How do you know if you have symmastia? (Photos)

Question

I had a breast augmentation and lift June 23rd, 2016. I realize they have not fully dropped yet and some swelling may be preset, but I am a little concerned as they get closer and closer together. Should I be concerned? Mentor 450cc gummy bear high profile implants. BWD was 11.5.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Symmastia is diagnosed by physical examination and your PS can tell you if you have it. One sign that's pretty consistent is the ability of the breast implants to be pushed to the other side of the chest. For example, the right implant can be pushed under the skin of the left breast. The photos show the breast implant is very big for your tiny frame and if you do have symmastia is likely due to the larger breast implants you chose. I'm glad you got the size that you wanted, but you really maximized the space! In fact, the implants cause the breasts to touch over the middle of the body and still give you a bit of a "side boob".  It's a nice result and with drop and fluff will likely look even better in the future. Best, Dr. ALDO

Lavinia K. Chong, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question and pics.  Your early results look good.  The 2 week collage shows a predictable "after" with upper pole fullness and incomplete implant settling.  In contrast to Memory Gel aug-pexy, the Memory Shape aug-pexy needs more patience and time, 3-6 months on average, for the final results. The submuscular position contributes a lot to the roundness of the breast but the lower pole arc of the implants will "reshape" your breast, stretching the base and redefining it.  Given your preop base diameter of 11.5cm, I doubt that the MH 450cc will produce a symmastia.  It's a process, just be patient and confide your concerns to your PS.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures

Although your implants are very close to the midline I do not think you have symmastia. True “symmastia”, when a breast implant (or breast tissue: "congenital symmastia") crosses the midline and communicates with the other side, is quite rare. Regardless of the semantics,  if implant position is of concern to you, correction of the implant position is possible with an internal suture technique (in my practice a two layer capsulorrhaphy and often acellular dermal matrix reinforcement)  and reverse image capsulotomy ( opening the spaces on the sides of the breasts). Keep in mind that even after correction of the implant malposition there may still be some skin” tenting”. I routinely  recommend the use  of the symmastia (thong) bra  postoperatively.

You may find the link attached helpful.

Best wishes.

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello. 
Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery! 
Your results are looking fantastic.

It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually.

Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.
It is important to get cleared by your doctor before engaging in specific physical activity before the 3 month healing period has ended as the healing stage is crucial for healthy results.

It generally takes around 6 months to a year to see your final results. Your tissues will take time to relax and allow your implants to "Drop and Fluff" settling into place.

Our tips for recovery following breast augmentation are to wear a supportive sports bra for 3 months post-operative and refrain from lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs for 3 weeks as we don't want any strain at your incision sites. Make sure to keep the area of your stitches clean by cleansing with hydrogen peroxide daily. Showering is encouraged! But, no sitting in water for 2 weeks following surgery (no baths, hot tubs, pools etc.).

Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship.
We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.
During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery.
We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly.  Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!
M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience)
- Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind

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