Will my nipples point in different directions? (Photos)

Question

I am 5 weeks post-op after having a breast lift on both breasts and a reduction on my right breast. As you can see my breasts are different shape and left nipple points more outward and sits higher than my right. I am hoping to have a breast augmentation in the near future but I am worried that if I do this discrepancy will increase. Will this happen and if so will it be very noticeable? Am I able to have the nipple moved into a better position with an augmentation in the same op? Thank you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi bdfh2468,

I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a breast lift surgery. However, you are still in the early stages of the healing process at 3 weeks post op.

Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.

At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues around the operated area are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides, you will be able to see the final result of your breast lift surgery.

But if you are still concerned, you can always visit your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns. This way, you will be reassured. Also, if after six months, you are not satisfied with the appearance of your breast, you can visit your plastic surgeon and discuss the possibility of revision surgery.
  
Lastly, follow your plastic surgeons post-operative instructions and advice for faster healing and recovery.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Paul W. Papillion, MD · Answer

Hello, you are still early in this healing process. It can take some time for things to settle. Until then, I would recommend close follow up with your PS.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

bdfh2468. I appreciate your concern, however pre-operative photographs would be helpful. Also, it is still quite early in your recovery journey and swelling needs to subside and scarring soften. I would wait at least six months prior to undergoing any type of breast augmentation to allow complete healing. Express your concerns to your plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Diane I. Duncan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question! Don't worry about the discrepancy yet - you heal about 10% per month so everything needs time to settle. If you heal and are still asymmetric, your PS can oftentimes use implant placement and pocket manipulation to help even out the difference. However, keep in mind that everyone is asymmetric and perfect symmetry won't happen. If the amount of asymmetry that resolves (or doesn't) from your lift is still unsatisfying, discuss alternative options with your PS.Best of luck!

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

You are still early in the healing process and what you are seeing are not your final results yet. You may still be experiencing swelling and some bruising at this point in time. It usually takes around 3 to 6 months to fully heal and only by then will you be able to see your final results. Usually at 4 months the tissues start to relax  and settle. The best course of action would be to follow up regularly with your surgeon.

Liana M. Lugo, MD · Answer

Hi! Thank you for the question and for your pictures. I was wondering if you have pre-operative pictures? You mentioned that one breast was reduced and the other one lifted. That tells me that you probably had a great degree of asymmetry to start with. Unfortunately, I don't think that the position of your nipples will change so much that you'll have perfect symmetry. Wait at least 6 months post surgery, (if you're still unhappy with your nipples), you can have them revised. However, your breasts will never be "twins", they'll be "sisters". None of us (me included) have perfectly symmetric breasts. I hope this helps and best wishes.

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Dear Bdfh,Hello and thank you for your excellent question. I can understand your concerns based on your photos. I do think that a revision can improve your nipple position. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!
  
Best,
  
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS
  
Harvard educated plastic surgeon
  
Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018
  
RealSelf100
  
America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 – 2018
  
BeautyAdvisor Top Contributor

Will my nipples point in different directions? (Photos)

Answers (7)

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