If I have a giant fibroadenoma in left breast, do I need to have it removed prior to breast augmentation? (photos)

Thank you for your question and photos. A specific recommendation can only be provided after a physical examination in person. That said I t would be best to address the fibroadenoma either before your augmentation or potentially at the same operation. Asymmetry is definitely an issue that should be addressed as part of breast augmenting and it would be best to do so by addressing the main cause of the asymmetry, namely the fibroadenoma.

If you ignore the fibroadenoma and have an asymmetric augmentation, the day will probably arrive when it would need to be removed and there would then be a resultant newly acquired asymmetry.

A board certified plastic surgeon should be able to do this at the same time of the augmentation, or with the coordinated assistance of a breast surgeon colleague if he or she feels that would be advisable. Best of luck to you.

Good morning!
I would consider removal because of the location- it appears to distort the breast shape and will likely to continue to do so after surgery. That way if its gone you don't have to worry about monitoring it for changes and don't have to risk undergoing a biopsy with implants already in place, which is a little more difficult.

A benign fibroadenoma can be removed during the time of breast augmentation surgery. This is especially true if the lesion is close to the planned incision for the breast surgery.

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph. In order to get the best, most symmetrical pairing of implants I would first have your fibroadenoma addressed, then have the augmentation performed. Hope this helps.

I definitely would not leave the fibroadenoma. It would be acceptable to remove it prior to surgery or at the same time. I would remove it through a periareolar incision at the top of your areola but would not put the implant in though that incision. I would use an inframammary incision and put the implant under the muscle.

I appreciate your concerns and while you have modest asymmetry, that asymmetry will be increased after removal of the fibroadenoma. I would recommend having the breast mass removed first followed six months later by breast augmentation, probably utilizing different sized implants to correct asymmetry. Your plastic surgeon and breast surgeon should have a conversation about all options. Best of luck.

Dear anonymous87532784,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photos, it looks like your fibroadenoma is big and it would probably affect outcome of breast augmentation surgery. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

You can consider having a benign fibroadenoma removed prior to surgery or potentially at the same time. If you leave it as is and continue with surgery it may be more visible when the implants are placed, distorting your shape.