Breast augmentation results are uneven - is it fair to be disappointed? (photos)

Question

I’m 5’4” and 117lbs. I had breast implants placed in 2020. I sought my doctor because his results were pretty. To my dismay mine were not. I asked about went wrong and it was attributed to my anatomy. Is it fair to be disappointed with my results and this doctor? His plan for surgery was to place one higher slightly higher than the other which did not help in the end.

Bora Ok, MD · Answer

Hello from Istanbul, I understand your frustration. A potential solution to improve symmetry could be to slightly lower the left intramammary fold. However, this asymmetry is not very pronounced, so if you prefer, you can consider addressing it later in life, especially if you're hesitant about undergoing another surgery at the moment. Best of luck to you.

Martin Benjamin, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello! Your asymmetry after augmentation may be partially attributed to your asymmetry/anatomy before your surgery. You have have a bit of scoliosis (L shoulder higher than R) and your breast creases may also be a bit uneven (nipple position preop higher than right). This can be corrected during the augmentation within reason; i.e. dropping your fold on the L. You still may be able to revise your augmentation and perform a capsulotomy on the L to drop the implant while performing a small R areolar crescent lift to give you better symmetry. Keep in mind that the nipple position moves in the opposite direction of the implant...as the breast implant comes down the nipple/areola goes up! Good Luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear nicoleolsen220,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is 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

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! I can see why you are frustrated, but I think it's important to point out a couple of things you may not notice. Your inframammary fold was lower on the one breast than the other even in your pre-op photo. Most importantly though, your shoulders are at a very different height. I wonder if perhaps you have a bit of scoliosis. These things should have been noted prior to surgery. I do think that you could benefit from a capsulorrhaphy on the one side to improve symmetry. Good luck!

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Feeling disappointed about uneven breast augmentation results is a subjective response, and it's entirely fair for someone to experience such emotions. People seek cosmetic procedures like breast augmentation with the expectation of improving their appearance and boosting their confidence. When the results do not meet these expectations or if there is an asymmetry, it's natural for individuals to feel disappointed.

However, it's important to approach this disappointment with a clear understanding of the factors involved. Some level of asymmetry is normal in the human body, and absolute perfection may not always be achievable. Additionally, individual healing processes, variations in tissue characteristics, and other factors can contribute to uneven results.

If someone is dissatisfied with their breast augmentation results, it's recommended to communicate openly with their surgeon. Many reputable plastic surgeons have procedures in place to address post-operative concerns, including touch-up surgeries or adjustments.

In conclusion, while it's fair to feel disappointed about uneven breast augmentation results, it's crucial to approach the situation with realistic expectations and engage in open communication with the medical professionals involved in the procedure.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

In your pre-operative photograph, you were asymmetrical in volume, shape and position. Also, your shoulders are not at the same height. The right breast appears smaller. At this time, it appears your right breast is larger and lower. I recommend to operate only on the right breast. I would go through an inframammary incision, remove the implant and replace with a smaller implant and reinforce the pocket inferiorly to raise it up higher. The other alternative is to lower the opposite breast but that can be a problem in that the breast may descend too far.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

It is very common for surgeons to blame the patient, but in your case, he's partially correct. The side that dropped out had a lower and looser inframammary crease, which means the implant didn't have as much soft tissue support as the other side (I'm not saying that myself or others would not have made the same mistake too, unfortunately). However, in an ideal world it should have been identified prior to surgery, discussed with you, and a plan set in place to try and prevent this, which would have been the use of a resorbable mesh to help support the implant on that side. You will need a revision surgery to do just that: a tightening of the scar capsule and reinforcement with resorbable mesh.

Gregory T. Lynam, MD · Answer

It is great to see two sets of post op pictures since you have improved over time. The right breast implant pocket seems a bit low to start and the left too high. At this point in time if you like the left side better then your doctor could raise the right breast fold. I hope this helps, Good Luck!

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

You have slight baseline asymmetry, and I am not sure what anatomical challenges your surgeon might have encountered during the procedure.

Your left breast has a high fold and the implant seems to be pushed upwards. This could be caused by several issues that would require an exam to figure out.  Most likely, your symmetry could be improved.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Your asymmetry seems to have improved with time. It’s simple to lower the high one a little but to even then out. Easier than trying to raise the low one