My left breast hangs lower than my right. Do I need a breast lift revision? (Photo)

Question

I'm almost 3 months post op from a full breast lift with silicon implants fat transfer to the upper poles of my breast and a galaflex mesh. I've noticed recently that my left breast is now hanging lower than my right. I've been having some swelling on the sides of my breast especially my left breast. Any advice would be greatly appreciated very worried about it.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

You've got more going on than one breast hanging slightly lower than the other. I do not have the advantage of pre-operative photos or present measurements, but you had "extra" steps, including Mesh and fat grafting, for what most of us would probably simply treat with full breast lift plus implants. Mesh is expensive, and while sometimes used, has not been proven to avoid stretch with time. Like I said, an expensive way to still sag over time. But that's a judgement call, and price/performance decision.Fat grafting yields 50% "take," and if you don't have lumps or firm spots, may need to be repeated for optimal upper pole fullness. Or you could be re-tightened with a repeat lift. More cost (and not avoided by your expensive option list).Your surgical result is good, but far from complete. Yet, the additional changes with time will be more subtle than substantive, and you look as if additional medial and lateral skin tailoring would give better roundness and less of a boxy shape, regardless of how long you wait. I don't think this is swelling; it appears to be in the design of the lift.I would also check sternal notch to nipple distance--for a 5'6" woman (guess), I would suggest about 21cm, which also corresponds to Dr. Penn's article from the 1950's about "ideal" breast proportions. If you are substantially longer than this, then your new nipple position is a bit lower than "ideal," and I too would recommend waiting to see where things end up at 6-12 months post-op when healing is indeed complete. Redo surgery can improve not only the asymmetrical "hang," but all the other issues I see.Again, not bad work, but you paid a substantial price for this surgery, and deserve a correspondingly superlative result. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

With all that was done, I would wait at least 6 months or so to see how things settle out before considering any type of revision.

Talmage J. Raine, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

There is some asymmetry but it is still a little early. If at six months they look pretty much the same, I think you would be happy to slightly adjust the asymmetry of the areola with a crescent lift of the left areola. All the best,Talmage Raine MD

Marc J. Salzman, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs. It appears that the left side is larger than the right and would account for its lower position on the chest wall. At three months postoperatively, I would have to assume that all of the swelling has abated. It's not impossible to have a small fluid collection around the left implant accounting for its larger size. This can be looked at with an ultrasound quite simply. Should there just be more gland on the left and on the right, then a small adjustment could be made with liposuction and movement of the areola slightly upward. Hope that's helpful.

My left breast hangs lower than my right. Do I need a breast lift revision? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Looks asymmetrical

Answer: Looks asymmetrical

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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My left breast hangs lower than my right. Do I need a breast lift revision? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Looks asymmetrical

Answer: Looks asymmetrical

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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