Breast Asymmetry Surgery – How I Do It

Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna’s Approach to Breast Asymmetry Surgery

If you’re considering breast asymmetry surgery, understanding the nuances of the procedure and choosing a skilled surgeon are important steps towards achieving a balanced and aesthetically pleasing outcome. Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna, a leading consultant plastic surgeon based in the UK, specialises in addressing breast asymmetry with precision and a deep commitment to patient care. This blog aims to provide you with an overview of how Anca approaches this delicate procedure, ensuring that every patient’s needs are met with the highest standards of medical excellence.

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What Is Breast Asymmetry?

Breast asymmetry is a common condition where a woman’s breasts differ in terms of size, shape, or position. While it is normal for breasts to have some degree of variation, significant asymmetry can often lead to emotional and physical discomfort. You might feel self-conscious wearing certain types of clothing or find it challenging to engage in activities that make you feel exposed or vulnerable.

The causes of breast asymmetry vary widely and can include genetic factors, hormonal changes, or developmental conditions such as juvenile hypertrophy or Poland’s syndrome. In some cases, asymmetry is further pronounced during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, highlighting how fluctuating hormone levels can impact breast tissue.

From a medical standpoint, while breast asymmetry is usually benign, understanding its causes is essential for effective treatment. For those who feel their asymmetry impacts their quality of life, surgical correction is a viable and often very rewarding option.

Anca believes that educating you about the potential causes and implications of asymmetrical breasts is the first step towards a successful outcome. During your initial consultation, she will discuss your medical history, conduct a thorough physical examination, and use advanced imaging techniques to assess the degree of asymmetry. This detailed evaluation helps in planning a surgery that not only improves symmetry but also aligns with your overall body image and personal expectations.

The psychological impact of breast asymmetry should not be underestimated. Many women experience a significant improvement in self-esteem and body image following correction of asymmetry. It’s important to approach the decision for surgery with a clear understanding of the potential emotional benefits, as well as a realistic expectation of the results.

Anca’s approach is highly personalised; she understands that each patient’s body and expectations are unique. With a keen eye for detail and an understanding of breast aesthetics, she focuses on creating a natural appearance that enhances your overall body balance and proportions. Whether the solution involves breast augmentation, reduction, or a lift, each strategy is tailored to address your specific needs and goals.

Breast asymmetry is a condition that varies greatly among individuals, affecting not only physical appearance but also emotional well-being. With Anca’s expert guidance, you can explore the most appropriate surgical options to achieve symmetry and gain confidence in your body.

Initial Consultation for Breast Asymmetry Surgery

The journey towards achieving breast symmetry begins with a thorough initial consultation. This is your opportunity to meet Anca, discuss your concerns, and explore the potential pathways to achieve your desired outcome. During this consultation, Anca will take the time to understand your medical history, any previous surgeries, and your specific aesthetic goals.

You will be encouraged to speak openly about what you hope to achieve through surgery. This discussion is vital as it helps set realistic expectations and aligns the surgical plan with your vision. Anca will explain the different surgical options available, including the benefits and risks associated with each. This is also a perfect time for you to ask any questions you might have about the procedure, recovery, and expected results.

A physical examination will be conducted to assess the degree of asymmetry, and photographic documentation may be taken for medical records and surgical planning. Anca uses these images to meticulously plan the surgical procedure, ensuring that all angles are considered. This personalised approach helps in visualising the possible outcomes and refining the surgical technique that will be used.

The consultation is not just about planning the surgery; it is also about building a rapport and trust between you and Anca. Choosing to undergo breast asymmetry surgery is a significant decision, and it’s important that you feel comfortable and confident in your plastic surgeon’s ability to deliver the results you seek.

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The Surgical Process Explained

Once you have decided to proceed with the surgery, Anca will outline the entire surgical process, ensuring you understand each step. The type of surgery you undergo will depend on the nature of your breast asymmetry. Common procedures include breast augmentation, reduction, lift, or a combination of these techniques to achieve symmetry.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Pre-Operative Preparation: Before the surgery, Anca will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare. This might include guidelines on eating, drinking, and which medications to avoid. It’s important to follow these instructions closely to minimise any risks during surgery.
2. Anaesthesia: Breast asymmetry surgeries are performed under general anaesthesia, meaning you will be asleep and pain-free throughout the procedure.
3. The Surgery: Depending on the complexity, the surgery can take several hours. Anca will make incisions in predetermined locations, aiming to keep scars as inconspicuous as possible. Through these incisions, she will perform the necessary modifications — such as implant placement, fat reduction, or tissue reshaping — to create a more symmetrical appearance.
4. Closing the Incisions: Once the adjustments have been made, Anca will close the incisions with sutures and apply dressings to the area to aid in healing.
5. Recovery in the Hospital: After the surgery, you will spend some time in the recovery room under observation to ensure there are no immediate complications. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be required to stay in the hospital overnight.

Anca will follow up with detailed post-operative care instructions, including how to care for your surgical sites, medications to take to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, and when to follow up in her office. She will also be available to answer any questions or concerns that may arise after you go home.

Personalised Approach

In every surgical procedure, particularly in cases as sensitive as breast asymmetry correction, the approach must be as unique as the individual. Anca excels in creating bespoke treatment plans that respect your specific anatomical features and personal aesthetic goals. Recognising that no two patients are alike, she meticulously tailors each aspect of the surgery, from the choice of technique to the precise placement of incisions.

During the planning phase, Anca employs advanced imaging technologies to map out the surgery meticulously. This might include 3D simulations that allow you to visualise potential outcomes, giving you an active role in deciding the final look you are comfortable with. Such cutting-edge tools assist not only in planning but in setting realistic expectations for the surgical results.

Anca’s commitment to a personalised approach goes beyond technical aspects. She ensures that the emotional and psychological needs of her patients are addressed, providing support and guidance throughout the journey. By fostering an open line of communication, she creates a safe space for you to express concerns and desires, which is integral to a satisfactory surgical experience.

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Recovery and Aftercare after Breast Asymmetry Surgery

Recovery from breast asymmetry surgery is a critical time where proper care and attention can make a significant difference in outcomes. Anca provides aftercare instructions and supports to ensure that your recovery is as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Immediately following the surgery, you can expect some swelling and discomfort, which are normal parts of the healing process. Anca will prescribe medication to manage any pain and prevent infection. She also advises on how to care for your incisions, including the type of support garments to wear and how to position yourself while sleeping to avoid undue pressure on the breasts.

Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor your recovery and ensure that the healing process is on track. During these visits, Anca will assess the surgical site for signs of proper healing and discuss any concerns you may have. It’s crucial to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments and adhere to all post-operative care instructions.

Anca also provides resources for scar management, which is an important part of the recovery for many patients concerned about aesthetics. Techniques such as silicone gel or sheets, laser treatments, and steroid injections are discussed as options depending on your healing progress and scar formation tendencies.

The recovery period is not only about physical healing but also about adjusting to the changes in your body. Anca ensures that you have access to emotional support if needed, whether through counselling or support groups. She believes in holistic care, which addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery.

By following Anca’s aftercare plan, you are supported every step of the way towards not just recovery, but also towards rediscovering confidence in your appearance. This thoughtful and thorough approach ensures the best possible outcomes and a positive overall experience with breast asymmetry surgery.

FAQs about Breast Asymmetry Surgery

How long does it take to see the final results of breast asymmetry surgery?

• The initial results of breast asymmetry surgery can be seen immediately after the procedure; however, the final results usually emerge once the swelling has subsided and the tissues have settled. This process can take several months, generally 3 to 6 months, as your body adjusts and heals completely.

What are the potential risks associated with breast asymmetry surgery?

• Like any surgical procedure, breast asymmetry surgery carries some risks, including reactions to anaesthesia, infection, bleeding, and scarring. Specific risks related to breast surgery may include asymmetry in the position of the nipples, changes in breast or nipple sensation, and dissatisfaction with the final outcome. Anca will discuss all potential risks with you in detail during the consultation.

Will breast asymmetry surgery affect my ability to breastfeed?

• Breast asymmetry surgery can potentially affect breastfeeding, depending on the type of surgery performed. Procedures that involve the glands or ducts, such as reductions, might have a higher likelihood of impacting breastfeeding capabilities. It is important to discuss your plans for future breastfeeding with Anca before the surgery.

Is there an ideal age for undergoing breast asymmetry surgery?

• There is no definitive ‘ideal age’ for breast asymmetry surgery, but it is generally recommended to wait until the breasts have fully developed, which usually concludes around the late teens to early twenties. However, emotional discomfort and psychological impact are also significant considerations, and surgery can be performed earlier if symptoms are severe.

How should I prepare for the consultation for breast asymmetry surgery?

• Preparing for your consultation involves gathering any relevant medical records, a list of current medications, and any previous surgical information. Consider what you wish to achieve with the surgery and be ready to discuss these aesthetic goals. Creating a list of questions to ask during the consultation can also be very helpful to ensure you cover all aspects of concern regarding the procedure.

Further Reading about Breast Surgery with Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna

Medical References about Breast Asymmetry

• Surgery of congenital breast asymmetry
• Breast Asymmetry in Women Requesting Plastic Surgery of the Breast
• Constitutional asymmetries in aesthetic breast augmentation: incidence, postoperative satisfaction and surgical options
• Breast Fluctuating Asymmetry in Women with Macromastia/Gigantomastia
• The Etiologies of Chest Wall and Breast Asymmetry and Improvement in Breast Augmentation