Breast asymmetry can make you feel physically as well as emotionally disfigured. Restoring symmetry can have powerful effects on your self-esteem and confidence.
Subtle breast asymmetry is very common and may go unnoticed. In fact, only a minority of women are said to have symmetrical breasts. However, in cases where asymmetry is a noticeable concern, surgical correction at Waverley House Plastic Surgery Centre in Adelaide is possible.
The Effects of Breast Asymmetry
Asymmetries of ten percent or greater are far more apparent and can become problematic on a number of different levels. The degree of asymmetry can be due to normal variations, injury, disease, birth or growth abnormalities that affect one of the breasts. Breast deformities such as tuberous breasts or Poland syndrome can also result in a significant mismatch.
Whatever the cause, breast asymmetry can have profound negative physical and psychological ramifications. The imbalance can have detrimental effects on posture causing secondary discomfort in the back, neck and shoulders. Clothing and bras can also be challenging and a nuisance to wear. If breast prostheses or bra fillers are used to increase the size of the smaller breast, it can be uncomfortable and cause insecurities because they can fall out on occasion. These physical challenges only compound poor self-esteem, because breast asymmetry can make someone feel physically as well as emotionally disfigured.
Social pressures can sometimes deter a patient from seeking advice about their asymmetry for fear of being considered vain or overly body image conscious.
There is nothing wrong with having asymmetrical breasts, however, if your asymmetry is a source of physical or emotional distress, then it might be worth discussing your options with one of our surgeons.
Breast Asymmetry Surgery
As there are many forms of breast asymmetry, there are many possible ways to restore balance. Our plastic surgeon Dr Rodney Cooter will explore your ideal goals in the context of your general health and body shape. During your consultation, which breast you prefer or wish to address will be discussed. In some instances, both breasts may need to be altered.
Breast asymmetry correction often involves a combination of strategies and may involve a single-stage or multi-stage procedure. Mastopexy (Breast Lift), breast reduction, breast augmentation, breast expansion and fat grafting are just some of the strategies that could be used.
Our surgeon, Dr Cooter has a special interest in breast aesthetic surgery and is well equipped to help you achieve your goals.
During this procedure, the width, position and fullness of each breast will be adjusted to create a more symmetrical appearance. The approach that will be used will depend on what needs to be achieved as well as patient preferences. All of the available options will be discussed during your consultation with plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Rodney Cooter (FRACS).
If it’s determined that breast augmentation should be included, fat grafting and implants can be discussed, each of which has its own pros and cons. Different types of implants will also produce different results.
The average breast asymmetry correction procedure takes about 3 hours to complete and will require an anaesthetic.
Recovery after Breast Asymmetry Correction
Patients will be placed in a recovery room directly after their procedure in St Andrews Hospital. Once most of the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off, a friend or family member will be able to drive you home.
Recovery will differ for everyone and depend on what was done. The average patient will need to take at least a week off work, after which, general activities can be resumed. A post-surgical bra will need to be worn after this procedure and if drains were placed during surgery, they will need to be removed up to 5 days later.
Swelling may be present for several weeks, which means your breasts will appear larger than they really are. The final results of breast surgery are clearer after 3 months once the implants have settled and the breast tissue has recovered.
Light exercise will be possible about a week after your procedure, but this excludes any upper body exercises. Any exercises involving your pectoral muscles should be restricted for 6 weeks after your procedure. In most instances, patients can return to their normal exercise routines after 12 weeks.
You will have the full support of the medical staff at Waverley House after your surgery. A follow up visit 1 and 6 weeks after your surgery will ensure that your results are on track. Dr Cooter will also provide you with detailed aftercare instructions that include wound care, sleeping, showering and exercise. All of these instructions should be carefully followed to ensure the best outcome.
At Waverley House, your breast augmentation will be automatically registered with the Australian Breast Device Registry (ABDR). The ABDR collect objective data in a field that has been historically unregulated and difficult to monitor. This initiative will improve the quality and safety of breast surgery. Dr Cooter was one of the founders of the ABDR.
