Breast Implant Asymmetry Correction
If your breast implants don’t look the way you want, we can help.
An unfortunate outcome after breast augmentation can include breast implant asymmetry or “malposition.” This is when the breast implants appear to be in different positions on the chest wall. Asymmetry can vary from barely detectable while closely studying the breasts in a mirror, to glaringly obvious, even while wearing a bra and clothing.
More obvious asymmetries may require revision cosmetic surgery for correction. The type of corrective surgery and its sophistication depends on the degree of breast asymmetry and its cause. If you are experiencing any of the following, Dr. Pancholi can help you find the right solution to achieve a beautiful and more symmetrical breast appearance.
Excessive upper pole fullness
If your breast implants appear to have an unnatural fullness to the upper half of the breast, they may have either failed to settle properly, or have risen up. This can be treated by lowering or releasing the tissue that is holding up the implant on that side. The implant will now rest in its new lowered position. At times, this appearance may develop overtime due to a process called capsular contracture.
Bottoming out in the lower pole
A more challenging problem occurs when the breast implant is placed too low or settles too much over time. This may occur due to excessive weight of the implant, poor breast tissue elasticity (stretchy skin), or from the implant pocket being made too low. With all of these situations, the fullness in the bottom of the breast is known as lower pole “bottoming out.”
Typically, Dr. Pancholi will correct this by reconstructing the inframammary fold on the affected side so it is better able to support the implant. It is this fold that will now support and hold up the breast implant to keep it in the proper position. To help maintain this position over time, Dr. Pancholi strongly recommends the use of Strattice Tissue Matrix as a reinforcement. A type of acelluar dermal matrix (ADM), Strattice is a thin, strong and flexible sheet that is secured over the repair and attached to surrounding tissues. It essentially serves as a “hammock” to help hold the implant up and in position.
Depending on what contributed to bottoming out, you may need to consider a different implant size. You will usually have to wear an underwire support bra for at least one month to allow this newly created fold to heal. This is important, because if proper support is not maintained, the newly reconstructed fold may fail, resulting in the recurrence of bottoming out.
Before & After View Patient Results & Save Your Favorites >Nipple misdirection
Another type of asymmetry involves the position of the nipple (and areola) on the breast mound. Ideally, the nipple areolar complex should be near the most projected point of the breast and fairly symmetrical from side to side. Sometimes after surgery, the nipple position can appear to be much more asymmetrical than the starting point. There are many factors that may contribute to this.
One factor is the position of your nipple areolar complex on the breast itself. If it’s naturally positioned towards the outside, towards your cleavage, or downward toward bottom of the breast, and your original surgeon did not account for this when placing your implants, additional surgery may be needed for this to be corrected.
Another factor is breast implant size. Choosing an implant size that doesn’t fit the dimensions of your chest wall may place the nipple areolar complex in an unnatural position. Here, correction is made by changing to a more appropriate implant size.
A third factor is implant placement. When the implant is placed too high the nipple tends to point downward. If the implant is too low, the nipple points upwards. If the implant is too far to the middle, the nipple points to the outside. Finally, if the implant is too far to the outside, the nipple points towards the middle. If this has happened to you, you may require revision breast implant surgery for correction.
How can I avoid implant asymmetry in the first place?
The best way to ensure you get the best results possible is to choose a cosmetic surgeon who is specifically trained and experienced in breast surgery. Ask plenty of questions and view before and after photos of your potential breast augmentation surgeon’s prior patients. A reputable surgeon will clearly explain his or her recommendations for implant size, type, and placement. Be cautious of surgeons who say they always or only perform a certain technique. Your surgery should be tailored to your unique needs.
We can help you get the gorgeous breasts you deserve
If you are unhappy with your results from a prior breast augmentation, Dr. Pancholi has the skill and expertise to help you get the look you are you hoping for and regain confidence in your appearance. Call or contact us online for your appointment.
