Breast Asymmetry Correction - Before and After
Fast Recovery
In our clinic, we have been using this surgical method for over 10 years, with experience and proven results demonstrated by the low percentage of complications.
Our goal is to make the recovery as comfortable and quick as possible, always prioritizing safety and minimizing complications.
More important than recovering quickly is that everything goes well without avoidable complications.
What is breast
Asymmetry Correction?
No woman has 100% symmetrical breasts. There are always small differences that in most cases go unnoticed and are not a cause of discomfort for the woman. However, in some cases, this asymmetry is quite evident after adolescence, and may even be a malformation. In some situations, this can be greatly displeasing for the woman, who often suffers in silence, avoiding revealing her condition in activities as simple as sports or going to the beach, because of body shame.
Breast asymmetry is the medical term used to describe a difference in a woman’s breasts. These differences may be in the size, shape, characteristics of the nipples and areolas. Some women show a combination of these differences.
Causes of
Breast Asymmetry
Breast asymmetry affects most women and may be more or less evident. The differences in the characteristics of the breasts are essentially due to the following factors:
- Anatomical features: we are naturally asymmetrical. Asymmetry does not common only to women’s breasts, but also to other parts of the body such as the arms, legs, fingers and even the eyebrows. Asymmetry only presents a problem when it is too evident and affects self-esteem;
- Hormonal changes: there are many women who, during adolescence, do not fully or symmetrically develop breast tissue, due to unknown hormonal imbalances. In some women, this asymmetry persists after puberty, which can become very distressing as it interferes with the development of a healthy body image and self-confidence;
- Nodules and Cysts: in some cases, nodules and cysts can be the cause of breast asymmetries. Evaluation by a specialist is essential to ensure it is a benign malformation which does not require surgical intervention;
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: breast asymmetry after pregnancy and breastfeeding is very common because each breast works independently and reacts differently. One of the factors that contribute to breast asymmetries is the accumulation of milk and differences in milk production between one breast and the other.
* There are other causes for breast asymmetries, such as traumatic injuries, some surgical failure or complications such as capsular contractures (possible complication of breast augmentation).
For whom is a
Breast Asymmetry Correction indicated?
Breast asymmetry correction is indicated for healthy, emotionally mature women, with realistic expectations and who present one or more of the following characteristics:
- Breast Hypoplasia and Hypertrophy: one breast is very small whereas the other one is very large;
Asymmetric hypoplasia: very small and undeveloped breasts, but one larger than the other; - Unilateral or asymmetric saggy breasts (ptosis): either only one breast is saggy or one is sagging more than the other;
- Asymmetric position: when the breasts are positioned differently;
- Areolar asymmetry: difference in the size and position of the areolas and nipples;
- Tubular breasts: this deformity has different degrees of constriction, size and shape asymmetry, and herniated areolar complexes.
Breast Asymmetry Correction:
Personalized Treatment Plan
Some patients have only one deformity, such as a breast size difference (which can be corrected with implants of different sizes), whereas others showcase several deformities, which may require a combination of several techniques. Each case is unique and must be carefully evaluated in order to achieve the most symmetrical result possible. The breast asymmetry correction can be performed by combining the following techniques:
Augmentation Mammoplasty
In cases of asymmetry, breast augmentation is performed with breast implants of different sizes to correct the size difference and achieve a more harmonious and symmetrical result.
Mastopexy
Whether the sagging is congenital or caused by weight fluctuations or pregnancy/breastfeeding, the mastopexy techniques chosen will be the most appropriate to achieve a more harmonious and proportional chest. Breast uplift can be performed with or without implants.
Reduction Mammoplasty
Breast asymmetry correction can be performed with a breast reduction when one or both breasts are excessively large. The goal of breast reduction is to reduce breast size as well as reshape breast tissue to improve shape and projection.
Tuberous Breasts Correction
Tubular breasts are very common and often associated with cases of breast asymmetry. The correction of the tuberous breast will improve fundamental aspects for the harmony of the breast, as the creation of the lower breast pole, restructuring of the breast tissue to a rounder shape, smaller and more proportional areolas, etc.
What Results Can I Expect
after Performing a Breast Asymmetry Correction?
The result of a breast asymmetry correction is visible immediately after surgery, but the end result is expected only after a few months. Women who undergo surgery to correct breast asymmetry report a considerable life quality and self-esteem improvement, as they start wearing clothes they did not feel comfortable with, such as low-cut tops and bikinis.
Type of anesthesia
The breast asymmetry correction is usually performed with sedation and local anesthesia. The patient is firstly sedated by the anesthesiologist and then, when asleep, local anesthetics are injected so that no pain is felt during the procedure.
TYPES OF INCISION – SCAR
The scars will depend on the initial condition of the breasts, the type of asymmetry and necessary interventions. The asymmetry correction may imply different types of scars on each of the breasts.
- Augmentation mammoplasty: inframammary or periareolar scar;
- Tuberous breasts correction: usually implies a periareolar scar;
- Mastopexy: vertical scar or inverted T;
- Reduction Mammoplasty: vertical scar or inverted T.
Your Breast Asymmetry Correction Medical Appointment
The medical appointment regarding your breast asymmetry correction will focus on several different aspects, so that you become properly informed:
Discussion
The first step of your appointment is to share with the medical team what problems you face and the results you want to achieve.
Simulation with Vectra 3D
In some cases, it is possible to perform a simulation, which will give an idea of what kind of results can be achieved with the surgery.
Detailed explanation
Apart from clarifying all your doubts – the risks of surgery, pre and post-operative care and the results you can expect – a personalized treatment plan is outlined.
Quote
After the medical appointment you will be presented with an exact quote for the combination of surgeries required. You can then set the date for your surgery.
Simulation 3D of breast asymmetry correction
Vectra XT 3D is a revolutionary software that enables real time visualization of the “before and after” of a breast asymmetry correction, allowing patients to have an idea of the results they can achieve with different types and sizes of silicone prostheses, thus managing their expectations more realistically.
Additionally, if doubt still remains regarding size or shape, it is possible to define the best implant for each specific woman during the surgery itself, making use of “sizers”.
The breast asymmetry
correction step-by-step
The treatment of breast asymmetry is completely personalized according to the initial characteristics of the breast and may involve a combination of several surgical techniques:
MARKING THE PATIENT
The markings are made with the patient standing to enable correct visualization of the differences in the two breasts - size, sagging, areola characteristics, etc.
SEDATION
The sedative is administered intravenously by the Anesthesiologist who will be present throughout the surgery.
DISINFECTION
The area to be treated is cleaned and disinfected to reduce the risk of infection. Operative fields are placed to isolate the intervention area from the external environment.
LOCAL ANESTHESIA
The local anesthetics are injected into the area to be treated. The patient will already be asleep, so she will feel neither the stings nor any kind of pain during the surgery.
INCISIONS
Incisions are made according to previously planned surgical techniques - inframammary, circumareolar, vertical, or inverted T. Breast asymmetry correction may imply a different scar in each breast.
POCKET LOCATION
If breast implants are to be placed, a pocket is created to place them.
PLACEMENT OF SIZERS
Before the actual implants are placed, a simulation is performed with sizers, to visualize the end result.
TRIPLE ANTIBIOTHERAPY
The implants are immersed in antibiotics to decrease the risk of infection.
IMPLANT INSERTION
Breast implants are inserted in the pocket.
INCISION CLOSING
The incisions are closed using absorbable suture threads. The patient is then seated on the table to check the result and symmetry.
SURGICAL GLUE
The glue is applied over the scars and seals the skin, isolating the scar from the external environment. The surgical glue does not require any dressings and falls off gradually after 15 days.
POST-ANESTHESIA CARE
Before being transported to a recovery room, a post-surgical bra is worn. The patient is awakened by the anesthesiologist and is then sent to the recovery room where she remains under observation before being discharged.
Preparation
Breast Asymmetry Correction
In the medical appointment, the patient receives detailed instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, namely all the pre and postoperative care needed.
Before surgery
- Do not take aspirin or any anticoagulant medication in the two weeks prior to the surgery, to reduce bleeding risk;
- Do not smoke the month before and the month after the surgery, to enable a easier healing;
- If you get a cold or feel ill in any way in the days prior to the surgery, the medical team should immediately be informed;
- Carefully read all the documentation a few days before the surgery, as some questions may arise;
- If you have children, organize your routines in advance and make sure you have help at home;
- If you have questions regarding the surgery, ask all your questions in advance.
Surgery Day
- The day before surgery you should have light meals only. You must be fasting for 8 hours before the surgery - do not eat or drink any liquids including water.
- Shower with the prescribed antiseptic shower gel the day before and the day of surgery, to reduce infection risks.
- Do not wear jewelry or a watch;
- Do not wear makeup or nail varnish;
- Wear comfortable clothes (preferably with buttons or a front zip);
- After discharge, you must have someone picking you up from the clinic as you cannot go home unaccompanied.
Recovery and postoperative care
- Avoid any physical effort in the 8 days following the surgery (you can return to work after one to two weeks if your profession does not involve physical effort);
- Take the prescribed medication on time;
- Do not drive for a week;
- Use the surgical bra for 30 days and the compression band for 15 days;
- Do not smoke;
- Keep hydrated and follow a balanced diet;
- Attend all follow-up medical appointments.
- Physical activity can be started one month after the procedure, but this shall be done gradually.
Benefits of Breast Asymmetry Correction
- Improved self-esteem: women who resort to breast asymmetry correction show a significant improvement in self-esteem and self-confidence as they start to feel comfortable with their own body, which is reflected in the way they dress and relate;
- Increased clothing possibilities: Choosing clothes that disguise the difference in breast size is no longer a concern. Women gain clothing possibilities, especially regarding swimwear and cleavage;
- Improved quality of life: when the breasts are excessively large, difficulties in carrying out daily tasks arise, namely in physical activity. With breast reduction women gain agility and comfort.
Rapid Recovery in Breast Asymmetry Correction
The Rapid Recovery Protocol is the technique we have used in all breast surgeries, including breast asymmetry correction surgery. It consists of a set of practices that optimize the safety of the surgery and also the recovery time.
For this technique to be successful, careful planning is required at every stage: consultation, surgery and post-operative care.
At our clinic we have been using the Rapid Recovery technique for over 10 years, with experience and results proven by the low percentage of complications.
Our aim is for recovery to be as comfortable and quick as possible, but always prioritizing safety and low complications. More important than recovering quickly is that everything goes smoothly, without avoidable complications.
Each body is different, each case is different. While it’s true that most women go through surgery extremely comfortably, it’s still necessary to allow time for a smooth recovery, so as not to precipitate unnecessary complications. The total recovery time for breast asymmetry correction surgery is always at least 4 weeks.
At an early stage, there is a lot of swelling and you shouldn’t exert yourself physically for the first 4 weeks, to reduce the risk of hematomas and seromas. Wanting to rush recovery can be counterproductive and end up causing more complications in the short/medium term.
Specialist Doctors
About
Dr. Luísa Magalhães Ramos / Plastic Surgery
PORTUGUESE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Nr. 42810
Graduated by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, she specialized in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, at Hospital de São José, in Lisbon.
Throughout her training, she subspecialized in aesthetic plastic surgery, having worked in world-renowned clinics.
Currently, she is mainly dedicated to face and breast aesthetic plastic surgery and to intimate female surgery.
About
Dr. Alice Varanda Pereira / Plastic Surgery
Member of The Portuguese Medical Association, Nr. 47051
Graduated by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, she completed her master’s degree in human sexuality and is currently developing her PhD at this same institution.
She joined the University faculty academic staff in 2008 as a lecturer of the Institute of Anatomy. It is in this unit that she produces most of her research projects, mainly in the area of surgical anatomy, whilst also supervising master’s thesis for undergraduate students.
About
Dr. Mariana da Rocha Martins / Plastic Surgery
Member of The Portuguese Medical Association – Nr. 55124
Graduated by the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Porto and specialized in reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery at Hospital de São José, in Lisbon.
Throughout her specific training in plastic surgery, she worked in internationally renowned institutions such as Institut Kaplan (Barcelona), La Clinic (Montreux) and Great Ormond Street Hospital (London).
About
Dr. Marta Gouveia Duarte / Plastic Surgery
Member of The Portuguese Medical Association, Nº 57817
Graduated in Medicine from the School of Health Sciences of the University of Minho, where she completed her Master’s thesis in Human Aging.
She concluded her specialty in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery at the Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central – Hospital de São José.
Collaborates in several research projects at NOVA Medical School.
About
Dr. Filipa Oliveira/ Plastic Surgery
PORTUGUESE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: registration Nº. 59147, specialist in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Graduated in Medicine from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, where she completed her Master’s thesis on pediatric scars.
PhD in Medicine from the University of Münster in Germany.
After completing her specialty, she became a Senior Graduate Assistant (Oberärztin) at the Fachklinik Hornheide and the University of Münster. She is currently involved in various research projects at the University of Münster, where she is supervising doctoral students. She is also a regular correspondent for scientific and leisure magazines in Germany.
FAQ about
Breast Asymmetry
IS BREAST ASYMMETRY CORRECTION A SAFE SURGERY?
Any surgery bears its risks and possible complications. As such, breast asymmetry correction may also have associated risks, but these can be drastically reduced if the following factors are accounted for:
- Choose an accredited plastic surgery clinic and a plastic surgeon registered with the Portuguese Medical Association;
- Choose a plastic surgeon experienced in breast asymmetry correction and in breast augmentation, mastopexy, breast reduction, tuberous breast correction and other breast deformities;
- Perform all preoperative exams required;
- Strictly follow all pre and postoperative medical recommendations.
WHAT IS THE PRICE FOR A BREAST ASYMMETRY CORRECTION IN LISBON?
The price for a breast asymmetry correction in Lisbon will depend on the initial state of the breast and the combination of necessary surgeries. In your medical appointment, a personalized treatment plan will be drawn up and the exact value of the surgery will be disclosed.
HOW COMMON IS BREAST ASYMMETRY?
Most women have some degree of breast asymmetry, very rarely are the breasts perfectly symmetrical. When the asymmetry is too evident, women’s self-esteem might be affected and in these cases, surgery is recommended.
ARE THERE NON-SURGICAL PROCEDURES TO CORRECT BREAST ASYMMETRY?
Non-surgical methods for correcting breast asymmetry do not provide noticeable and long-lasting results. Surgery is the best option for those looking for more visible, predictable and long-lasting results.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CORRECT DIFFERENCES IN BREAST SIZE AND FORMAT?
There is no technique that is suitable for every woman because the treatment plan depends on the initial state of the breast, the degree of asymmetry and the desired result. Different surgeries can be performed to change the appearance of one or both breasts, namely: breast augmentation, mastopexy with or without implants, breast reduction and fat grafting.
DOES THE SURGERY ENSURE THAT THE BREASTS ARE EXACTLY EQUAL?
No. The objective of the surgery is to achieve a more harmonious, proportional and as symmetrical result as possible. The final result will depend essentially on the initial state of the breasts and the degree of asymmetry that exists.
AT WHAT AGE CAN A BREAST ASYMMETRY CORRECTION BE PERFORMED?
It is advisable that this surgery is undergone after the age of 18, when the breasts are usually already fully developed. It is also advisable to avoid weight fluctuations and not to consider pregnancy in the short run, so that the result of the surgery is not compromised.
AFTER THE SURGERY CAN I STILL GET MAMMOGRAMS?
You can and should continue to get screening tests as prescribed.
HOW LONG UNTIL I CAN USE NORMAL BRAS AGAIN?
For the 30 days following the surgery, you should always use the surgical bra. The compression band shall be used for 15 days. After this time, you can use bras with which you feel comfortable.
DOES THE SCAR DISAPPEAR?
All surgeries are associated with scarring and the breast asymmetry correction is no exception. The scars are permanent, but, over time, they become thinner and lighter, and in some cases, become practically imperceptible. The final appearance of a scar is expected 12 to 18 months after surgery and will depend on genetic characteristics and postoperative care.
CAN I LOSE SENSITIVITY?
Alteration of sensitivity in the breasts is one of the possible complications of breast surgeries. However, many of these changes are transient.
WILL I NEED DRAINS?
The use of drains helps to eliminate the fluids that accumulate in the breast. Drains are placed whenever the surgeon deems necessary and are usually removed within 24 to 48 hours.
