patient is usually discharged the next day after the operation. I do not use drains unless the breasts are very large and there is a bleeding problem. You can take a shower from the 3rd day. Minimal pain after the surgery is expected, but it is possible to get through this process quite easily with the painkillers that will be prescribed to you. Patients can usually return to their daily routine activities at the end of the 1st week, but the end of the 6th week should be waited for heavy lifting and intense physical activities. The sutures do not need to be removed because they will be absorbed. It is strongly recommended not to smoke in the postoperative period. Because smoking delays wound healing by reducing the blood supply to the tissues.
Summary
Breast asymmetry correction surgeries require personalized planning. Therefore, it requires detailed physical examination and careful planning. As a result of proper planning, different processes (breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction) are usually applied to both breasts and the maximum possible symmetry is tried to be achieved. However, it should be noted that it is not possible to achieve 100% symmetry. These surgeries are one of the surgeries where patient satisfaction is high with realistic expectations, correct patient-doctor communication, correct planning, and correct techniques. You can browse the related articles in the References section. Best regards.
Sources
