3 month post op asymmetry. Any advise? Why did this happen? (photo)

Question

would massage or a band help at this point or is revision my only option? could this been prevented during initial surgery? I got 380cc sientra smooth round. thank you

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Although your concerns are understandable, your preoperative breast asymmetry was simply "magnified" with the breast augmentation procedure. Depending on how you wish to improve upon your outcome, revisionary breast surgery will likely be beneficial. I would suggest that you discuss your concerns/goals with your plastic surgeon in front of a full-length mirror. Working together, you will come up with the best plan to proceed. Best wishes

Ira H. Rex lll, MD · Answer

Asymmetry is an absolute after any two-sided surgery. With breast augmentation, we are often able to disguise or fix some of this asymmetry. This may be very subtle. In your case, you need to discuss the situation with your plastic surgeon. There are many variables and situations that may lead to your degree of asymmetry. Sometimes a second surgery is required, but on the positive side of this, patients usually are very happy with the new result.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Sientra implants come in both smooth and textured, and if your surgeon had used textured implants, that would be the main reason they would not drop over time. If placement is asymmetric, then they stay that way (assuming tissue adherence). But you had 380cc smooth cohesive silicone implants, and did not specify if they were subglandular (below the breasts) or submammary (below the muscles). The most likely reason you still have somewhat high implant position, as well as residual asymmetry, is that you had pre-operative asymmetry that identical implants can make more visible, and different rates of implant dropping.Another possibility that only breast examination can reveal is early capsular contracture (CC). CC can occur with subglandular AND submuscular implant placement,  but the likelihood of early capsular contracture is more likely with above-the-muscle implant placement. However, regardless of position, unilateral or bilateral CC could also be a possible cause of your present appearance.Elastic bandeaus worn above the "high" implant breast and below the "lower" implant breast will help to reduce any residual asymmetry by helping to stretch the still-immature scar in the breast pocket, allowing the implant on the "high" side to continue to soften, settle, and drop. The band's position below the already-dropped implant will help to slow any further drop as healing progresses for its full 6-12 months.Prevention during surgery? Possibly, but we all strive to do the exact operation needed on each breast, which almost always starts out different from the opposite side. Plus, there may be more bruising, swelling, scar tissue, arm use on the dominant side, sleeping more on one side than the other, increasing swelling in the "down" breast, etc. on one side than the other. What happened to you is very common, and very much improvable by appropriate aids during the healing process. Talk to your surgeon, who appears to have done a nice job. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

You have asymmetric, widely spaced and deflated breasts pre-op - I think your early post op result is acceptable given the limitations of your anatomy - speak with your plastic surgeon about your feelings at the next clinic visit.

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

You have a lot of asymmetry before surgery. Your asymmetry after surgery is better and you actually have a nice result. Concentrate on the positives! The breasts are sisters an not twins.

3 month post op asymmetry. Any advise? Why did this happen? (photo)

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Answer: Augmentation expectations with Sientra smooth implants

Answer: Augmentation expectations with Sientra smooth implants

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Answer: Asymmetry after breast augmentation

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3 month post op asymmetry. Any advise? Why did this happen? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Augmentation expectations with Sientra smooth implants

Answer: Augmentation expectations with Sientra smooth implants

Answer: Asymmetry after breast augmentation

Answer: Asymmetry after breast augmentation

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sientra Breast Implants

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