Uneven breast after breast aug. What may have caused this? (Photo)

Question

I had a breast augmentation 6 months ago and my breast look so uneven. One looks longer and fuller at the top whereas the other one looks way more round. Do you know what may have caused this or what is going on?

Albert Ko, MD · Answer

Hi there, thanks for your question. It looks like one implant (your left) is sitting higher in the breast pocket than the other and hasnt "dropped." I would reccomend wearing an implant stablizer band to help provide gentle compression and move it down. If that doesn't work, you may need revisional surgery to adjust the pocket. I reccomend consulting with your surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear kaelieldee,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Sorry to read about your issue. Although it is difficult to diagnose by photos alone, it does perhaps look like you may have developed capsular contracture or your implant never settled properly secondary to the dissection. The way you can tell yourself is by squeezing the implant at the bottom on the good side and feels how it move nicely and now squeeze the bottom of the breast/implant on the higher side. If the implant does not move as well then it is likely that you have developed capsular contracture.

I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon who deals with breast revision surgery.

Hope that helps.

I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon who deals with breast revision surgery.

Hope that helps.

Wess Cohen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There are multiple reasons that this may have happened. One reason is If this happened immediately after surgery, the pockets that the implant are in may be uneven. If this developed later it may be capsular contracture. I know either way, if your outcome is bothering you, you should consider a revision. Good luck.

Jon S. Wilensky, MD · Answer

Uneven breasts after breast augmentation can be caused by various factors, including:1. Surgical Technique: Differences in surgical techniques or implant placement can lead to uneven results.2. Implant Size: Choosing implants of different sizes or shapes can result in unevenness.3. Healing: Uneven healing or tissue response ca affect breast appearance.4. Pre-existing Asymmetry: If you had some breast size or shape differences before surgery, they may still be present after augmentation.5. Complications: Complications like capsular contracture or implant malposition can cause unevenness.Consult with your plastic surgeon to determine the cause and explore potential solutions.

Bryan Curtis, MD · Answer

Uneven breasts after breast augmentation, also known as breast asymmetry, can be caused by a variety of factors. It's important to note that some degree of natural breast asymmetry is common in many individuals even before surgery. However, significant post-operative asymmetry can be attributed to several factors:
1.) Surgical Technique: The skill and precision of the surgeon can play a significant role in achieving balanced results. If the surgical technique used during the breast augmentation is not executed accurately, it can lead to uneven results.
2.) Implant Placement: The placement of the breast implants can impact the overall symmetry. If the implants are positioned differently in each breast, it can result in uneven appearance. Factors like implant size, shape, and profile also play a role.
3.) Implant Size and Shape: Choosing the wrong implant size or shape can result in uneven breasts. If one implant is significantly larger or smaller than the other, it can lead to asymmetry.
4.) Tissue Characteristics: The natural tissue characteristics of the breasts, including skin elasticity, thickness, and breast tissue volume, can affect how the implants settle and create symmetry.
5.) Healing and Recovery: Uneven healing and recovery can also contribute to asymmetry. If one breast experiences more swelling, bruising, or other post-operative issues, it might heal differently from the other.
6.) Capsular Contracture: Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue around the implant tightens and hardens. This can lead to a change in breast shape and firmness, resulting in uneven appearance.
7.) Anatomical Differences: Pre-existing differences in breast anatomy, such as the position of the nipple, the shape of the chest wall, or the amount of breast tissue, can contribute to post-operative asymmetry.
8.) Weight Changes: Substantial weight changes after breast augmentation can affect the appearance of the breasts and lead to unevenness.
9.) Complications: Complications such as implant rupture, infection, or hematoma can impact the healing process and result in uneven outcomes.
If you're experiencing uneven breasts after breast augmentation, it's important to consult with your surgeon. They can assess the situation, identify the potential causes, and recommend appropriate solutions. In some cases, revision surgery might be necessary to achieve the desired symmetry. Always communicate openly with your surgeon and follow their advice for the best possible outcome.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There can be many reasons to cause one breast to look differently than the other, one of which is capsular contracture.  This is when the capsule that surrounds the implant begins to tighten around it.  Return to your surgeon for an evaluation of your concerns.  I've included a video on capsular contracture that I hope you find helpful.

Brian Widenhouse, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question It appears from your photo that you may be developing a contracture on your right side, which would explain why your breasts look "uneven." Contractures following a breast augmentation are not rare and are resolvable.
Please make an appointment with your plastic surgeon to be evaluated and to discuss your options for management.

Jaroslaw Tribull-Potapczuk, MD, PhD · Answer

There may be many various reasons for that, e. g. the "skin coat" of the left breast larger, then of the right breast, the "implant pocket" right smaller then the left, a beginning of capsular fibrosis of the right breast, etc., etc.To offer you any usefull and responsible answer a personal examination in our office would be necessary.Best regardsDr. Tribull

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You appear to have developed a capsule on the one side. go back to your surgeon and discuss this. Perhaps oral Accolate and external ultrasound treatments will correct this. If you wait too long, you may need surgery.

Uneven breast after breast aug. What may have caused this? (Photo)

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