Breast Asymmetry
A certain degree of breast asymmetry is considered normal. However, at some point the differences between a womanâs breasts can be a cause of concern and emotional stress. Whether your breast differences are developmental or acquired from a previous procedure, a surgical plan can be determined to correct this.
Ideal Candidate
Any person who is unhappy with the symmetry of her breasts would be considered a candidate. However, it is important that a patientâs expectations are realistic. Perfect symmetry is always the goal, but improving symmetry is usually accomplished. Therefore, a good candidate would be a patient with realistic expectations and enough asymmetry to see a noticeable difference between breasts.
Procedure
The type of procedure necessary to achieve symmetry depends completely on the differences between the breasts and the patientâs overall goals with regards to the surgery. Is she simply unhappy with asymmetry? If she is also unhappy with her breasts because they are deflated looking, droopy, and look different than when she was younger, then the surgical approach should address those issues as well. Therefore, the options are to undergo a breast lift or breast enlargement, or to simply change one breast to look more like the other. Dr. Mancoll will help you to achieve the outcome that you desire.
Costs
There are several factors that determine the total cost of breast asymmetry surgery, including:
- Facility fees
- Anesthesia fees
- Surgical fees
- Prescriptions for medication
- Post-surgery garments
It is very unlikely that insurance will pay for correction of any breast asymmetries, unless a patient has had breast cancer and the differences between her breasts are related to that treatment; otherwise it is considered cosmetic surgery. Feel free to contact our surgical coordinator for pricing and to request more information about this or other cosmetic procedures.
Potential Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with breast asymmetry surgery, such as scars, infection, bleeding, asymmetries, postoperative discomfort, and adverse reaction to anesthesia. Although significant complications are uncommon, patients should understand that any surgery, performed for any reason, has risks and should not be taken lightly.
Dr. Mancoll prides himself on his ability to communicate with his patients and tailors each discussion to the patientâs individual needs. Dr. Mancoll and his staff will spend time helping you understand your procedure. You should feel free to ask questions at any time, and if you donât understand the information, we will be more than happy to go over it again.
Recovery
Most patients will have an uncomplicated recovery. The use of surgical drains varies from case to case. Use of surgical compression garments is recommended for 4 to 6 weeks, and high-impact activity should be limited during that time. The patient can return to desk-type work within 5 to 7 days. Bruising and swelling, mild asymmetries, post-op pain, and discomfort are all normal.
Results
Many patients will ask if the results of surgery are permanent. The improvement will be long lasting, but breasts do change over time. Contributing factors such as changes in weight, hormonal changes, skin quality and the size of a womanâs breasts can affect symmetry over time.
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We welcome you to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John S. Mancoll by calling Mancoll Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery at (757) 305-9185 or filling out our online contact form. Dr. Mancoll has been voted by his peers as one of Coastal Virginiaâs Top Plastic Surgeons 3 years in a row. He is devoted to helping each individual patient achieve the best results possible.
