I am 10 weeks post op and my right nipple is positioned higher on my breast and closer to the inside edge than the left breast. The right nipple now rides on the edge of my bra causing pain and discomfort. Can this be corrected without causing asymmetry issues?
Answer: I Want My Nipples At The Same Level
Thank you for your photograph and your excellent question. As you can see from the comments by responders, some of the best plastic surgeons in the country, we all think this problem is correctable, but everyone has a slightly different technique in mind. Obviously, the answer is to go back and see your plastic surgeon, who by the way did an excellent job, and ask his or her opinion as to what type of adjustment they would recommend.
All that being said, I would take a dart from your nipple down to your inframammary fold on the left. Depending on the angle of this dart, it will raise your nipple areolar complex a variable amount. One trick that we plastic surgeons use is known as tailor tacking. Here we put stitches on either side of the vertical line to determine how high your nipple would go and what angle we need to resect. This also requires a small adjustment on the fold at the bottom of your breast, and since your left breast is a little flatter, it will give a little more fullness to your left breast at the same time.
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Answer: I Want My Nipples At The Same Level
Thank you for your photograph and your excellent question. As you can see from the comments by responders, some of the best plastic surgeons in the country, we all think this problem is correctable, but everyone has a slightly different technique in mind. Obviously, the answer is to go back and see your plastic surgeon, who by the way did an excellent job, and ask his or her opinion as to what type of adjustment they would recommend.
All that being said, I would take a dart from your nipple down to your inframammary fold on the left. Depending on the angle of this dart, it will raise your nipple areolar complex a variable amount. One trick that we plastic surgeons use is known as tailor tacking. Here we put stitches on either side of the vertical line to determine how high your nipple would go and what angle we need to resect. This also requires a small adjustment on the fold at the bottom of your breast, and since your left breast is a little flatter, it will give a little more fullness to your left breast at the same time.
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December 18, 2011
Answer: Breast lift/aug nipple asymmetry
Thank you for the picture. Slight nipple areolar asymmetries are common after mastopexy augmentation but I do see your concern. I also agree your left breast has the correct shape and position. To lower the right nipple the distance from the breast crease to nipple can be shortened. Please wait at least 6 months after the initial surgery.
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December 18, 2011
Answer: Breast lift/aug nipple asymmetry
Thank you for the picture. Slight nipple areolar asymmetries are common after mastopexy augmentation but I do see your concern. I also agree your left breast has the correct shape and position. To lower the right nipple the distance from the breast crease to nipple can be shortened. Please wait at least 6 months after the initial surgery.
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December 16, 2011
Answer: Nipple position can be improved but too early to worry.
Augmentation and breast lift at the same time is one of the hardest cosmetic procedures that we do. This is because of the natural asymmetries present before surgery and the unpredictable evolution of shape after we are finished in the OR. After at least 3 but preferably 6 months, options and the need for revisional surgery can be considered. No further intervention will result in perfect symmetry and any additional surgery will involve some risk of complications and failure to correct the problem.
Your right breast nipple and areola is higher than the left and also appears higher on the right breast mound than ideal. Tightening the lower breast on the right will not lower the nipple position compared to the left side but it can visually improve the balance of the right breast. Essentially having the nipple closer to the point of furthest projection (like your left breast appears), rather than above this point as it is now.
It is also clear that your breasts have a nice shape and your scars are progressing very nicely. Stay in touch with your surgeon and carefully weigh your options about wanting further refinements.
Dr. Mosher
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December 16, 2011
Answer: Nipple position can be improved but too early to worry.
Augmentation and breast lift at the same time is one of the hardest cosmetic procedures that we do. This is because of the natural asymmetries present before surgery and the unpredictable evolution of shape after we are finished in the OR. After at least 3 but preferably 6 months, options and the need for revisional surgery can be considered. No further intervention will result in perfect symmetry and any additional surgery will involve some risk of complications and failure to correct the problem.
Your right breast nipple and areola is higher than the left and also appears higher on the right breast mound than ideal. Tightening the lower breast on the right will not lower the nipple position compared to the left side but it can visually improve the balance of the right breast. Essentially having the nipple closer to the point of furthest projection (like your left breast appears), rather than above this point as it is now.
It is also clear that your breasts have a nice shape and your scars are progressing very nicely. Stay in touch with your surgeon and carefully weigh your options about wanting further refinements.
Dr. Mosher
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December 16, 2011
Answer: Nipple position may be lowered by tightening lower pole some more
Although I do not have the benefit of seeing your preop. photos, your result certainly looks quite reasonable. You are correct of course - the right nipple is higher. Was it also higher preoperatively? It is very common for one nipple to be a little higher than the other among normal unoperated women.
As for the issue with your bra, the only way to "lower" the right nipple is by removing some tissue from the lower pole of the breast, tightening the lower pole, and lifting the breast mound, so that the nipple is a little lower relative to the most projecting point of the breast mound.
It is not unusual for me to tighten a breast lift in this manner, to improve perkiness. There is no other good way to lower a nipple (to do so would leave scarring that you could see above the nipple).
But your present result certainly is OK and there is no need to do anything right away. I've attached the relevant portion of my website.
Eric Swanson, M.D.
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December 16, 2011
Answer: Nipple position may be lowered by tightening lower pole some more
Although I do not have the benefit of seeing your preop. photos, your result certainly looks quite reasonable. You are correct of course - the right nipple is higher. Was it also higher preoperatively? It is very common for one nipple to be a little higher than the other among normal unoperated women.
As for the issue with your bra, the only way to "lower" the right nipple is by removing some tissue from the lower pole of the breast, tightening the lower pole, and lifting the breast mound, so that the nipple is a little lower relative to the most projecting point of the breast mound.
It is not unusual for me to tighten a breast lift in this manner, to improve perkiness. There is no other good way to lower a nipple (to do so would leave scarring that you could see above the nipple).
But your present result certainly is OK and there is no need to do anything right away. I've attached the relevant portion of my website.
Eric Swanson, M.D.
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December 15, 2011
Answer: Breast Asymmetry after Breasts Augmentation/Breast Lifting?Implant Manufacturer?
Thank you for the question and picture.
The breast asymmetry that you referred to is visible on the picture. However, you are only 10 weeks out of surgery- I would suggest you give yourself at least 6 months before you evaluate the end results and symmetry of your breasts.
Depending on the final results of the surgery and careful measurements that are done at that time it is very likely that any existing asymmetry can be improved. I'm sure you understand that absolute symmetry will likely not be achieved.
I would suggest you continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon.
Best wishes.
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December 15, 2011
Answer: Breast Asymmetry after Breasts Augmentation/Breast Lifting?Implant Manufacturer?
Thank you for the question and picture.
The breast asymmetry that you referred to is visible on the picture. However, you are only 10 weeks out of surgery- I would suggest you give yourself at least 6 months before you evaluate the end results and symmetry of your breasts.
Depending on the final results of the surgery and careful measurements that are done at that time it is very likely that any existing asymmetry can be improved. I'm sure you understand that absolute symmetry will likely not be achieved.
I would suggest you continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon.
Best wishes.
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