Asymmetry concern - how can this be fixed? (Photos)

Question

Concern about the right breast. That appears to look different than the left. Less natural, almost looks like it’s falling

Banafsheh Sharif-Askary, MD · Answer

I completely understand why you're concerned. During the healing process, it's natural to focus on every difference, and everyone wants to look their best as soon as possible. The timing after surgery is very important because breasts often heal at different rates, and it's common for one implant to sit differently than the other early on.
As healing progresses, the implant continues to settle, or "drop," into its final position, and the tissues gradually relax. There are situations where interventions such as implant massage or an upper pole support band can help encourage the implant into a better position, but whether those are appropriate depends entirely on what's causing the asymmetry.
Before trying anything on your own, I would recommend seeing your surgeon for an examination. They can determine whether what you're seeing is simply a normal part of the healing process or whether any specific measures, such as massage or banding, would be beneficial. In many cases, patience is all that's needed, but an in-person evaluation is the best next step.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Hi! Thank you for your inquiry. The breasts take time to settle and reach their final placement. If one breast is sitting higher, tighter sometimes massaging the breast will help. There are other options to help soften the breast to help with the breast settling. We recommend scheduling a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your goals and concerns.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

From the photos, the right breast does look lower and a little different in shape than the left, but a photo cannot tell whether this is implant malposition, natural breast-tissue asymmetry, bottoming out, fold position, or healing-related swelling. Timing matters a lot. If this is still early after augmentation, the breast can continue to settle, and your operating surgeon should guide you before considering any revision.
If the result is fully healed and stable, correction is usually based on the cause: tightening or raising the implant pocket, reinforcing the inframammary fold, changing implant size or profile, adding internal support, or doing a lift if breast tissue and skin are contributing. I would start with an in-person exam by your surgeon or a revision breast surgeon, because the best fix depends on whether the implant, the breast tissue, or both are causing the asymmetry.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Powerful972631,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. 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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

It is important to remember that absolute symmetry is an impossibility. There are always slight variations from one side to the other (whether it be size, shape, position). Some can be addressed surgically. But subtle variations are best left untreated so as not to worsen them in the pursuit of perfection.

Based upon your photos, you have a very reasonable result and a subtle difference between the two breasts. There are options for improvement (? upper pole fat grafting on the right). However, I would caution against being too aggressive in pursuit of perfect symmetry. Sometimes the enemy of good is perfect.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Sameer Karkhanis, MS, DNB · Answer

Hello. The extent of asymmetry is very mild. My personal recommendation would be to do a fat transfer to upper pole of right breast. This will balance with the upper pole fullness of left breast. I would not recommend an exchange of implant if there no complications with respect ton implant. Fat transfer of fat grafting can be done from excess fat if inner thigh or lower abdomen. 
Thank you.

Dr Sameer Karkhanis,
Centre for Cosmetic Surgery, Mumbai, India

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! I would be able to give you a better opinion if I saw your before photos. My guess is you had some subtle asymmetry prior to surgery. No two breasts are the exact same. Overall, you have a nice result. I wouldn't worry about it too much as no one is noticing that difference. Best of luck!

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

From your photographs, it seems you have quite good symmetry.  This can be difficult to judge from 2 photographs.  How long ago was your surgery?  It may be helpful to go back to your plastic surgeon who can examine you and is probably the best to let you know what to expect.

Kadir Berat Oyur, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photos and concern. From what I can see, there is a noticeable asymmetry between the breasts, particularly with the right side appearing slightly lower and less supported, which can be due to differences in tissue, skin elasticity, or implant position (if you have implants). This is quite common and can usually be improved with a tailored surgical approach, such as a breast lift (mastopexy), possible implant adjustment, or using different implant sizes to restore balance and a more natural appearance. A precise plan would require a detailed assessment in person or clearer medical photos, but overall, this is a correctable situation with good potential for a harmonious result.

Jennifer Harrington, MD · Answer

Some degree of breast asymmetry is extremely common, and mild differences in size, shape or nipple position are entirely normal. From your photos, your asymmetry appears to be on the milder end.
The most straightforward approach for volume differences is using two different-sized implants to balance the breasts. This works well when the difference isn’t too dramatic and the skin envelopes are similar. If there’s also a difference in nipple position or shape, a small lift or periareolar adjustment on one side can be added. 
It’s worth noting that surgery can meaningfully improve asymmetry but rarely achieves perfect symmetry, and slight differences almost always remain. A board-certified plastic surgeon can examine you in person, measure each side precisely and recommend the approach that best fits your specific anatomy and goals.

Asymmetry concern - how can this be fixed? (Photos)

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