1 year post-op breast augmentation - Completely uneven, with pain. How can I fix it? (photo)

Question

I had my breast augmentation just over a year ago. Now that they’ve settled, they are completely uneven - one breast causing pain since it sits lower on my rib cage and it’s very unflattering that they are so uneven. My surgyn never mentioned them being asymmetrical until after saying that this was the best and she can’t make they more symmetrical. I understand that no two boobs are the same but they look bad at this point. What happened? How can I fix?

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!!   We would love to meet with you to discuss your concerns.  Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your goals.

Thu-Hoai Cecelia Nguyen, MD · Answer

Hi Tough463704! I am sorry to hear that you are unhappy with your results. Part of the asymmetry appears to be due to your natural anatomy. Your inframammary fold sits higher on the left side. Most women do have asymmetries prior to surgery and they can be more noticeable afterwards. It also appears that you have developed some scar tissue around the left implant capsule. This is called a capsular contracture. I would discuss the options for treatment of a capsular contracture with your surgeon. I hope this helps. Good Luck!

Arif Eroglu, MD · Answer

HelloWithout seeing the previous state of your breasts, I can't determine if this asymmetry is expected or not. Sometimes, asymmetry in the breasts can occur due to existing asymmetry in the breast tissue or anatomical variations in the ribcage. However, it seems that the pockets created for the breast implants were made in slightly different areas. As a result, one breast is positioned higher while the other is placed lower. The submammary fold is at different heights as well. These issues will not improve without surgical intervention.

Ramin Behmand, MD, FACS · Answer

Your photos show that one implant has shifted lower in the breast pocket compared to the other. While this can be unflattering, as you mentioned, it can be greatly improved with a revision, and I believe you’ll be very happy with the final result. At one year post-op, your breast capsule has developed enough strength to allow reshaping of the lower pocket to match the higher side. This adjustment would reposition the lower implant, creating more balanced cleavage and a more symmetrical look, both in and out of clothing.

-DR.B.

-DR.B.

Ximena Pinell, MD · Answer

Hi there! It can be hard to tell from photos if one breast is too high, the other too low, or a little of both. Breast implants can sit high due to scar tissue formation, which also would make that side more firm. If the situation is more that one breast has bottomed out, that may be from stretching of the connective tissue. A good fix in these situations is to add an internal mesh to support the implant Hope this helps!

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
 
Thank you for the question.

I'm sorry to hear that you are unhappy with your results.
 
Based on your photos, you do appear to have asymmetry present with right breast implant being lower positioned on the chest wall than the left breast implant.   This may be corrected by performing revision breast surgery on the right side during which we would elevate the breast fold and reinforce it with internal mesh bra, in order for the right breast implant to be higher positioned on the chest wall and more symmetric with the left breast implant. 
 
I suggest that you also discuss your questions and concerns with your Plastic Surgeon or a board-certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Breast Surgeries.

I hope this helps.
 
Best regards,
 
Dr. Irena Karanetz
Breast Fellowship-Trained
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Queens, New York
(516) 981 3063

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Tough463704,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gene Sloan, MD · Answer

I do not have the benefit of seeing your before photos, so I don't know if your inframammary creases were at the same level preoperatively. However I do believe you could be made considerably more symmetrical with a revision. It would take an in person exam to determine exactly what to do. The lower side looks to be in better position, but since you are having pain that should be investigated. Sometimes raising an implant helps pain a little. The higher implant needs to be evaluated for capsular contracture (firmness). Capsular contracture is treated by complete capsulectomy and implant exchange. If it is just sitting too high but not firm, it can be lowered by releasing the scar tissue.

All surgeons have had outcomes like this from time to time. The treatment is pretty straightforward.

All surgeons have had outcomes like this from time to time. The treatment is pretty straightforward.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

Thank you for providing photos. There are capsulorrhaphy procedures that can be done to breast pockets (to tighten/loosen/raise/drop) to improve symmetry. If your surgeon said there was nothing she/he can do, I would recommend getting a second opinion from another board-certified plastic surgeon. These surgeries do not come without risk, and you can end up with asymmetries (the same or new) even after corrective surgeries.

Rajaie Hazboun, MD, MBA · Answer

Thank you for posting your question here!My answer will be based on the limited information and pictures provided, for a detailed and bespoke plan please consult with a plastic surgeon in person.I am sorry that your end result was not to your satisfaction but I wouldn't say that you are out of options.It is hard to tell if the asymmetry was there prior without pre-op pictures. That being said the fact that you are having pain and discomfort might be the result of capsular contracture , which can be addressed with a revision surgery. the lower sitting implant could also be the result of mal-positioning which can also be fixed with a revision surgery , whatever the case is , I would recommend obtaining a consult with a plastic surgeon in person to better diagnose the issue and come up with a plan that will work for you.I hope this helps, best of luck!

1 year post-op breast augmentation - Completely uneven, with pain. How can I fix it? (photo)

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