Breast asymmetry surgery
Breast asymmetry surgery is a corrective procedure which is undertaken in order to achieve symmetrical breasts. It aims to match the two asymmetrical breasts as closely as possible, addressing significant discrepancies between them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is breast asymmetry surgery?
Breast asymmetry surgery, also known as breast asymmetry correction, is a procedure which helps achieve matching breasts so that they are symmetrical. In this way, breast asymmetry surgery is able to address significant differences between the shape and size of the breasts. While minor differences between the breasts are considered normal, breast asymmetry surgery focuses on the correction of noticeable differences, changing the size, shape or position of the breasts so that they are more equal.
In some cases, individual circumstances will mean that female breast development has been hampered, leading to the need for breast asymmetry surgery. These could be chest wall trauma or burns which have been suffered in childhood.
The different options offered by breast asymmetry surgery include making a breast smaller through a breast reduction, enlarging a breast through breast augmentation, or repositioning a breast which may be dropping into a more normal position through a breast lift. Alternatively, both breasts may be made bigger or smaller.
Breast size discrepancy is fairly common, but can still be the source of worry for some women – uneven breast surgery is able to restore self-confidence in women who may have felt self-conscious about the difference between their breast sizes.
Patients should take advantage of the full consultative process offered by Breastclinik, undergoing examinations and discussing their expectations pertaining to volume and shape before agreeing on a surgical plan.
Elena can use a number of techniques in the remodelling of breast tissue, depending on the requirements and preferences of the patient. Tissue grafts, implants, fat transfers and expanders are among the surgical options available to Breastclinik patients.
Elena will go through all of the pre-surgery investigations needed personally with each patient. Patients will not eat or drink for a six hour window before breast asymmetry surgery is undertaken. An anaesthetist will be present to discuss the chosen form of anaesthesia prior to the patient entering the operating room.
Irrespective of which surgical route is agreed upon, as breasts change over time there can be the option for further surgical adjustments to be made in the future, so as to retain the symmetry of the breasts. The likelihood of the requirement for revision surgery can be augmented by a large difference between the breasts prior to surgery. Elena will ensure patients have a total understanding of the present and future surgical options which are available to them and will talk through each choice with the patient before a decision is agreed upon.
Breast asymmetry surgery is considered safe. However, as with all surgical procedures, there is a small risk that potential complications will arise. These include chest pain, infection, excessive bleeding and the need for revision surgery in the future.
There is also a low rate of other complications such as fluid accumulation around the operation site, skin discolouration, skin wrinkling over the implant, calcium deposits in the implant’s scar capsule, and breastfeeding difficulties.
Patients can be required to stay in hospital overnight following breast asymmetry surgery. Following breast asymmetry surgery, recovery time typically takes up to two weeks before normal activities can be resumed. It is usually longer before full exercise can begin again.
You may be given a supportive garment which is designed to minimise swelling and aid recovery. In some cases a small tube may be placed under the skin temporarily for the purpose of draining excess fluid. Heavy lifting should be avoided during the recovery period, and you should seek medical attention if symptoms such as temperature fluctuations, heavy bleeding and worsening redness arise. You may be given medications to take orally or apply to the skin in order to reduce the risk of infection and aid healing.
Elena is a cosmetic surgeon whose work is internationally recognised; she has been bestowed with a number of awards over the course of her career. Patients at Elena’s Breast Aesthetic Clinic have the advantage of a respected female consultant with an empathetic attitude. The Clinic is renowned for its cutting-edge techniques, ‘patient first’ ethos and superb aftercare. Patients have the choice of a number of UK locations from Bristol to Sussex and London.
In general, mothers are able to breastfeed following breast asymmetry surgery. Some patients do experience a reduction in nipple sensation after breast asymmetry surgery, which in turn can make the triggering of the milk let-down reflex harder. In some individual cases, reduced milk supply may also be experienced. If you do plan to breastfeed following breast asymmetry surgery, Elena will be able to provide you with the latest information on this topic and answer any questions which you may have.
The total cost of the surgery will be confirmed after the first consultation.
The cost includes the hospital, surgeon and anaesthetic fees. It also covers all post-operative visits. The initial consultation fee will be invoiced separately. The prices apply only at the time of publication and are subject to changes without notification.
Surgery costs from £5,800
Initial consultation fee £150
Advice On Breast Implants
Since December 2018, many regulatory bodies around the World have issued statements regarding their own position and some have limited the distribution of other textured devices. The advice does vary from country to country because the research data available is limited and not conclusive. None have called for the precautionary removal or replacement of textured devices that are already inside patients’ breasts.
Breast implants however are not lifelong devices and in general will need removal or replacement at some point. In an effort to have more robust data about both conditions, the Breast and Cosmetic Implant register (BCIR) collects breast implant data for patients in England and Scotland. The MHRA continues to collect and analyse UK information through a reporting system. It also has links with up to date information from international public health organisations. The most recent advice from MHRA on BIA-ALCL was updated on the 4th April 2019.
Surgery details
Anaesthetic: General
Follow up: 1,4,12 weeks,12 months
Final result: 3-12 months
Surgical time: 2.5-3 hours
Recovery time: 4-8 weeks