Asymmetry 1 year post-op. Is the only option really an implant exchange? (photo)

If there is a significant difference in volumes between your breasts, then replacing one can reduce this discrepancy. If the differences are mild, then the anticipated improvement may not justify the risks of another surgery. Similarly, your scars are above the natural fold of your breasts and can be repositioned, but again the benefits of surgery have to be weighed against the risks. Discuss this further with your surgeon or seek a consultation with another board-certified plastic surgeon for further guidance.

Thank you for your question. You have bottoming out of both implants, more on the right side. This causes the right breast to set lower and creates the double-bubble appearance. This requires surgical correction. Revision surgery would involve reconstructing the implant pocket with internal sutures or surgical mesh to support and reposition the implant. Also, in your case, going with smaller implants could reduce weight on the tissue and prevent further bottoming out. Consult a board-certified surgeon who specializes in breast revision surgery to determine the action based on your specific case.

Dear Fabulous941752,

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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Achieving a natural-looking breast augmentation is definitely possible. Opting for silicone gel implants, like Motiva Ergonomix or Mentor MemoryGel, can help create a soft, natural feel with gentle movement and a subtle, sagging appearance.

I cannot get a lot of information from your photograph, but if there is a volume difference thaen yes, you would need one of your implants exchanged. It seems you may have some bottoming out as you describe, on the right. This could be fixed at the same surgery, which unfortunately would probably require general anesthesia. You may have to consider a second opinion to let you know which options are available.

Hi. Many women have some asymmetry and sometimes using different sized implants can help to make the asymmetry less obvious. If your size is still very different, then only an implant exchange for a different size can fix that. It is hard to see from your picture how asymmetric your breasts are, but I can see that they are bottoming out. This would require surgery if you decide to fix it, and I would recommend doing that especially if you think it is getting worse. Hope that helps. Best of luck!

This is inferior malposition. The implant is "bottoming out" below the planned IMF incision. I would recommend a revision with Galaflex and "inferior mastopexy" to provide lower pole support and set the correct nipple-to-fold distance.

If you are dissatisfied with the larger breast then you will need to replace with a smaller implant. The double bubble results from the old inframammary fold that has risen up onto the breast after augmentation.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Its impossible to tell from the photos what the actual difference is between left and right.

Every woman has asymmetry, and implants can make it more noticeable. Placing 2 different sized implants is sometimes a good idea, but not always.

You may have differences in the amount of skin you have, the location of your breast on the chest wall, and the amount of breast tissue you have.

Implant exchange may be an option, and correction of the tiny double-bubble I see on the right may also be helpful. Get a few opinions as these surgeries have a higher risk of being unpredictable

Unfortunately, based on this photo it is not possible to see exactly what is the problem with your asymmetry. A series of front and profile photos would help to give you an opinion. In person second opinion consultation is always a best option. Good luck.