Uniboob; is there anything I can do to prevent this?

Question

I'm considering getting implants. I'm around a 32B and would like to be a full D. I am completely terrified of symmastia. Is there anything i can do to prevent this? I have a very small frame, would getting a large implant (350-400cc) have a greater chance of this happening?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

#Symmastia is a condition which can occur when the implants are too close together. Patients often refer to this as a “uniboob.” Occasionally, the space or pocket for the breast implant is created towards the center, or the tissue stretches, forcing  the implants to fall too much towards the center of the breasts.  Your procedures should always be performed by a #PlasticSurgeon who is board-certified and has a great deal of experience specializing in cosmetic #surgery. You will then greatly improve your chances of getting the result you desire, and, without the need for a revision surgery. It is suggested that you look at before and after photos of the surgeons actual patients, and read patient reviews. Gathering all of this information will help you make a well-informed decision.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

It does not look like symmastia according to your pictures but you should consult with your surgeon to be sure. Symmastia is a condition which can occur when the implants are too close together. Patients often refer to this as a “uniboob.” This can occur for the same reasons as displacement, but in this case the pocket(s) is/are too far towards the center.Correction of this problem may involve using different implants such as textured, a smaller size, or a smaller base and placing the implants in a new pocket. On occasion, this may require surgery in more than one stage to allow the tissues to heal and then place the implants. If the implants have been placed above the muscle, converting them under the muscle frequently will help and, again, the use of a dermal substitute may be required for additional support if the tissues are thin. The techniques of capsulorrhaphy and neopectoral pockets may apply here as well.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Generally, careful breast implant pocket dissection and careful selection of breast implant size/profile will help minimize chances of breast implant displacement problems such as symmastia ('uniboob").  In other words, the use of a breast implant size too large for a patient's frame can be problematic.Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery ( regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully. Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work. 2. Again, have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining which operation and/or breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals.
In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "C or D cup" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Therefore, I ask that my patients not base their communication preoperatively OR their satisfaction with the outcome of surgery postoperatively, on achieving a specific cup size. The use of computer imaging may be very helpful during this communication phase.
3. Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly, allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals. Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery. The use of temporary intraoperative sizers, viewing the patient's breasts in the upright and supine position, are very helpful during the breast implant selection process.I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns), helps. Best wishes.

Nathan Kludt, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The best thing you can do is find a board-certified plastic surgeon that you are comfortable with and confident that they will be able to provide you with your desired results. Symmastia most commonly occurs if an implant that is too large for your frame is used and too much dissection is made between the breasts. This is very easy to avoid with the appropriate implant selection and proper surgical technique. Best of luck, Dr. Kludt

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question. 
First of all, synmastia is not a common occurrence.  Secondly, it is important that you not go too
big.  If you go beyond the diameter of
your breasts extensively, then you have a higher chance of having this happen
because basically the surgeon has to open all the tissue planes in order to be
able to accommodate the size of the implant. 
You can avoid this by having a consultation with a Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon who does proper measurements and can recommend an implant size
that will safely be able to fit your frame. 
I hope this is helpful.  Best of
luck!

Uniboob; is there anything I can do to prevent this?

Answers (10)

Answer: Symmastia

Answer: Symmastia

Answer: Uniboob or Synmastia

Answer: Uniboob or Synmastia

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Uniboob; is there anything I can do to prevent this?

Answers (10)

Answer: Symmastia

Answer: Symmastia

Answer: Uniboob or Synmastia

Answer: Uniboob or Synmastia

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.