Breast asymmetry correction is a procedure that improves the differences between the breasts. However, it is important to understand that although perfect symmetry is the ultimate goal, realistic expectations are that perfect symmetry cannot be achieved in many patients.
HOW IS BREAST SYMMETRY ACHIEVED?
Breast asymmetry correction is usually achieved by undergoing a breast augmentation procedure. This will correct a noticeable difference in size between the two breasts, accentuate existing or define their contours, and augment the natural shape of the breasts. Less frequently, breast asymmetry can also be corrected by a mastopexy (breast lift) procedure.
THE PROCEDURE
During your initial consultation with Dr Farhadieh, you will discuss all options available to you in order to formulate a plan for your individual wants and needs. During this session, the risks associated with the surgery will also be explained and smokers will be asked to cease smoking for at least 3-6 weeks prior to surgery and 3-6 during the postoperative period. You will also be required to stop taking any medications, herbal remedies or supplements that cause increased bleeding for at least 2 weeks prior to and 1 week following your surgery. Depending on your age, medical and family history, you may be asked to have a screening mammogram prior to surgery.
Once your surgery day arrives, your incision lines will be marked while you’re awake and you will be able to ask any remaining questions as we go through our checklist with you. Breast augmentation surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and patients will usually be discharged either the same day. Long-lasting local anaesthetic is injected into the surgical area, alleviating any immediate discomfort postoperatively.
The incisions are closed using absorbable sutures before being sealed with dermal glue and covered with tape. There may be some discolouration or mild swelling, however this will disappear quickly and will be completely resolved within 10-14 days. Throughout this healing time, straining, bending or lifting should be avoided and you should wear your supportive bra for at least 8 weeks. You will be able to go back to work within a few days of surgery and your breasts will find their final shape within 3 months.
There are risks of complication with any surgery including infection, scarring, asymmetry, discomfort, bleeding or leg blood clots to name a few. Dr Farhadieh will discuss these risks with you, during your consultation. With Panthea Clinics, however, you can have complete peace of mind knowing that you’re being cared for by a team of dedicated specialists.
WHY CHOOSE OUR CLINIC?
Breast augmentation is one of Dr Farhadieh’s areas of special interest and expertise. He brings excellence in surgical art, and uses techniques that are innovative and modern to achieve the best results possible. As an internationally peer recognised plastic surgeon educator, he has both provided expert commentary for international plastic surgery journals, as well as authored two chapters on breast augmentation in two international plastic surgery textbooks: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Approaches and Techniques. He is dedicated to is patient’s welfare.
BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION WITH US TODAY
If you’ve been thinking about getting a breast asymmetry correction, We can discuss your concerns and provide advice and options.
Call our Sydney or Canberra clinics today to enquire about more information or to book your initial consultation with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is some discomfort associated with surgery. Most patients report a ‘tightness’, rather than pain, due to the excellent pain control regime we use, which includes local anaesthetic for the immediate postoperative period as well as powerful analgesics.
The breasts will not only heal during the first 6 weeks, but will also gradually find their natural postoperative position. Gravity, healing and surgery drive this process. The final shape is usually reached by 3 months. The incision scars will fade over the first 12 months and will often be barely visible beyond the first year.
Within 2 weeks you will be back at work and able to resume most normal activities. During the subsequent weeks you will return to your pre-surgery levels of activity. We have a postoperative regime to help you through this time.
Your scars are routinely placed under the breast fold, hidden from view. Not only do bras or swimwear hide the scar, in time it will fade and be barely perceptible. Dr Farhadieh commonly uses a short scar mastopexy approach, which entails an incision around the nipple and extending down the breast vertically.
Dr Farhadieh believes that the relationship between doctor and patient is sacred and privileged. Our practice is based on compassion, honesty, transparency and, above all, patient welfare. We pride ourselves on making sure that you feel supported at all times. We will be available during each stage of your journey and will schedule short-, medium- and long-term follow-up appointments as part of our overall practice.
No. It is important that patients understand that achieving perfect breast symmetry is unrealistic. However, breast asymmetry correction can considerably improve the difference between the breasts.
1. There are some general risks associated with ANY operation, which include:
a) Infection in surgical wound(s) with resultant redness, pain and possible discharge. In severe cases, wound(s) could break open and need to be re-sutured.
b) Possible bleeding in surgical wound(s) with swelling or bruising.
c) Secretions may accumulate in the lungs and cause a chest infection.
d) Deep vein thrombosis.
e) Death is possible during or after an operation following severe complications.
f) Smoking significantly increases the risk of complications. Therefore, you should completely stop smoking at least 4 weeks prior to surgery, and refrain from smoking for at least 4 weeks.
2. The following facts, risks and complications apply specifically to THIS operation:
a) Antibiotics are given during and after the operation to minimise the risk of infection. If infection occurs, it would be treated with the usual techniques. In severe cases, treatment may involve being admitted to hospital for intravenous antibiotics; and further surgery may be required.
b) Bruising and swelling is normal, but the severity can vary with each patient. If bleeding occurs in the implant space, a clot (haematoma) can occur and this may need to be removed surgically. The risk of this occurring within the first few days after surgery is about 0.5-1%. The risk of increased bruising or bleeding can be reduced by abstaining from medications such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or other blood thinning agents, for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery.
c) A seroma is a collection of fluid around the implant, which may need to be drained. Clinically significant seromas requiring intervention occurs in less than 1% of patients and may occur many years after surgery.
d) The incisions will result in scar formation. Mr Farhadieh will endeavour to keep the incisions as small as possible, and these scars will soften and fade with time. You will be instructed as to how best care for scars to optimise results.
e) Postoperative pain experienced varies from very mild to significant discomfort. You will be given plenty of pain relieving medication following your surgery and this should keep you comfortable, no matter what your level of discomfort.
f) It is common to have intermittent mild discomfort, or intermittent sharp pains in the first few weeks after surgery, as the swelling resolves and the nerves recover. Some patients experience a temporary increase in the sensitivity of their nipples, which can be unpleasant, but usually settles down after a few weeks.
g) Numbness of the breasts and nipples is normal for a few weeks after this surgery. This usually recovers after 6-12 months, however it can be permanent. <1% will suffer nipple loss.
h) Most patients will need to take about a week off work. Heavy lifting, vigorous upper body exercise or any activity that involves ‘bouncing’ of the breasts should be avoided for 4-6 weeks. See Pre and Post-Op Instructions for more details.
i) The sutures used to close the incisions under your breasts are completely dissolvable, but they may be felt through the skin for up to 6-9 months after surgery.
j) Any surgery results in internal breast tissue scar tissue, which creates extra challenges for any secondary surgery, tissue are not as supple this may require additional procedures. This fact makes your outcomes from surgery less predictable, and no guarantees can be made in regards to your aesthetic outcomes.
k) During the time you have had breast implants, excess skin will have formed as a result of tissue expansion. Often a ‘breast lift’ procedure is required to achieve the best aesthetic outcomes following the removal of breast implants. If you choose not to undergo some form of ‘lift’ surgery, however, you can expect to be left with at least some level of skin redundancy and sagging. It is difficult to predict the level of skin sag and/or asymmetry you will be left with following this operation.
l) It is impossible to achieve ‘perfect’ breasts. In nature asymmetry is the norm rather than the exception. There is likely to be minor differences between each breast, as there are in all women. For women whose nipples are naturally at different heights, they will remain so following breast implant removal surgery, unless additional procedures are performed to correct this. This is also true for any other asymmetry between the breasts. If asymmetry was present before the primary augmentation, it will remain after implant removal unless further surgery is used to correct it.
m) The aim of breast implant removal surgery is improvement rather than perfection. Further operations may occasionally be required to improve the results.
n) Permanent keloid or hypertrophic scar may occur as a result of any surgery.
o) You may not be satisfied with the final aesthetic outcome.
