Asymmetrical breasts. Can anything be done about it? (Photo)

Question

I had breast augmentation 2 years ago. I went back to my surgeon for a check up a year after surgery who confirmed there was nothing wrong however I’m unhappy with the way they look. My right breast caused a lot of pain during healing and has never felt settled. I get twinges of pain when performing certain exercises and it looks smaller and sits higher up than the left. It is firmer than the left an I can see and feel either the implant or pec muscle on the inner side. Is there something wrong?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Terrific105952,
based on your photos, it looks like you have minor asymmetry so fat transfer might be the best option to improve symmetry. 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

It is difficult to determine exactly what is going on just from the photos without a physical exam. This may be signs of early capsular contracture, but without a physical exam...it is difficult to truly determine what is going on with the breast.  I would recommend seeing a board-certified or board-eligible plastic surgeon with actual training in plastic surgery and an aesthetic fellowship. I find it also very beneficial if the surgeon has 3D imaging that can help simulate your revisionary surgery prior to the actual case.  Best of luck!

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

From your description and your photo it appears that you have capsular contracture on the right side.

Whenever a foreign body of any type is in the body, a capsule of tissue will form around it.  Over time, this tissue can get tight - when it is related to a breast implant we call this capsular contracture.  Capsular contracture can change the shape of the breast, make the breast feel firm or hard, and even cause a tight or painful feeling.  From the photo, it appears that it is the capsule contracting that is changing the shape of your breast.  Capsular contracture can progress over time.  
I recommend you follow up with your surgeon again to be reassessed.  After a physical exam, the diagnosis can be confirmed and a discussion held as to whether a medication is an option to help you or surgery will be helpful for you. 
All the best to you,
Dr. Nancy de Kleer

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

You had some asymmetry prior to surgery which was not addressed.  Sometimes an augmentation can exacerbate these asymmetries.  The inframammary fold was released more thoroughly on one side and this lead to some asymmetry in the way the implants are positioned.  A revision of the fold release on the tighter side may help.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

The pain in your right breast and its current appearance paints a story that sounds like capsular contracture. If I have my photo timeline correct, the right implant actually 'settles' up into a more contracted position with more upper pole fullness than earlier after surgery. If your doctor isn't saying there's a problem then unfortunately, you'll need to get second opinions via in office consultation.

Asymmetrical breasts. Can anything be done about it? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Breast Revision

Answer: Breast Revision

Answer: Capsular Contracture

Answer: Capsular Contracture

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Asymmetrical breasts. Can anything be done about it? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Breast Revision

Answer: Breast Revision

Answer: Capsular Contracture

Answer: Capsular Contracture

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.