Breast Symmetrization Surgery
Breast symmetrization surgery is an aesthetic surgical intervention designed to correct significant differences in size or shape between the two breasts. This procedure is frequently requested by women who face visible breast asymmetry, which can affect not only physical appearance but also self-confidence, comfort in clothing, and difficulty finding suitable lingerie or swimwear. Through specific techniques, such as augmenting the smaller breast, reducing the larger one, or a combination of both, the aesthetic surgeon can create a more balanced and harmonious appearance of the bust. The desired result is not only aesthetic but also functional, offering patients an improved body image and added comfort in daily life.
It is not uncommon for a woman to have one breast that is considerably smaller than the other. Asymmetric breasts can make you feel self-conscious. It can also be difficult to find a bra or swimsuit that fits properly. Corrective breast surgeries performed by Dr. Olimpiu Harceaga can provide you with more balanced and uniform breasts for a harmonious shape and renewed self-confidence.
How can I help make breast symmetrization surgery a success?
Maintaining a state of health as good as possible and a weight appropriate to your age and height will help with a quick recovery, without complications. If you smoke, quit smoking six weeks before the operation; this will help with healing and reduce the chances of complications.
You should not remove/shave hair from the vicinity of the areas where the cuts will be placed on the skin. Maintaining strict hygiene will help reduce the risk of infection.
How is breast symmetrization surgery performed?
Small incisions are made in the area around the areola and the nipple. In many cases, we use a breast implant, as in breast augmentation, to fill the smaller chest and help it match the appearance of the normally formed breast. In other cases, an implant may not be necessary to achieve the desired results.
When an implant is used, the size and shape of the asymmetric chest can be determined by your plastic surgeon before the surgical intervention. They will explain the different types of implants and which are most suitable for your particular case. The nipple and areola of the asymmetric breast can also be repositioned to better match the other breast. Note that no two breasts are naturally identical; there will always be small differences between them. However, your plastic surgeon will make every effort to make your asymmetric breast look natural and symmetric with the other.
Asymmetric breast correction surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. This outpatient procedure can last several hours. Your plastic surgeon will discuss this during your personal consultation.
What should I expect after surgery?
Initially after breast surgery, you will feel tired. Some pain may occur and the breast may be sensitive to touch. The plastic surgeon can help you feel more comfortable with prescribed medications. You will wear a supportive surgical bra to provide support to the breast.
In most cases, you will return home on the day of surgery. Chances are you will feel the need to sleep, and this is the best thing to do on the first and second day after surgery. You may have an altered state for a few days after that. This is not unusual as your body begins to heal. You may also notice swelling around the breast and bruising may appear. This is also normal and will decrease, eventually disappearing within a week. Most often, patients feel comfortable enough to resume normal activity at one week or 10 days after surgery. Plan to take time off work for at least one week.
As the newly formed breast heals, it will gradually descend, reaching its natural position. Within 3 to 4 weeks, you will look in the mirror and enjoy the results you discussed and planned together with your plastic surgeon – a more attractive chest contour and increased self-confidence!
General complications associated with surgery
Healing
Bleeding and hematomas
Infection
Vicious, hypertrophic scars
Altered skin sensitivity
Sutures
Pain
Complications due to general anesthesia
General anesthesia
Shock
Allergic reactions
Cardiac and pulmonary complications
Recovery and some tips for good recovery.
Risks and side effects associated with breast symmetrization surgery?
All surgical interventions involve some risks, including the development of an infection around the surgical area or an adverse reaction to anesthesia. If these rare situations occur, they can be treated with medications prescribed by your plastic surgeon. An unusual complication after breast reconstruction surgery is the development of capsular contracture, which causes the scar tissue around the implant to tighten and press the implant. The risk has decreased due to new implantation technology and stretching exercises.
If reconstruction was performed with a flap, there is a risk that this own tissue may not survive following surgery and then the new breast may be lost. If this happens, then another reconstruction method will need to be applied.
What is the price of breast symmetrization surgery?
The costs mentioned are estimates, and they may vary depending on the surgical technique chosen, the complexity of the case, as well as any additional procedures or investigations required.
A detailed final cost can only be established following a medical consultation, in which the patient’s clinical situation will be assessed and the individualized therapeutic plan will be established. These costs include: the surgeon’s and anesthesiologist’s fees, the hospitalization period, all the medicines and materials needed during the surgery and during hospitalization. For a personalized estimate, we recommend scheduling a consultation.
