Can I Use Two Different Breast Implant Profiles to Correct Natural Asymmetry?

Question

A little preface. I'm 5'8, 170lbs, asymmetrical (38C & 38D) I do have a good amt of tissue. I've had my pre op today & tried on many different sizes & profiles. Surprisingly enough, the ones that looked the best were a moderate profile 339cc on the larger, and a 450cc high profile on the smaller. the projection looked right, Both the consultant and the doc agreed. I'm worried there could be significant differences going between the 2 profiles. Is this normal practice? Thank you.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

So you are aware that no one is perfectly symmetrical before or after implant surgery, as has been pointed out in the previous replies. However we very often use different implant sizes and profiles when the degree of asymmetry is significant. The first goal is to try and get the volume difference corrected, and then try to have the implants match in base diameter. This will mean the they will be different profiles. Saline implants have the option of being adjustable for better fine-tuning the volume difference.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

The goal would be to make you more symmetrical than you are. Being a full cup size difference it makes sense to use two different implant sizes or else reduce one to be the same size then augment both (often done if a Breast Lift is needed or even add fat to make the smaller one similar. See the below links for more information on optimal implant choice.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Breast asymmetry is very common, particularly size asymmetry.  If you are looking to decrease the asymmetry from one breast to another, then you have several options.
1)  You can reduce the larger breast with liposuction or a traditional breast reduction technique
2)  You can enlarge the smaller one with fat grafting or an implant
3)  You can enlarge both but use different size implants
4)  A lift procedure may also be needed to help address differences in shape, nipple position and areolar size.
I would visit with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options in more detail.

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

The answer is "it depends."  Breast asymmetry is quite common, and may come from differences in the amount of skin you have, differences in the location of your breasts on your chest wall, legnth of your breasts, and then the actual amount of tissue within the breast.

	Implants of differing sizes or profiles may help if you truly have more breast tissue in one breast than the other, but implants alone will not do too much for any of the other factors I listed.

	Other techniques like lifting are sometimes needed if there are large differences in the breasts.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

SEE VIDEOS BELOW TO UNDERSTAND BREAST ASYMMETRY. This is not a normal practice but it is often the best method to achieve a result with the least amount of surgery. Alternatively you could undergo reduction of the larger breast with placement of similar sized implants but that will likely require more surgery, possibly more scars and more risk. I have always said it is best to "expect less asymmetry rather than symmetry" and you will generally not be disappointed. Any asymmetry procedure carries a higher risk of revisionary surgery in order to achieve an optimal result. 

	 I have created a series of 4 youtube videos discussing some of the aspects of breast asymmetry. These are my opinions and demonstrate several different results if you take the time to review.

Can I Use Two Different Breast Implant Profiles to Correct Natural Asymmetry?

Answers (10)

Answer: Using Different Implants To Correct Asymmetry

Answer: Using Different Implants To Correct Asymmetry

Answer: Goal for treating uneven breasts: EXPECT LESS ASYMMETRY and NOT PERFECT SYMMETRY

Answer: Goal for treating uneven breasts: EXPECT LESS ASYMMETRY and NOT PERFECT SYMMETRY

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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

Can I Use Two Different Breast Implant Profiles to Correct Natural Asymmetry?

Answers (10)

Answer: Using Different Implants To Correct Asymmetry

Answer: Using Different Implants To Correct Asymmetry

Answer: Goal for treating uneven breasts: EXPECT LESS ASYMMETRY and NOT PERFECT SYMMETRY

Answer: Goal for treating uneven breasts: EXPECT LESS ASYMMETRY and NOT PERFECT SYMMETRY

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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