One breast has settled considerably lower than the other. Can this be repaired without a lift? (photo)

Question

I had my augmentation just over 2 years ago (under the muscle). The right side received a mentor smooth round moderate plus profile gel implant sized 300. The left side received the same but sized 325. In the past year the right side has begun to settle considerably lower than the left - visually it appears at least an inch lower than the left side. Is there a way to repair this without a lift?

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

Based not he photos, the difference between the breasts is very small, and one would expect that the difference would be hardly noticeable in clothes and even in a bikini.  In considering revision surgery or touch-up procedures, it's important to remember that complications can happen, and sometimes, it's simply not "worth it" to chase small differences.  One also notices that one areola is somewhat wider than the other, and this is also a part of the difference.  In general, when differences are as small as is seen in this case, we don't recommend surgery in our practice.Reza Momeni, MD FACS * The above commentary is not personal medical advice, and is intended for general education on the internet.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear skwmv,    Thanks for submitting you picture. From the picture and your history , I suspect that you have developed capsule contracture on the left side. Obviously examination of your breasts is needed to confirm that assertion. If indeed that is the case , you can have improvement of the left breast by doing capsulotomy which will lower the sub mammary fold and lift the nipple. It will also improve on your cleavage. The capsulotomy might also expand the breast and even up more the breasts as far as size.  Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeon and check their before and after pictures to make sure that you like the results.    Best of luck,                             Dr Widder

Brian C. Reuben, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo.  It does appear that your right inframammary fold is a bit lower than the left. What is uncertain is whether this was present before your surgery.  There are often differences between the breasts and this needs to be determined prior to surgery.  If the fold is lower as the result of surgery, a "lift" is not really the fix.  If it is truly the lower fold that bothers you, then the fold needs to be elevated, which is done in a surgery.  This can be accomplished with sutures or a mesh material to support the implant.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

NO! You can opt fore additional minor lifting surgery if you desire. But this is a very personal decision....

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Some breast asymmetry is normal. This is waht it appears in the photos with your breasts. If concerned review your phoots with your surgeon.

One breast has settled considerably lower than the other. Can this be repaired without a lift? (photo)

Answers (10)