Breast augmentation; Is a 35 ml difference noticeable? (Photo)

Question

Hello, my surgeon suggested that I have 295 ml in my right breast and 330 ml in my left one. I do have some slight asymmetry, with my left breast placed a little higher than my right one, besides being slightly smaller. Do you think that this difference of 35 ml will be noticeable once in my body?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

A volume difference of 35cc will not be visibly noticeable, however it may help to address the size asymmetry and may fit better in the pocket.  You are correct in that one of your breasts does sit higher than the other.  If this is not addressed during surgery this same asymmetry will be present afterward. Using differently sized implants will not correct it.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon' s experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Ramin Behmand, MD, FACS · Answer

The volume difference is relatively minor.  The intentions of using different size implants are good.  But, in a slender person like you, that difference is likely to become noticeable with time.  Best to sue the same size implants.

Your areolas are at very different levels. Print this photo out, and draw horizontal lines through the nipples across the chest, and you'll see the significant height difference between the two sides.  When you do an augmentation, this difference in areola height will become exaggerated, and more noticeable. Also, the larger areola is likely to expand proportionally more than the smaller areola.

Some options you have:

1. Don't do an augmentation, may be until after having children, and breastfeeding, if that is a consideration.
2. Have an augmentation with the same size implants, knowing that you will have symmetric breast mounds, but areolas at noticeably different levels.
3. Consider a periareolar lift (permanent soft Gortex suture paced) to make the areola the same size, and improve the position for better asymmetry.

Dr. B.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Intuitive895363,
based on your photos, it looks like you have minor asymmetry so different size implants can help improve this. During the surgery your surgeon can use sizers to make sure that your asymmetry is resolved. 
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Unless there is significant asymmetry I usually recommend using the same size implants, and that’s what I would do in your situation. You need to accept some asymmetry anyway. Using different size implants is a game that usually doesn’t work out very well.

Breast augmentation; Is a 35 ml difference noticeable? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Implant size

Answer: Implant size

Answer: Breast implants

Answer: Breast implants

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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

Breast augmentation; Is a 35 ml difference noticeable? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Implant size

Answer: Implant size

Answer: Breast implants

Answer: Breast implants

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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