Balancing Lopsided Breasts
Posted: Sunday 3 April 2011 11:43am
My right breast is much larger and droopier than the other, which not only looks awful and feels uncomfortable, but makes it very difficult to buy bras and or get clothes to fit properly at the top. My left breast is just fine – can I have surgery on just one, without them looking completely different? I’m 42.
The Condition
Breast asymmetry is a condition where one breast is larger than the other. The right versus the left breast of any woman is very often of different size and even a different shape. Although common, these differences are perceptible but not very great. There are options on how to correct this condition.
Surgery for breast asymmetry may involve augmentation of one or both breasts, or reduction mammoplasty of one or both breasts.
The Options
Breast augmentation can be performed on one breast, increasing its size and making it similar to the other one. Breast reduction can also be performed to reduce the larger of the two breasts. This involves removal of excess fat and skin. Either procedure results in breasts that are more similar in size.
The choice of which procedure to undergo to correct breast asymmetry is something I would discuss with each patient according to their needs.
Breast asymmtery correction by Dr Merten.
The Outcome
Breast asymmetry correction is never perfect, and the breasts may age differently and respond to pregnancy and weight gain differently, so there is a likelihood of needing further surgery over time.
Correcting breast asymmetry has not only helped women improve upon their appearance, but it can also provide a boost to their self-esteem and self-confidence.
The Costs
When surgery is done for significant breast asymmetry, then Medicare rebates apply, including for breast augmentation for one side. The cost will therefore be significantly less if the patient has health insurance, because then the hospital fees and cost of the implant are covered, and the doctor’s rebates are higher. Cost would vary from $2000 for a single-sided procedure with health insurance, to $15,000 for a complex bilateral procedure without health insurance.
Where It’s Performed
I usually advise a one night stay if I am doing a breast reduction. If the surgery is a breast augmentation, I usually recommend day only surgery
The Recovery
In the short term, side effects include mild postoperative pain, bleeding and infection (which are rare). Surgical swelling settles over a few weeks. In the long term, there may be a alteration in nipple sensation, potential problems breast feeding (depending what surgery is done) and the presence of scars.
The Downtime
I recommend about 6 weeks of light activities, so no strenuous exercise, etc. Driving is restricted for the first week and return to work after 5-10 days.
Most of the bruising is gone within 10 days. The swelling takes a few more weeks, and the incisions get progressively stronger over the same period.
The Longterm Results
Scars generally take about a year to fade and are usually very acceptable. The exact pattern depends on what surgery is done, but whenever possible I place scars in non-visible areas, such as underneath the breasts.
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