How to correct this asymmetry during breast augmentation? (Photo)

Question

I'm having a BA in about a week. My right breast hangs a bit lowers and is about 17cc fuller. My doctor said i dont need different implants. I'm worried my BA will enhance my asymmetry instead of correcting it. Is there anything besides using different implants that can help correct my asymmetry?

Kadir Berat Oyur, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Based on your concerns, breast augmentation can address some asymmetry even with the same implant size. Your surgeon may use techniques such as adjusting pocket placement, positioning the implants slightly differently, or minor tissue shaping to help balance the breasts. In many cases, these adjustments can improve symmetry without needing different implant sizes.
A consultation would help confirm the best approach to achieve the most even and natural result.

Mehmet Ozdemir, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Based on your concerns, breast augmentation can help improve asymmetry even when using implants of the same size. Your surgeon may employ techniques such as adjusting the implant pocket, slightly varying implant positioning, or performing minor tissue shaping to achieve a more balanced appearance. In many cases, these adjustments can enhance symmetry without the need for different implant sizes.
A consultation would be the best way to determine the most effective approach for achieving a natural and even result.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

17cc is a minor diffierence therefore the same sized implants may be suitable. The issue seems to be the placement of your nipples. One is lower than the other, and this will become more noticeable with implants. If your lower nipple is located below the breast fold, a lift may be performed. This could even out your nipples but you will be left with more scars as a result.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

Breast asymmetry of course is natural.  Any decisions about different implant sizes are best made with your doctor.  They could not give you a good idea of what is possible to gain a little bit more symmetry.  In some situations, the inframammary fold position can be changed to help improve symmetry.  The 17 cc you mention is about as much as a tablespoon.  You may or may not need to different size implants.  In the photograph you present, the nipple position is quite good bilaterally which is important.  Often asymmetry can barely be helped surgically you are starting with an overall good breast shape and can expect a very nice result.  Good luck with your surgery.

Jacob Carlson, MD · Answer

Some surgeons will reposition the inframammary fold if there is a discrepancy between the two sides. Anecdotally, I think it is easier to RAISE an inframammary fold than it is to LOWER one. In order to lower an inframammary fold, a surgeon has to disrupt the natural structure of the inframammary fold, which provides both the shape of the lower pole and support to the breast tissue and implant. If the natural inframammary fold is disrupted, its very hard to reconstruct that later on, and over the course of time, an implant has a greater chance of descending too far ("bottoming out"). Elevating an inframammary fold a small amount is more predictable, because the natural inframammary fold isn't be disrupted; it is just being moved upward a little.
I would recommend asking your surgeon if it is possible to reposition your inframammary fold. Based on the photos your submitted, I don't see a huge volume asymmetry, but even if two slightly different implant sizes are used, that alone isn't going to change the position of the inframammary fold or areola.

Waylon Zeng, MD · Answer

Hi there, thank you so much for your questions and for sharing your photos. You are wondering how to correct asymmetry of your breasts during breast augmentation. I agree with your surgeon in that there would not be a need for different implants. While there is some asymmetry with your breast (right breast fold and imprint is slightly lower than the left), the difference is very small. No two breasts are the same on women's bodies. While we try to improve symmetry, there will always be subtle difference between breasts even after surgery.
A difference of 17cc is very negligible, and after augmentation, that difference will be even smaller. If you think about it from a numbers standpoint, a difference between 37 and 20 may seem very large, but a difference between 317 and 300 is very small. That is how the size difference will seem after an augmentation

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

In our office, we perform implant sizing before surgery. In a case like yours, with pre existing asymmetry, we focus our sizing on the smaller breast (right breast in your case) and select the desired size implant to be inserted there. At surgery, we would first insert that chosen implant in the right breast. I would then turn my attention to your left breast. I would slightly lower your left inframammary fold to try to match the right breast fold more closely. After that, we would insert sizer implants in the left breast and have the anesthesiologist raise up the back of the OR table so we are looking at you as if you are standing. So therefore, with the inframammary folds more even and you sitting upright on the OR table, we would be able to select, then insert an implant into the left breast which would optimize its symmetry with your right breast. Hope that helps!

Laura Roider, MD · Answer

A small volume difference (like 17cc) will not be appreciated following augmentation. Based on your photo, I would recommend using the same implant on both sides. One thing to note is breast implants (regardless of size) will not correct the small asymmetry in your nipple position.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I agree with your surgeon. In my experience, often, BA minimizes the difference when they are fairly similar in size to begin with. Let's do the math for example; if you start with  the smaller left breast, lets say about 50cc and the bigger right breast is 67cc the % (percent) difference is about 25%. Then if you add, let's say at least 200cc to each- now you have 267cc on the right and 250cc total on the left- the %(percent) difference drops to 3%- much less than 25% to start with. And, the difference becomes even less if you are getting more than 200cc. Hope this helps. Good luck. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Loving163698,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Generally speaking, minor asymmetry can be improved using different size implants. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

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

How to correct this asymmetry during breast augmentation? (Photo)

Answers (16)

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