Breast Reduction: Q&A

Ask a Question

Asymmetrical Breasts Due to Breast Reduction

I have breasts that are completely asymmetrical as a result of a breast reduction. The right nipple is 2cm too high and the shape of both is unnatural. Is there a surgeon who's experienced in complex breast reduction revision cases?

Tags:

Comment on this

22 Doctor Answers | Asked by 29Forever in West Palm Beach, FL

Doctor Answers (22)
Community Comments (0)

Assymetrical nipples.

The first thing I think of when a nipple appears 2 cm higher than the opposite side is too much volume in the inferior pole of the affected breast. Why? Most doctors do not miss nipple placement by 2 cm. More likely, excess lower pole volume pushes the nipple higher. This is important because treatment would involve adjusting volume as opposed to making difficult corrections to nipple height!

Uneven breasts after a breast reduction

Uneven breasts may occur after a breast reduction surgery. Make sure that you have healed for sufficient time after your breast reduction. This may vary in patients but all patients should see their final result 6 to 8 months after their surgery. If you continue to have unevenness, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon. It is likely that you will have many options to correct the difference between your breasts. Techniques that may be used include... more

Correcting breast asymmetry

Correcting breast asymmetry is not uncommon. Remember that no two breasts are exactly the same so therefore after surgery they will not be exact. Correcting a nipple height asymmetry is usually fairly straightforward. If the higher nipple is the one you want to move, it may be a bit difficult wiithout leaving a scar above the areola. On the other hand if the lower one is just too low, that is easier to move.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction - Asymmetrical Breasts Due to Breast Reduction

It's a question of degree, and that's not something that can be determined via this format (although a photograph might help). There are some things that can be done relatively simply, and some that can't. It is generally easier to raise a nipple/areola than to lower it, so if that's what you'd want, then it may be achievable. Conversely, if you want one side lowered, that is likely to be more difficult (actually, it can be lowered but it will leave a... more

Breast Reduction and Asymmetry?

Thank you for the question. Some degree of breast asymmetry after breast reduction is not unusual. The breast asymmetry can often be corrected ( to a large degree) with revisionary surgery. The exact type of procedure that you will benefit from will depend on your exam and goals. Consider consultation in person with no experienced board certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes.

Asymmetrical breast reduction results

A breast reduction is a complex operation that is subject to some inherent degree of difficulty in predicting the long term outcome. I am sure your surgeon's intention was to deliver a good result. Your best bet is to return to him/her and discuss your concerns. A relatively simple procedure could provide you with an improved result. However, perfect symmetry may never be possible. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction Revision

There is always a potential for some asymmetry both before and after breast surgery. If you have questions about your results you should contact your original surgeon. Give your body enough time to heal correctly before jumping to conclusions. If you no longer feel comfortable with your original surgeon consult with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area. Make sure to obtain your medical records from your first procedure and bring a list of questions.

Asymmetry after breast reduction

Some degree of asymmetry is not uncommon after breast reduction, but if you are dissatisfied with your results you should first consult with your plastic surgeon to discuss this and see what advice he/she may have. Sometimes there are limitations due to the patient's anatomy, and your surgeon would be aware of this. If you seek a second opinion make sure you find a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has extensive experience in breast surgery.... more

Asymmetry after breast reduction

I'm sorry you're having this problem. I'm sure you're frustrated. Assuming your surgery was at least 6-8 months ago and you are fully healed, there is no reason you shouldn't seek a second opinion regarding revision breast surgery. There are many of us who have a lot of experience with such procedures. Be sure you see only surgeons who are Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Meet with 2-3 surgeons, look at lots of before/after photos,... more

Carmen Kavali, MD

11 reviews

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Breast assymetry is normal

Most women have some asymmetry of their nipple position, areolar diameter, breast volume and other variables. Check with your plastic surgeon and review your pre-op photographs. Almost certainly you had some breast asymmetry prior to surgery. Post-op breast asymmetry is occurs, and can be addressed with a variety of safe and effective techniques.

Most asymmetries after breast reduction can be corrected.

Occasionally, revisions are required after any operation. If the nipples are not symmetrical, an operation with incisions will be required to fix it. This will get more complex if the shape and volume are asymmetrical as well. It is impossible to give specifics with the information at hand but a good plastic surgeon should be able to give you a good result.

There are many capable surgeons who can help you with this problem.

Photos of your breasts would make anwering this question much easier. Any answers without actually analyzing your photos are purely speculation. Correcting a nipple that is "too high" can be a difficult problem to fix, but the fact that this nipple is too high must first be differentiated from asymmetry that has resulted from the opposite nipple being "too low." Only photos and a physical exam can make these distinctions. Don't fret. The solution to correcting your... more

Asymmetrical breast repair often not complicated

Hello, It sounds like your breast skin envelope needs to be re-designed, and you might have had too much or too little tissue removed. This is not common but can be fixed. The repair may be much less complicated than you think. It is likely that you need not redo the whole breast reduction to improve this.

This is unusual but probably correctable

First of all, you need a different doctor. A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with an excellent eye for symmetry and a talent for sculpting wouldn't have left you with this result unless something went wrong during your healing. There are many excellent real plastic surgeons in Florida but unfortunately there are also many doctors in that state practicing "plastic surgery" who aren't even trained in the field. I would suggest you consult your gynecologist for a recommendation as... more

Breast reduction revision can be done with good results

I am sorry to hear you did not have a good experience with your initial surgery. Hopefully, you have experienced a reduction in back, neck and shoulder pain following your surgery. My advice would be to return to your original surgeon with your concerns and discuss what solutions he may have. If you are not satisfied with your options, I would then find a board certified plastic surgeon in your area for a second opinion. You can find a list of board certified plastic surgeons at www... more

Look for a trusted and experienced surgeon

A nipple placed too high can be a difficult problem. To lower the nipple requires making an incision above the new nipple location. It is easier to raise a low nipple than to lower a high one. It is important that you get advice from an experienced plastic surgeon, ask for a referral from a trusted friend or personal physician. During an evaluation the shape of your breasts can be assessed and specific recommendations can be made. I am assuming that your original surgery was a number... more

Breast reduction revision need not be complicated

Dear 29Forever, I am sorry to hear that you are unhappy with your breast reduction surgery. Symmetry issues are almost always present before breast reductions and it is hoped that the reduction result improves breast symmetry. There are methods available to adjust nipple position, revise scars and improve the shape after reduction. There are even methods to further reduce the breast after a prior breast reduction. All is not lost. Again, these revisions are not necessarily complex though... more

There is surely a surgeon in your area who can make your breasts look better

To 29Forever, Hi! Asymmetry after breast reduction is not so uncommon. Go to a board certified plastic surgeon who does a lot of breast reductions. Ask to see lots of before and after pictures and ask to talk to a couple of his patients. Then get a second opinion. I should tell you that, in general, lowering the position of a nipple is quite difficult.

There are surgeons capable of doing revision for you

There are many talented surgeons who are capable of providing revision procedures for you. Meet a few, evaluate their proposed plan, and your instincts will tell you who is right. It's wise to choose a board certified plastic surgeon that has a lot of experience with breast work. I know this is a bland answer, but I'm confident you'll find qualified, talented, experienced surgeons in your area. Dr. Kaufman

Ask your local medical professionals

The asymmetry you describe can certainly be improved. Most board certified Plastic surgeons who have a large breast practice could help. I would ask around; nurses, primary care physicians, anesthesiologists in your area who they would go to.

Sometimes you need a touch-up after breast reduction

Asymmetry is always a concern and a possibility when operating on bilateral structures whether it be ears, nostrils or eyes. Breasts are the same. A little asymmetry may, and often, should be tolerated. The more you reduce, the more asymmetry expected. For example, if you have 750 cc. breasts that you reduce by 250 cc, a margin of error of 10% is 25cc or 5% of your final 500cc breast volume. If you have 1000cc breasts you reduce by 500 and are off by 10%, it is 50cc. or 10% of your final... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with experience in this breast issue

Hi there, There are board certified plastic surgeons with vast experience in management of complicated breast issues and secondary surgery. You should look for board certification, and (ideally) an extra year of training (called a fellowship) in breast surgery. Many doctors frequently manage difficult problems related to prior breast surgery, and I do think that your problems can be improved. Find a surgeon with the right combination of training and experience that you like and feel you... more