Breast reduction is a procedure that aims to provide relief from the pain and discomfort caused by overly large breasts. During the breast reduction surgery, the surgeon will remove the excess skin and mammary gland tissue. Some patients might require removing more than 300 grams of tissue per breast or more. The procedure can result in a slight asymmetry of the breasts.
When breast reduction is performed, the plastic surgeon will reduce breast volume, move the nipple and areola complex to a new position, and recreate the rounded shape of the breasts by concentrating and ascending the mammary gland and removing the excess skin in order to create two harmonious breasts that are nicely curved and elevated on the chest.
The first month after the breast reduction, the breasts might be bulging at the top, and the swelling and bruising can still be present. During this period, an asymmetry is normal, and many patients might notice their breasts are not identical. Sometimes the left breast can heal less quickly than the right one. This is why we advise patients to be patient.
The asymmetries after the breast reduction should disappear within the first three to six months. You also need to understand that your breast will be asymmetric after surgery and this is normal. The breast are sisters that look alike, not twins.
However, a certain asymmetry can be observed even a year after the breast reduction. If there was an asymmetry of the breasts in terms of volume, position and areola size before the surgery was performed, it might be corrected or not. Normally, your plastic surgeon should inform you during the initial examination of what can be done during the surgery and what are its limitations.
Visible breast asymmetries after this procedure are an unwanted outcome of the procedure. In some cases, they occur because the technical operative rules of the procedure were not followed by the plastic surgeon. As a result, the patient can be left with breasts that are empty on the upper pole, an areola that is too high or breasts that have the mammary gland positioned at different heights on the chest.
The larger your breasts are, the more important it is to choose a plastic surgeon that is highly specialized in this procedure and has a good eye for details. Breast asymmetries after the breast reduction can require additional surgery to correct.