Breast Asymmetry
(Asymmetry Mammoplasty)
Breast Asymmetry (Asymmetry Mammoplasty)
NYC Breast Asymmetry Correction
While many women wish to increase the size of their breasts, and others wish to reduce the size of their breasts, some women have a different issue altogether: they have breasts that are two different sizes. Breast asymmetry is a difference in the size and shape of breasts as compared to each other. While no breasts are perfectly matched, in some cases, significant asymmetry can exist, with differences ranging up to a full cup size or more. Breast asymmetry may cause considerable social embarrassment for some women, even prompting them to restrict certain activities, such as swimming or intimacy, in order to mask their condition. And, when the differences between the breasts are extreme, it can be difficult to camouflage, even underneath clothing.
Breast asymmetry (asymmetry mammoplasty) is usually first noticed during the teenage years, and continues to develop as you mature, resulting in variations in size, shape, and nipple position. Breast asymmetry may also result from a condition known as tuberous breasts, in which the breasts fail to develop properly. Breast tissue is constricted in tuberous breasts, preventing the breasts from filling out into a round shape. Instead, tuberous breasts are narrow from top to bottom, with a tube-like shape and, often, an enlarged or bulging areola.
There are many excellent options to correct breast asymmetry, allowing the formation of well-shaped, natural-looking breasts that are in balance with each other. Dr. Levine offers a full range of procedures to correct breast asymmetry, including breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast shaping and contouring, breast lift, and breast tissue expansion and reconstruction.*| WHAT CAN BREAST ASYMMETRY CORRECTION DO FOR ME?* |
| Bring breasts into better balance with each other |
| Reduce the size of an overly large breast |
| Increase the size of a small breast |
| Reposition nipples to improve symmetry |
| Reduce the size of the areola |
| Release constricted breast tissue |
| Reshape tuberous breasts |
Who is a good candidate for breast asymmetry correction?
Women with noticeable differences in the size, shape, or nipple position of their breasts, as well as women who want to bring better balance to their breasts, may be good candidates for breast asymmetry correction. Additionally, women with tuberous or constricted breasts may benefit from this procedure as well. Dr. Levine will meet with you to discuss your goals and expectations, and help you determine if breast asymmetry correction would be right for you.
| BREAST ASYMMETRY CORRECTION AT A GLANCE | ||
| Procedure* | Recovery* | Post-Op Care* |
| Performed in our in-office surgical facility | Go home same day |
Surgical bra recommended for 2 weeks post surgery |
| Surgery time approximately 2-4 hours | Back to work in 5-7 days | Sutures will dissolve on their own |
| Incision placement varies,depending on specific corrections needed | Light exercise in 1 week | |
| Twilight or general anesthesia | More strenuous exercise in 3-4 weeks | |
| Swelling and breast tenderness for 1-2 weeks | ||
How is breast asymmetry correction performed?
There are many techniques that may be used to correct breast asymmetry. Surgical correction may be needed on one or both breasts, depending on your specific condition. Your procedure may include a breast implant with or without tissue expansion to improve a smaller breast; liposuction and traditional incisional breast reduction on a larger breast; as well as lifting and reshaping of one or both breasts. Dr. Levine will discuss with you the best technique or combination of techniques to address your specific concerns, and answer any questions that you may have.
Where do you place incisions for breast asymmetry correction?
Incisions will be placed carefully in order to minimize visible scarring where possible. Incision placement will depend on many factors, including your specific anatomy, the type of procedure needed, and the amount of correction you desire. Dr. Levine will discuss with you the best place for your incisions, but in general, incisions are usually made in one of several patterns:
- At the lower border of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple (peri-areolar)
- In the arm pit (axilla)
- Around the areola (circumareolar)
- In the crease between the breast and the chest (infra-mammary fold)
- Around the areola, and then vertically down to the breast crease (lollipop or vertical pattern)
What kind of results can I expect from breast asymmetry correction?
Patients can experience transformative results from breast asymmetry correction.* While breast surgery can help improve the shape, position, and symmetry of the breasts, it’s important to remember that breasts are dynamic organs that transform over time due to natural aging and hormonal changes. Breast surgery cannot stop the natural aging process, and you should expect certain changes in the breasts as you continue to age, including changes in breast size, shape, and symmetry.
Can breast asymmetry correction be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Breast asymmetry correction may be combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as inverted nipple correction, tummy tuck, and liposuction. Dr. Levine will discuss with you what procedures or combination of procedures may best suit your specific needs.
How can I prepare for breast asymmetry correction?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Levine will examine your breasts to determine their physical condition, the thickness and quality of the skin, and the degree of asymmetry. He will also address your medical history to determine other factors that may affect breast surgery, such as hormonal influences, history of weight fluctuations, and pregnancy. Most women will need a current mammogram (within one year) in order to serve as a baseline for postoperative comparison. Dr. Levine will thoroughly discuss your goals and expectations, including possible risks and the best way to prepare for your surgery. He will let you know what to expect before, during, and after your procedure, and he will answer any questions that you may have.
What type of anesthesia will be used for breast asymmetry correction?
We recommend twilight or general anesthesia for breast asymmetry correction. You will discuss your procedure thoroughly with both Dr. Levine and our board-certified anesthesiologist to determine the best type of anesthesia for your needs.
What can I expect during breast asymmetry correction?
Breast asymmetry correction can be performed in our state-of-the-art, in-office operating suite, which is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). The length of your procedure will depend on the extent of the correction needed, but on average, the surgery usually takes 2-4 hours.* After your procedure, you will wake up in our warm and caring recovery suite, where our licensed, registered nurse will make sure you are comfortable and assist in your recovery. You may return home the same day with a friend or family member.
What can I expect after breast asymmetry correction?
Every surgery is different, and you will receive detailed post-operative instructions for your specific needs. In general, you can expect to have possible bruising, swelling, and tenderness of the breasts for 1-2 weeks after surgery. Most patients report mild to moderate pain after the surgery, which is usually well-tolerated with medications.* At Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, our concern for you doesn’t end when you go home. We’re dedicated to providing ongoing care to ensure a fast, safe, and smooth recovery. Dr. Levine will see you for post-operative visits, and he and our staff stand ready to answer any questions you may have about your recovery, as well as your overall health and well-being.
