Breast asymmetry is a common condition that affects a large portion of women, and while it might not be a concern for some, for others it may be debilitating. Breast asymmetry differs for every woman and can include issues such as significant breast size differences, uneven nipples, tuberous breasts, and other common concerns. There are numerous causes linked to breast asymmetry, including breast hypoplasia, Poland syndrome, rib cage deformities, and natural aging. These issues can happen from birth or can occur throughout a patient’s life, affecting them in a variety of ways.
What can be achieved with breast asymmetry correction surgery?
The goal of the breast asymmetry correction surgery is to correct whatever asymmetry may be present to create breasts that match each other as closely as possible in terms of size, shape, and characteristics. Correction may be required on one or both breasts, depending upon their differences and individual characteristics. A mix of implants and fat grafting may also be required, but these aspects of the procedure will be discussed at a consultation with plastic surgeon Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk.
The benefits of breast asymmetry correction surgery include:
- Restoration of volume, shape, and position to the breast mound
- Target inconsistencies with the position of the nipple or cleavage
- Refine the shape and contour of the breasts
How is breast asymmetry correction performed?
As previously mentioned, breast asymmetry correction differs for each individual and is highly personal. Therefore, Dr Fraser-Kirk will tailor the procedure to a patient’s specific needs and desired outcomes. The procedure is normally performed during the day under general anaesthetic, but this can be influenced by a variety of circumstances. Patients may require breast implants to correct the asymmetry, or they may need fat grafting. Breast implants will involve choosing the correct implants for an individual, and during surgery, inserting those implants using the best method as determined by Dr Fraser-Kirk before the procedure. The fat grafting process involves removing unwanted fat via liposuction from other areas of the body to be used for breast augmentation. In some cases, a combination of fat grafting and breast implants may be needed to ensure symmetry of the breasts is achieved.
It may be worth reading about our breast augmentation and breast fat grafting procedures to provide a better idea of what to expect with the surgery itself until a consultation can be conducted with Dr Fraser-Kirk.
What can I expect following my surgery?
Some light bleeding through your dressings is normal and should only last a couple of days.
If a breast becomes swollen, tense or painful please contact Dr Fraser-Kirk.
When you come home from breast asymmetry correction surgery you will have a compression garment in place with some absorbent combine pads in place.
There may be two drains, one from each breast. The drains will remain in place until less than 20-40ml is collected in a 24hr period.
All dressings are to remain in place and dry until your post-operative appointment.
You should rest. Sleep supported by pillows for 7 days post-operatively. you will leave the hospital with white compression stockings on your legs; these will stay on for 3 days to help maintain circulation and prevent blood clots.
No driving for 7 to 10 days. 6 weeks of rest with no heavy lifting is required.
Light walking can be resumed 2 weeks after breast asymmetry correction procedure. No strenuous exercise for at least 6 weeks.
Pain relief will be prescribed to you to assist with the discomfort. If you run out of these, Panadol and Ibuprofen should be sufficient. It is common to experience some bloating and constipation following your surgery – if required, use coloxyl and Senna.
Aspirin should be avoided.
Once your surgical dressings have been removed, taping of the scars is recommended.
Micropore tape can be used to tape the wound for up to three months post-operatively.
Taping the wound prevents stretching of the scar and promotes scar maturity. Micropore can be purchased from most pharmacies and will need to be changed once weekly. You can get this wet, pat dry after showering.
Please notify Dr Fraser-Kirk if your scar appears lumpy, red or raised. A more suitable dressing may be required.
If you experience pain, widespread redness or offensive discharge from your surgical site please contact Dr Fraser-Kirk. These symptoms can indicate infection and may require antibiotics.
How much will breast asymmetry correction surgery cost in Sunshine Coast
Due to the highly personal nature of breast asymmetry correction, the cost is difficult to calculate without proper consultation. Dr Fraser-Kirk will need to evaluate your health, what concerns you wish to correct, and what your goals are for the surgery. The complexity and length of the breast asymmetry correction procedure will influence the cost, as well as other factors, such as hospital costs, surgeon fees, anaesthetist fees, and post-operative care costs. Some of these costs may be covered by Medicare and your private healthcare provider, if the surgery is reconstructive in nature, but this is highly dependent upon what health criteria you meet to be eligible. At your consultation with Dr Fraser-Kirk, the estimated costs will be outlined and explained to you in detail.
For any questions regarding procedure costs, please contact us.
What are the associated risks and complications?
There is always a degree of risk or complications involved with any medical or cosmetic procedure you undergo. The following risks and complications are associated with breast asymmetry correction surgery:
- Anaesthesia complications
- Poor scarring
- Fat necrosis (associated with fat grafting)
- Infection
- Delayed healing
- Ruptures or capsular contracture (associated with breast implants)
- Fluid build-up
- Excessive bleeding
- Changes in breast, nipple, and skin sensation
Notify us if you experience any of the following
- Heavy bleeding from the incision site that is difficult to control
- If you have severe or increasing pain not relieved by Panadol
- Temperature above 38 degrees celsius or chills
- Redness around the incision site that is spreading
- Pus or discharge that is foul smelling
- DO NOT SMOKE. Smoking delays healing, increases risk of infection and complications can result.
It is vital that patients follow their personalised recovery plan, as outlined by Dr Fraser-Kirk, to help minimise any associated risks or complications, as well as reduce scarring where possible. Because we believe in giving our patients unparalleled access to their surgeon, Dr Fraser-Kirk will strive to be available should patients notice any irregularities with their healing.
Book your consultation with Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk today
Our patient-focused approach means that understanding an individual’s health and goals is important to us in creating a tailored surgical solution for our patients. A thorough in-depth consultation with Dr Fraser-Kirk is the first crucial step patients take in their journey to empower and enhance their lifestyles.