Breast Asymmetry
Correction in Scottsdale, AZ
At Jude LaBarbera Plastic Surgery, we offer advanced breast asymmetry correction procedures to help women achieve balanced and natural-looking breasts. While minor breast size differences are normal, some women have a have a noticeable mismatch in size and shape. This causes many challenges, and many affected women find that they are self-conscious or have difficulty getting clothing to fit properly. Others are anxious about wearing a swimsuit and live in fear of having to expose their mismatched breasts. Fortunately, modern surgical techniques can restore harmony and proportion to the chest.
Dr. Jude LaBarbera, our highly trained and board-certified plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, tailors each procedure to a woman’s anatomy and goals. Breast asymmetry is treated in various ways – usually depending on the patient’s physique, aesthetic goals, and anatomy. In some cases, the solution may be to reduce the size of the larger breast using a breast reduction procedure. In some other instances, one or both breasts need to be augmented with breast implants. A further lift procedure may be necessary to reshape the positioning and contouring of breasts on both sides. Dr. LaBarbera works closely with these patients to attain each individual’s desired results and help women feel confident about their breasts. If you or a relative suffers from a significant mismatch in breast shape/size, contact Dr. Jude LaBarbera and his team to discuss options.
Dr. Jude LaBarbera, our highly trained and board-certified plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, tailors each procedure to a woman’s anatomy and goals. Breast asymmetry is treated in various ways – usually depending on the patient’s physique, aesthetic goals, and anatomy. In some cases, the solution may be to reduce the size of the larger breast using a breast reduction procedure. In some other instances, one or both breasts need to be augmented with breast implants. A further lift procedure may be necessary to reshape the positioning and contouring of breasts on both sides. Dr. LaBarbera works closely with these patients to attain each individual’s desired results and help women feel confident about their breasts. If you or a relative suffers from a significant mismatch in breast shape/size, contact Dr. Jude LaBarbera and his team to discuss options.
Table Of Contents
What Is a Breast Asymmetry Correction Surgery?
Breast asymmetry correction surgery is a cosmetic procedure that restores the balance between the size, shape, or position of the breasts. This may involve using a combination of techniques – such as lifting, augmenting, or reducing the breasts – to create greater symmetry and an improved overall chest contour. Treatment is always tailored to the needs of the individual patient. For example, the larger breast may be reduced in size, the higher one lowered, or those of different shapes brought into alignment.
Women undergo the operation when the visible asymmetry between breasts causes emotional upset or impacts clothing and self-esteem. The goal is to have a symmetrical, naturally appearing result that promotes body image. The incisions can be made about the areola, vertically along the breast, or in the fold under the breast, depending upon the type oftechnique used. Whatever method is used, Dr. LaBarbera prioritizes aesthetics and the preservation of breast function where possible in all cases.
Causes of Breast Asymmetry
There are many different causes of breast asymmetry. Some of the most common ones are:
- Uneven breast development during adolescence
- Loss or gain of weight
- Virginal hypertrophy – this is the extreme development of one breast in a teenager or young adult
- Non-uniform shrinkage as a result of aging
- Uneven shrinkage as a result of a medical condition
- Mastectomy (when treating breast cancer)
- Mastitis – this is a breast infection usually caused by breastfeeding
- Poor results from a previous breast augmentation or breast reconstruction surgery
- Dissatisfaction after a breast implant removal
Breast Asymmetry Correction Surgery Types
At Jude LaBarbera Plastic Surgery, we offer several breast asymmetry correction techniques to help patients achieve a more balanced and natural-looking appearance. Depending on a patient’s anatomy, the extent of the asymmetry, and what they wish to achieve cosmetically, Dr LaBarbera will choose the most suitable method:
Breast Augmentation
If one breast is significantly smaller than the other, Dr. LaBarbera might suggest using a saline or silicone implant for augmentation. This will make the smaller breasts larger so that both breasts are more alike in size. To ensure they look even, he will choose an implant type with the correct projection and contour during surgery. This technique is perfect when a patient simply wants to increase the volume of a breast (or both).
Breast Reduction
When one breast is much bigger than the other, Dr. LaBarbera can perform a reduction procedure to remove excess skin and breast tissue. He will gently reshape the larger breast so it looks more like its counterpart. Besides, he might adjust the nipple position as well. This approach enables him to address uneven breasts that cause pain or make clothing choices tricky.
Breast Lift
If asymmetry includes variations in either breast sagging or nipple height, a mastopexy – commonly known as a breast lift – can raise one or both breasts to make them more level. Our surgeon does so by eliminating surplus skin and boosting the remaining tissue. Such a procedure may be carried out at the same time as an augmentation or reduction procedure if necessary for resizing (upwards or downwards by volume).
Initial Consultation, Testing & Planning
In the first meeting, Dr. LaBarbera assesses various aspects of the patient’s breasts – including their size, shape, skin elasticity, and nipple placement – to decide how best to correct them. The surgical technique he uses for this procedure will vary depending on the severity of a patien’t asymmetry. In many cases, though, breast augmentation (placing breast implants) in one or both breasts will correct this issue. Our surgeon will consider their breast shape, nipple position, breast density, and the patient’s rib cage contours to ensure the most natural looking symmetry possible.
Dr. LaBarbera individualizes every procedure to meet the unique needs of each patient. Patients who have severe asymmetry may receive an augmentation in the smaller breast and a reduction procedure in the larger breast. For patients who have asymmetry as a result of shrinkage, breast augmentation with lift may help achieve optimal results. For other patients, Dr. LaBarbera will use different sized implants for correction of breast asymmetry.
All these possibilities will be discussed during the patient’s initial consultation with Dr. Jude LaBarbera. This visit allows the surgeon to collect vital information about a patient’s asymmetry and explain the various treatment options available to them. It is also an opportunity for the patient to ask any questions they may have and let their expectations be known by our plastic surgeon.
Planning a Breast Symmetry Surgery
It’s important for patients to prepare ahead for the surgery. This helps to make sure that things go smoothly during the recovery process. In order to make sure patients are safe, they might need to have a full health check. This could involve blood tests, having a mammogram, or other types of scans. Dr LaBarbera will look at the results carefully to reduce the chance of complications later on. Sometimes, more tests will be necessary before a decision can be made.
Conditions that may require further evaluation include:
Conditions that may require further evaluation include:
- Hormonal imbalances affecting breast growth
- Bleeding disorders
- Chronic health conditions such as diabetes or hypertension
- Previous breast surgeries or implants
- Smoking, which may delay healing
Breast Asymmetry Correction Surgery Explained
Marking and Anesthesia
Dr. LaBarbera meticulously marks the patient’s breasts on surgery day to serve as a roadmap for adjusting their volume, shape, and nipple alignment. Then, the anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia to help the patient feel as comfortable as possible while also keeping them safe.
Incisions and Adjustment
Next, Dr. LaBarbera undertakes a variety of surgical methods as needed: resizing one breast while adding an implant to the other, lifting one or both breasts for a more even look, etc. Throughout the procedure, he pays close attention to ensuring that nipples look symmetrical and have a natural appearance.
Closing the Incisions
After finishing the required corrections, the incisions are stitched up with thin sutures. Next, dressings are put on, and sometimes, special elastic clothing is worn to help things heal well. Usually, this procedure takes about 2-4 hours. But it could be shorter or longer, depending on how much work needs to be doneand which techniques are used.
Recovery After a Breast Asymmetry Correction Surgery
Breast asymmetry correction surgery is typically completed the same day at Dr. LaBarbera’s office. Patients need to relax at home for the first two days after surgery. The surgeon will issue a comfortable surgical bra with adjustable straps, pain medication, and other recovery necessities.
Most patients are up and around after the first few days. However, any form of heavy lifting, exercise, and strenuous activities should be avoided throughout the first three weeks. It’s common for patients to feel more tired during the first week and a little sore at the end of each day.
Since breast asymmetry surgery requires incisions, scars are inevitable. Dr. LaBarbera pursues surgical techniques that accomplish the desired results while at the same time minimizing scarring. He also has a follow-up scar tissue treatment program to help minimize the appearance of any scars.
About 4-8 weeks after the surgery, the breasts will have a small lumpy area where the internal sutures are located. Any such lump will go away after the sutures are absorbed. Patients can expect a full recovery in about 2 months.
Most patients are up and around after the first few days. However, any form of heavy lifting, exercise, and strenuous activities should be avoided throughout the first three weeks. It’s common for patients to feel more tired during the first week and a little sore at the end of each day.
Since breast asymmetry surgery requires incisions, scars are inevitable. Dr. LaBarbera pursues surgical techniques that accomplish the desired results while at the same time minimizing scarring. He also has a follow-up scar tissue treatment program to help minimize the appearance of any scars.
About 4-8 weeks after the surgery, the breasts will have a small lumpy area where the internal sutures are located. Any such lump will go away after the sutures are absorbed. Patients can expect a full recovery in about 2 months.
Candidates for a Breast Asymmetry Correction Surgery
Breast asymmetry correction is a highly personalized procedure and may not be ideal for everyone. During a first consultation with Dr. LaBarbera, a decision will be made regarding a patient’s suitability for this type of corrective surgery.
Generally, someone may be a good candidate if:
Generally, someone may be a good candidate if:
- They have fully developed breasts: For best results, surgery should be done only after the breasts have finished growing. This way, the outcome will remain stable over time.
- They have a significant mismatch in breast shape or size: If there are any visible changes in breast volume or shape, these can be adjusted to create better balance and boost self-assurance.
- One of a patient's breasts is lower than the other: Unequal breast height, which is a type of positional asymmetry, may be corrected via methods that lift or reshape the breasts.
- A patient is physically healthy: Having good overall health decreases the chances of complications from surgery and helps patients heal quickly afterward.
- They have realistic expectations: It is important to have a clear understanding of what the procedure can and cannot do in order to be happy with how things turn out.
Benefits of Breast Asymmetry Correction Surgery
Balanced Breast Shape and Size
This procedure enhances the balance of the breasts by altering their shape, size, and fullness. Whether done by adding or removing tissue or both, the aim is to make the breasts more alike in every way and thus improve overall body symmetry.
Improved Nipple and Breast Position
Fixing breast asymmetry frequently requires repositioning the nipples and reshaping the breast mound. This can lift breasts that sag differently and bring the nipple-areola complexes into alignment for a more youthful, natural appearance.
Enhanced Confidence and Self-Esteem
Correcting uneven breasts can greatly improve both self-esteem and body image. The adjustment often provides a confidence boost, with women feeling more self-assured in social situations as well as when wearing fitted clothes or swimwear.
Better Intimacy and Body Comfort
After having symmetry and shape restored, patients frequently feel more comfortable during intimate encounters. When women feel confident and secure in their bodies, they can often enjoy intimacy more freely, which may help foster closer emotional connections with their partners.
Long-Term Aesthetic Satisfaction
When combined with a healthy lifestyle and weight management, the results of this reconstructive surgery can be long-lasting, meaning that undergoing surgery could provide a lasting way to feel and look good – with all the emotional benefits that it brings.
Cost of Breast Asymmetry Correction in Scottsdale, AZ
The cost of breast asymmetry correction in Scottsdale typically ranges from $7,000 to $18,000. The fee includes the surgeon fee, anesthesia fee, operating room facility fee, surgical supplies, and post-op care. Prices may vary depending on whether or not the operation involves reduction, augmentation, a lift, or multiple procedures for symmetrical results. The cost may be determined by the complexity of the case, the type of implants (if used), and if the patient has had breast surgery in the past. During the consultation, Dr. Jude LaBarbera provides a custom treatment plan and detailed estimate based on the anatomy and goals of each patient.
Why Choose Dr. LaBarbera for Breast Asymmetry Correction in Scottsdale, AZ?
At Jude LaBarbera Plastic Surgery, patients receive caring and skilled attention that accommodates their personal needs. Dr. LaBarbera has a reputation for his meticulous surgical ability, aesthetic eye, and commitment to natural results. Each course of treatment is individually designed to allow patients to be confident, comfortable, and in balance in their bodies. Our Scottsdale facility offers a safe and supportive environment from consult to full recovery.
How do I prepare for this procedure?
The longevity of breast asymmetry correction surgery can differ significantly based on the treatment options utilized. Future changes in your breasts might require follow-up surgery to maintain symmetry, and breast implants may need to be replaced over time. However, implants usually last for more than 15 years, so this is not typically a major concern.
Surgeons generally advise waiting until after breast development, childbearing, and breastfeeding before undergoing breast asymmetry correction surgery. Be sure to ask Dr. LaBarbera or his staff any specific questions you may have during your consultation.
Surgeons generally advise waiting until after breast development, childbearing, and breastfeeding before undergoing breast asymmetry correction surgery. Be sure to ask Dr. LaBarbera or his staff any specific questions you may have during your consultation.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
If you experience breast asymmetry, there are alternative options to cosmetic surgery. These might include wearing padded bras, embracing your natural appearance, and other conventional methods. Surgery is recommended only if you feel significant discomfort due to the asymmetry and have realistic expectations about the outcomes.
