Unhappy with the results - how can I improve the asymmetry? (Photo)

Question

Hello doctors I am 6 months post breast implant replacement. I have a larger implant in my right breast due to my asymmetrical natural chest and after surgery I am really unhappy with my results because I paid 8k to be left with very uneven breasts and a plastic surgeon who is not offering any solutions to fix it . Please look at my photo and tell me if I’m wrong ? Im so unhappy with the fact that I am now left like this ..… Where do I go from here and do you think I can have anything done to improve the aysmemtry ?

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for the photos and question. I'm really sorry you're going through this. You’ve clearly invested time, money, and emotional energy into this process, and to be left unhappy—especially when your concerns aren’t being addressed—can feel devastating. I would recommend lifting your breast and giving you a more youthful perkier breast by doing so.  When lifting the breast this will allow me to create a better shape and better even sizing with the implants.  
You are not overreacting. Breast augmentation is as much about feeling confident in your body as it is about technical results. If your expectations were clear and your surgeon hasn’t delivered or supported you in follow-up, it’s entirely fair to pursue better care. I would recommend getting a second consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Cool474062,

breast revision surgery is the most difficult plastic surgery procedure performed. Botched breast surgery alters normal tissue planes and laxity, the ability of breasts to heal properly, and leaves scar tissue that dramatically affects the level of difficulty of the corrective surgery.
Many patients come in to correct poor outcomes from their initial surgeries. The most common problems are due to implant malposition, bottoming out of the implant, poor scarring, and incorrect implant size.
While the type of revision required will depend on the result of the previous surgery and the desired result of the patient, some revisions involve extensive pocket repair that may or may not need specialized external bras.
If you are considering breast surgery revision, you should speak with a board certified plastic surgeon and have yourself properly assessed. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations. Also, you have to make sure that your surgeon understands your breast augmentation goals.

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

Sibel Atalay, MD · Answer

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your experience, I can hear how frustrated and disappointed you feel, and that is completely understandable. Breast asymmetry is one of the more challenging issues in breast surgery, and even with careful planning, it’s not unusual for patients to still see differences after implant placement or replacement.
At 6 months post-op, your results should be close to settled, though subtle changes can still occur up to a year. If the asymmetry you’re noticing is significant and bothersome, you are not “wrong” to feel unhappy. Sometimes achieving balance requires more than just choosing different implant sizes, factors like natural chest wall asymmetry, skin envelope differences, or prior surgery can make one breast sit or project differently than the other.
The good news is that revision options do exist. Depending on the specific cause of your asymmetry, solutions might include adjusting implant size or profile, modifying the pocket (where the implant sits), or combining implant work with a lift on one or both sides. An in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience in breast revision surgery would give you the best guidance.
You do not need to feel “stuck” with your current results. Seeking a second opinion from a surgeon who specializes in revision breast surgery would be a positive next step to explore realistic options to improve your symmetry and help you feel more confident again.
Warm regards,Dr. Sibel Atalay, MDBoard-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Guray Yesiladali, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Six months after implant replacement it is still possible to refine the result if you remain unhappy with the asymmetry. In cases where one breast appears fuller or sits differently despite adjusting implant size, small adjustments can sometimes be made with fat grafting. This allows the surgeon to add subtle volume to the smaller side and create better balance without having to change implants again.
&mdash; Güray Yesiladali, MD

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

I recommend explantation and breast lift using The Bellesoma Method. The implants are removed, your breast tissue is reshaped creating upper pole fullness, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained if not injured during your previous surgery.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

It is important to remember "sisters not twins."

Correcting asymmetry is challenging. Surgical planning is to a certain extent a process of trial and error.

Based upon your photos, there is some degree of persistent asymmetry (left larger than right) However, there are options for improvement. The decision that must be made is which side is preferred. The left side can be reduced or the right side upsized.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Asymmetry of the breasts to at least some degree is very common.  Unfortunately breasts don't come with volume labels so when trying to correct size asymmetry you try to get as close as possible.  There are a few ways to address it.  One is to downsize the larger breast so that it is more in line with the smaller breast.  Another way is to use differently size implants.  Based on the submitted photo you would have the best result from a breast lift to correct shape and then implants to add desired volume.

Unhappy with the results - how can I improve the asymmetry? (Photo)

Answers (7)

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