9 Weeks Post-op Breast Lift/augmentation, and Breasts Are Terribly Uneven? (photo)

Question

9 weeks ago I had a lift/augmentation and my right breast has always been higher up and more deformed looking than the other. I thought by now things would have settled. I do not do the massage I was told to do - it hurts and I don't like to do it. Is that the reason? Do you have any suggestions? I will be back in Mexico for a tummy tuck in 3 weeks so I can see my doctor then, but in the meantime I am freaking out! Thanks in advance.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Katie, I find myself so angry that you have chosen to put yourself in this situation (live in Canada, have surgery in Mexico, and ask trained, experienced plastic surgeons in the US and Canada who are donating their time to answer questions online). And that's not all!

	Your photo does indeed show one implant higher than the other, but you are wearing an elastic sports bra that covers your breast scars, and completely invalidates any assessment of implant position inferiorly near your (eventual) inframammary creases. It's impossible to know if the "high" implant is too high because it's pocket is not open enough inferiorly, if your "low" implant has bottomed out, or if you have early capsular contracture or inadequately-created pocket size. No one can give you good advice with this information or without personal examination, which is not possible when you travel out-of-country before ALL of your follow-up visits are complete. Did you receive a reduction of cost because follow-up is not included (nor even possible without more travel)?

	Finally, you admit you aren't following your surgeon's advice because "it hurts and I don't like to do it." What other recommendations or follow-up instructions have you decided not to follow? Surgery involves pain, swelling, discomfort, medications, limitations of activities, recommended healing measures like implant movement exercises or wearing of elastic bands, not wearing of bras, etc. Elective cosmetic surgery is not like picking out your desired operation from a vending machine, paying the money, and after some magical things that happen inside the machine, getting your "final result." It involves time and effort and compliance with advice on YOUR part. And, if you "don't like it" and choose to not follow advice and recommendations by the surgeon you traveled to and paid for the surgery, why would you even listen to "free" advice?

	I'm sorry, but you should be freaking out. I'm freaking out that you didn't learn your lesson the first time and anticipate doing this again for a tummy tuck. Is your Mexican surgeon so "cheap" that you are willing to risk even MORE "freaking out?"

	You should reconsider and see any of many properly-trained and certified plastic surgeons closer to home, both in Canada and the US. BTW, what is the cost of re-operation, re-do surgery, or treatment of complications? You can't get that online, and any monetary savings via surgical tourism is more than offset by even one re-operation for ANY reason.

	I'm sorry if this answer sounds harsh, but those of us plastic surgeons in border states end up taking care of all too many surgical tourists who think vacationing and elective surgery is a great idea, and a way to save money to boot! Yours is just a minor example of why this is totally erroneous thinking. What happens if you get a blood clot on the long flight home? Or an infection in your abdominal incision? Or dead skin or belly button from second-hand smoke in the Mexican airport? Who will you ask to "fix" those issues?

	Please rethink this and see a plastic surgeon in your own area to ask about your breasts, and find out about a tummy tuck by a local expert. Commit to following all advice, even if it hurts or you don't like it.  Even if you had the "King of plastic surgery of Mexico" as your surgeon (and somehow I doubt this if you're going for "cheap"), how can you get evaluation of any problem when you're in Edmonton, and your surgeon is in Mexico? Best of luck--I fear you may need it with the choices you are making. I truly wish you well. Dr. Tholen

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

It will be in your best interests to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon who, after direct examination, will be able to give you good advice. It is possible that revisionary breast surgery will be necessary to improve the symmetry of your breasts; this may be something that can be done during your tummy tuck operation.

	Best wishes.

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Katie,

	I am sorry that you are not happy with your results and that you are having trouble due to your surgery.

	 

	With this photograph, it is not possible to provide you with an assessment. I believe that your best bet at this time is to share your concerns and inform your surgeon of the type of pain you have been enduring, especially when "massaging" your breasts.

	 

	At this point, your surgeon is the only one who could provide you with the best advise/solution as he/she knows the details of your surgery.

	 

	Best of wishes.

	Dr. Sajjadian

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Sounds like your surgeon is in Mexico and you live in Canada?  Perhaps it's lucky that you are scheduled to see him/her in 3 weeks again so that you can review your case with your surgeon.  On the bright side, you're only 9 weeks after surgery so your body is still going through changes and there is still a chance that the two sides will equalize over time.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello,

Your photo shows the right breast higher than the left but we cannot determine the reason for this from your photo since we cannot see the lower half of your breasts.  If you are having a tummy tuck in the near future your plastic surgeon can take that opportunity to revise your breast surgery as needed.  It sounds like you will need to have your right breast pocket opened to allow the breast implant to sit a little lower.

All the best,

Dr Remus Repta

9 Weeks Post-op Breast Lift/augmentation, and Breasts Are Terribly Uneven? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Medical tourism means you don't have access to your surgeon when needed

Answer: Medical tourism means you don't have access to your surgeon when needed

Answer: Your surgeon will have to determine if the right needs lowering

Answer: Your surgeon will have to determine if the right needs lowering

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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

9 Weeks Post-op Breast Lift/augmentation, and Breasts Are Terribly Uneven? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Medical tourism means you don't have access to your surgeon when needed

Answer: Medical tourism means you don't have access to your surgeon when needed

Answer: Your surgeon will have to determine if the right needs lowering

Answer: Your surgeon will have to determine if the right needs lowering

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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