Asymmetry from breast feeding - What type of lift for small uneven breasts? (Photo)

Question

I developed asymmetry after breastfeeding and I’d like to correct the saggier side just to make it as similar to the other one as possible. Which lift technique would be best suited for me?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

From the photo alone it is difficult to choose the exact lift pattern. In my experience, the decision depends on nipple position, areola size, skin quality, and how much lower the more ptotic side sits compared with the other breast.
For mild asymmetry, a small periareolar adjustment may be enough, but if the breast needs real reshaping or nipple elevation, a vertical or lollipop lift often gives more control. A one-sided lift can improve balance, though perfect symmetry is rarely possible.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It is possible to lift the saggier side so that it’s more symmetrical with the perkier side. At the same time, additional tissue can be removed to match the size as well. It would be difficult to give you an opinion on the type of lift without a side photo. If significant improvement needs to be made, a vertical lift is recommended.

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

Dear Wewantbetter,
   Although your picture does not show the breasts well for comparison, we can guesstimate that the right is saggier and perhaps smaller.  If the nipple on the saggy side is 2 cm or less downward, then a pursestrings periareolar technique works well.  If a small implant, is also desired, it works to support the constrictive force of the pursestrings and pushes the anterior breast out, so less tendency to be flattened.

Yily De Los Santos, MD · Answer

Asymmetry after breastfeeding is very common, especially when one breast loses more volume or skin elasticity than the other. In cases like yours, where the goal is to make the sagging side match the better-positioned breast as closely as possible, this can often be achieved with a more limited lift rather than a very extensive procedure.

The ideal technique mainly depends on how much the nipple has descended, the amount of excess skin, and whether there is also a volume difference between the breasts.

When sagging is mild, some patients may benefit from a less invasive lift around the areola. If the laxity is more noticeable, a vertical lift may provide better shape and symmetry.

It’s also important to evaluate whether the lower breast has lost volume, because in some cases a small implant or fat transfer helps create better balance between both sides.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear wewantbetter,

my preferred lift is a lollipop lift when a periareolar won't do (ie greater than 2cm lift required). The lollipop technique was created by a Canadian plastic surgeon named Elizabeth Hall-Findley and treats the breast as a three dimensional structure instead of two dimensions (anchor - lift). Most importantly it does not require the horizontal component scars that the anchor-lift requires and breasts appear much more natural, lifted, and less boxy. Lastly, the lift lasts longer because the lollipop doesn't rely on the skin to hold the breast up, its actually breast tissue thats being brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mehmet Ozdemir, MD · Answer

Correcting asymmetry after breastfeeding is a very common goal, and since your concern is primarily focused on one "saggier" side, we can tailor the technique specifically to that breast to achieve better balance. Based on your photo, if the laxity is mild to moderate, a periareolar (donut) lift might be sufficient; this involves an incision only around the edge of the areola to tighten the skin and slightly elevate the nipple position. However, if that side has more significant volume loss or a lower nipple-to-fold distance, a vertical (lollipop) lift would be more effective, as it allows for more thorough reshaping of the breast tissue and a more noticeable "perkiness" that better matches your firmer side. During a physical exam, I would measure the exact degree of "nipple drop" on each side; often, we can combine a one-sided lift with a small volume adjustment either through fat grafting or asymmetric implants to ensure that the breasts don't just sit at the same height, but also have the same fullness and projection.

Waylon Zeng, MD · Answer

Hi! thank you for your question and sharing your photos. You are asking about improving symmetry after breast feeding. Asymmetry is very common after breastfeeding, even if that breast was not the favored side. If you are happy with the current size/volume, then a circumareola mastopexy (donut lift) would be enough to lift the breast and not have any noticeable scars on your breasts. This does tend to flatten the breast, so I would not recommend this technique if you need to lift the areola more than 2cm. Otherwise an implant would do a better job at correct the asymmetry.

Asymmetry from breast feeding - What type of lift for small uneven breasts? (Photo)

Answers (7)

More Breast Lift Questions

Can my nipples/areolas be improved during a breast lift?

19 with saggy breasts - would a lift fix this? Would it also improve my nipple projection? (Photos)

Unconventional breast lift - Is it possible to get a breast lift that removes the skin above the nipple, on the chest? (Photo)

36HH and struggling with rashes. - Am I a good candidate for a breast lift? (Photos)

Breast lift types - Bellasoma and the auto augmentation and an internal dermal bra lift. Which is best with hEDS? (Photos)

57, former smoker of 40 years - is it safe to have a breast lift?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS