Breast Asymmetry
Waterfront Hospital Edinburgh, Scotland
Breast asymmetry correction, commonly known as breast asymmetry surgery, addresses differences in size, shape, or position between the breasts. This procedure aims to enhance symmetry and improve the overall appearance of the breasts. Breast asymmetry is a common concern among women and can have a significant impact on self-esteem and body image.
Overview
Breast Asymmetry Correction
- TYPE OF ANAESTHETIC
General - LENGTH OF SURGERY
2-3 Hours - HOSPITAL STAY
Day surgery - RECOVERY
1-2 weeks off work, 6 weeks before strenuous exercise
What the procedure involves
The breast asymmetry correction procedure at Waterfront Private Hospital encompasses various surgical techniques tailored to each patient’s specific needs and goals. Depending on the individual’s anatomy and desired outcome, the procedure may involve one or a combination of the following techniques:
Breast Augmentation:
- Rationale: Breast augmentation involves the insertion of implants or fat transfer to increase the volume and size of the breasts. This procedure is suitable for patients with one breast smaller than the other (breast hypoplasia) or those desiring larger breasts overall.
- Implants: Silicone implants are commonly used to achieve symmetrical breast size. The implant type, size, and shape choice depend on the patient’s anatomy, preferences, and desired outcome.
- Fat Transfer: In cases where the size discrepancy is minimal, or the patient prefers a more natural approach; fat transfer involves harvesting fat from one part of the body (e.g., abdomen or thighs) through liposuction and injecting it into the smaller breast to achieve symmetry.
Breast Reduction:
- Rationale: Breast reduction surgery (reduction mammoplasty) is indicated when one breast is significantly larger than the other (breast hypertrophy). This procedure removes excess breast tissue, skin, and fat from the larger breast to achieve symmetry with the smaller breast.
- Techniques: Various surgical techniques, such as vertical or anchor-shaped pattern breast reduction, may be employed depending on the amount of tissue to be removed and the desired breast shape. The surgeon will tailor the technique to minimise scarring and preserve nipple sensitivity.
Breast Uplift (Mastopexy):
- Rationale: Mastopexy corrects sagging or droopy breasts, which can contribute to breast asymmetry. This procedure lifts and reshapes the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to restore a more youthful and symmetrical appearance.
- Techniques: Mastopexy techniques include periareolar, vertical, or full anchor-shaped incisions, depending on the degree of breast ptosis. The surgeon will choose the appropriate technique based on the patient’s breast shape, nipple position, and amount of sagging.
Combination Procedures:
- Rationale: In many cases of breast asymmetry, a combination of procedures may be necessary to achieve optimal results. For example:
- Augmentation-Mastopexy: Combining breast augmentation with a breast lift is beneficial for patients who desire both increased breast volume and improved breast position and shape.
- Reduction-Mastopexy: This combination is suitable for patients with one breast that is significantly larger and droopier than the other, aiming to achieve both volume reduction and breast lift.
Benefits and expected outcomes
Breast asymmetry correction offers a range of medical and aesthetic benefits that can significantly enhance a patient’s quality of life and self-confidence. At Waterfront Private Hospital, we prioritise delivering outcomes that align with our patient’s goals and expectations. Here are some key benefits and expected outcomes of breast asymmetry correction:
Improved Breast Symmetry: The primary goal of breast asymmetry correction is to achieve more balanced and symmetrical breasts. Patients can enjoy a more harmonious and proportionate appearance by addressing differences in size, shape, or position between the breasts.
Enhanced Body Proportion: Correcting breast asymmetry can help improve overall body proportion and silhouette. Achieving balanced breast symmetry can contribute to a more aesthetically pleasing figure, enhancing the patient’s overall body contour and proportions.
Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem: Breast asymmetry can significantly impact a person’s self-esteem and body image. By achieving more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing breasts, patients often experience a boost in confidence and self-assurance, leading to improved quality of life and enhanced social interactions.
Clothing Fit and Wardrobe Options: Breast asymmetry can make finding well-fitting clothing challenging and limit wardrobe options. Following breast asymmetry correction, patients can enjoy the freedom to confidently wear a wider range of clothing styles without the need for padding or specialised undergarments.
Natural-Looking Results: Our skilled surgeons at Waterfront Private Hospital strive to achieve natural-looking results that blend seamlessly with the patient’s overall appearance. Whether through breast augmentation, reduction, or lift techniques, we aim to create breasts that look and feel natural, with minimal scarring and a balanced aesthetic outcome.
Improved Comfort and Function: For patients experiencing physical discomfort or limitations due to breast asymmetry, such as back, neck, or shoulder pain, breast asymmetry correction can relieve and improve overall comfort and functionality in daily activities.
Before and after breast asymmetry correction
Who is an ideal candidate?
- Bothered by Noticeable Differences: Candidates should be bothered by noticeable differences in breast size, shape, or position that affect their self-esteem or confidence.
- Good Overall Health: Candidates should have good overall health, with no underlying medical conditions that could increase surgical risks or complications.
- Realistic Expectations: Candidates should have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes and understand that achieving perfect symmetry may not always be possible.
- Motivated for Change: Candidates should be motivated to undergo breast asymmetry correction to improve their physical appearance and enhance their quality of life.
- Stable Weight: Candidates should be stable in weight, as significant fluctuations in weight can affect the long-term results of the procedure.
- Non-smokers: Candidates who are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking before and after the procedure to minimize surgical risks and promote optimal healing.
Risks and considerations
Breast asymmetry correction carries potential risks and considerations, as with any surgical procedure. Here are some general risks and considerations associated with breast asymmetry correction:
- Infection: There is a risk of infection following any surgical procedure. Our hospital maintains strict protocols for infection control to minimize this risk.
- Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery is a potential complication. Our surgical team controls bleeding and monitors patients closely during the postoperative period.
- Scarring: All surgical procedures result in some degree of scarring. Our surgeons use advanced techniques and minimize incision size to reduce visible scarring whenever possible.
- Changes in Nipple Sensation: Some patients may experience changes in nipple sensation following breast asymmetry correction. These changes may be temporary or permanent and can vary from person to person.
- Issues relating to breast implants, if used: Lifelong maintenance, implant movement and rupture, capsular contracture, anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
- Asymmetry Recurrence: While breast asymmetry correction aims to achieve balanced results, asymmetry recurrence is possible over time. Our surgeons strive to achieve long-lasting results, but additional procedures may sometimes be necessary.
It’s important for patients to thoroughly understand the risks and considerations associated with breast asymmetry correction. For more detailed information about the specific risks and considerations associated with procedures such as breast augmentation, breast uplift and reduction, and augmentation mastopexy, we encourage patients to refer to the procedure-specific pages on our website. These pages provide comprehensive information about each procedure, including potential risks, benefits, and expected outcomes.
Further reading:
British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS): BAAPS Breast Augmentation, Breast Uplift (Mastopexy), Breast Reduction
Aftercare and recovery
Following breast asymmetry correction, patients will receive detailed post-procedure care and recovery instructions. Recovery time varies depending on the specific procedures performed, but patients can typically expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising initially. Our dedicated staff provides comprehensive aftercare support, including follow-up appointments and guidance on resuming normal activities.
Frequently asked questions about breast asymmetry correction
What is breast asymmetry?
Breast asymmetry refers to a condition in which one breast differs in size, shape, or position from the other. It’s common among women and can vary in severity from subtle differences to more noticeable disparities.
What causes breast asymmetry?
Breast asymmetry can result from a variety of factors, including genetics, hormonal fluctuations, developmental abnormalities, trauma, or previous breast surgeries. In some cases, breast asymmetry may be present from birth, while in others, it may develop over time.
How common is breast asymmetry?
Breast asymmetry is extremely common, with studies suggesting that nearly 80% of women have some degree of breast asymmetry. It’s important to note that mild asymmetry is normal and often not a cause for concern.
Can breast asymmetry be corrected without surgery?
In some cases, mild breast asymmetry may be camouflaged with techniques such as padding or specialised bras. However, surgical correction may be necessary for more significant asymmetry to achieve optimal results.
What surgical options are available for breast asymmetry correction?
Surgical options for correcting breast asymmetry include augmentation, reduction, lift (mastopexy), or a combination of procedures. These techniques aim to improve breast symmetry and overall appearance based on individual needs and goals.
Am I a candidate for breast asymmetry correction surgery?
Ideal candidates for breast asymmetry correction are individuals bothered by noticeable differences in size, shape, or position. Good candidates generally have good overall health and realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes.
What are the risks associated with breast asymmetry correction surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, breast asymmetry correction carries potential risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring, changes in nipple sensation, or asymmetry recurrence. However, these risks can be minimised with proper preoperative evaluation and surgical techniques.
How long is the recovery period after breast asymmetry correction surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the specific procedures performed, but most patients can expect to resume normal activities within a few weeks. For optimal healing and outcomes, it’s important to follow postoperative instructions carefully and attend follow-up appointments.
Will my insurance cover the cost of breast asymmetry correction surgery?
In most cases, breast asymmetry correction surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure and may not be covered by insurance. However, some insurance plans may cover the cost if the procedure is deemed medically necessary. Patients are encouraged to check with their insurance provider for specific coverage details.
How much does breast asymmetry correction surgery cost in Scotland?
The cost of breast asymmetry correction surgery can vary depending on the surgeon’s experience, geographic location, facility fees, and the specific procedures performed. Typically, costs range from £4500 to £9000. It is important to consult with a qualified surgeon to discuss pricing and financing options.
Can breast asymmetry correction surgery affect breastfeeding in the future?
Breastfeeding can be affected if breast uplift or reduction surgery is required. While some women may still be able to breastfeed after surgery, discussing any concerns with your surgeon during the consultation process is essential, as individual factors may influence breastfeeding ability.
What should I look for in a plastic surgeon for breast asymmetry correction surgery in the UK?
When selecting a plastic surgeon for breast asymmetry correction surgery in the UK, prioritise safety, expertise, and quality of care. Look for a surgeon board-certified by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) or the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS). These professional organisations ensure surgeons adhere to rigorous training standards, ethics, and patient safety. Factors such as the surgeon’s experience and specialisation in cosmetic breast surgery, patient reviews, before-and-after photos, and their approach to personalised care and communication should also be considered. A thorough consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon will help determine if they fit your breast asymmetry correction needs.
