Breast Reduction: Q&A

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Can I Have a Reduction on One Breast and a Lift on the Other?

My breasts have always been very uneven -- more than 1 cup size difference. I was wearing a 36DD bra (the size of the larger one), then lost about 60 pounds and am now in a 34C. They are still uneven, but now they are also extremely droopy and just plain ugly. I don't mind having small breasts, but I really want them to look young. I am only 25 years old. Can I have breast reduction on one breast and lift on the other? What course of action would you suggest? Also, what can I expect regarding scar placement and total cost? Thank you so very much.

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age 25-34 breasts C cup DD cup droopy scar female asymmetry costs

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19 Doctor Answers | Asked by BeatriceM in Chicago, IL

Doctor Answers (19)
Community Comments (0)

Breast asymmetry

All breasts are asymmetrical, it's just a matter of how much difference there is and if it is enough to do a different technique on. Doing the same technique on each side doesn't give you the same result. Each breast must be addressed individually in order to attain the most symmetrical and aesthetic result. Your limitation is your smallest breast, once that one is lifted there is a goal size to achieve. It's similar to implant cases where breasts are different in size. A different... more

Reduction and Lift to achieve breast asymmetry

It is quite uncommon for a woman to have perfectly symmetrical breasts. For this reason when performing Breast Reductions, we commonly take more from one side than the other trying to get closer symmetry. In some cases, we are forced to only lift the smaller breast but reduce/lift the much bigger breast. Unfortunately, such cases are frequently NOT approved by insurance companies and you would have to pay for the procedure. Dr. P. Aldea

Treatment for uneven breasts

All women have some degree of asymmetry of the breasts. It is not that important to put a name on the procedure to correct your problems. It sounds like to me, with the weight loss and history of asymmetry, coupled with your description that you will need a procedure to even the breasts, shape the breasts, and raise the nipples. My guess is that you will require some degree of reduction on both sides, if not for shaping, than for improvement of symmetry. Call it a lift or reduction, it is... more

Asymmetric Breasts

BeatriceM Thanks for the question. While its difficult to give you an accurate assessment without having the luxury of seeing you in person or looking at pictures, from your description, you have considerable breast asymmetry, both in volume and skin/soft tissue. It is possible that you may indeed require a breast reduction on one side and a mastopexy on the other side. It is not uncommon to perform these procedures for asymmetry cases. Regarding the scars, in general, with a breast... more

Lift one breast while reducing the other for symmetry

Most women will have a certain degree of asymmetry of the breast which most often is very subtle, though can be quite dramatic. It is not uncommon in breast reduction to find that one breast is fuller and in need of a greater reduction on one side, so if you are happy with the natural cup size of one breast, a lift of the breast will work out well with a reduction of the opposite breast to match the one you like. Breast reduction today is most often done with a short scar vertical pattern... more

Breast surgery for asymmetry

You certainly can have surgery performed on yoru breasts for asymmetry. Certainly a lift can be perfromed on one and a reduction can be performed on the other. As to cost, this will vary from region to region.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast lifts and reductions have similar scars

Your problem with one breast being bigger than the other is not that unusual, some women have it more noticeable than others. The surgery to do a reduction is very similar as the surgery to do a lift. Both breasts can have a similar scar appearance and the surgery will help equalize the size. The cost will be about $6,000 and this can vary depending on where you live. Review the surgery on the web and you will see the typical scar patterns. Best Wishes Dr. Peterson

Marcus L. Peterson, MD

4 reviews

Saint George Plastic Surgeon

Asymmetric breast surgery

Certainly an asymmetric breast situation might demand an asymmetric surgery so a reduction on one side and a lift on the other is absolutely possible. Sometimes it requires different combinations of reduction, lift, and augmentation to get the results you want. Your surgeon should give you options that are customized to your anatomy and goals.

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction and lift

There are very few women with perfectly equally sized breasts. In my practice, 30% of my procedures are on the breast and there is almost always an asymmetry of the size, position of the nipple, the manner in which one "hangs" down, etc. It is not unusual to modify the procedure on one breast to give the illusion of symmetry. The incisions required will depend on your particular problem and how best to address it. It is always preferable to minimize any incisions, but you should... more

Breast lifts and reductions

Certainly, if one side is bigger and needs reduction that can be done with a lift on that side and just lift the smaller side without reducing it. An excellent plastic surgeon with an eye for symmetry should have no problem with this.

Asymmetrical breasts

Hi BeatriceM, The short answer is yes. The longer answer is to clarify things. A breast reduction almost always includes a lift. You have breast asymmetry with a size difference between the two. In addition, both breasts are droopy. It is relatively simple to remove the extra volume from the larger breast to make the volumes equal and then both both breasts will be lifted and shaped to make them prettier. The scar pattern would most likely be either a lollipop with a short horizontal scar... more

Breast Reduction and Mastopexy combination is possible

It certainly is possible to undergo a breast reduction on one breast and a lift on the other breast. In fact I had a patient in the past week who had these procedures performed and is doing quite well. From your description, it would seem that this would be very appropriate for your situation. You should seek a consultation with a Board-certified plastic surgeon.

Reduction on one breast and a lift on the other possible

Of course you can. Make 3 appointments with boarded plastic surgeons to obtain their opinions. As for the scars, most likely I would use the inverted T incision. Total cost ranges from $5000 to $10,000. Hope this helps. Regards.

A breast lift is built into a breast reduction

Based on your description, you have significant breast asymmetry and have lost some weight. A breast reduction procedure will reduce both the skin envelope and volume of each breast. A 'breast lift' is built in to the operation- in other words, your nipple and areola are repositioned into a more youthful location. The goal of the procedure is to get both breasts as symmetric as possible in terms of nipple location, skin envelope tailoring and breast volume. The scar pattern varies with the... more

Asymmetrical Breasts Surgery?

Thank you for the question. Surgery to correct asymmetrical breasts that you describe is commonly performed. A variety of options are available depending on your specific physical examination and specific goals. It would behoove you to be examined in person by well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons to determine the best options. Best wishes.

Breast reduction with mastopexy for asymmetry

This is not an uncommon scenario. You can definitely have a reduction on the larger side combined with a mastopexy on the smaller side to achieve symmetry.

Breast reduction of one breast and breast lift of the other commonly done.

Hi. This is one of the most common ways of correcting breast asymmetry. The larger breast undergoes breast reduction, and the smaller breast undergoes breast lift.

Reduction and lift will provide symmetry; additionally small implants might provide the best shape

Differences in breast size and shape are the norm, and a breast reduction (with a lift) on one side and a breast life on the other side will give you better symmmetry. With weight loss, most women will have loss of volume and sagging of their breasts, and a small implant, in combination with lifting, can restore fullness in the upper aspects of the breasts. This might provide the more youthful appearance that you are looking for without being too large. The scar patterns will generally... more

Surgical options for uneven breasts

It is not uncommon to perform a reduction on one side and a lift on the other for uneven breasts. Currently the most popular operation for breast lifts and reductions is the vertical lift (lolly-pop incision). This has the advantage of much less scarring on the breasts and I believe gives a better shape to the breasts.