Breast Asymmetry Correction Surgery.

Most women have one breast larger than the other, but in some the difference is more pronounced.

Severely uneven breasts, known as breast asymmetry, can make you feel self-conscious and unhappy. Women with an uneven contour often go to great lengths to disguise the difference with their choice of clothes, actively avoiding pretty bras and swimwear.

Breast asymmetry surgery is a permanent solution to the problem of uneven breasts and involves the reduction or enlargement of one breast to create a more even balance. For many women, the results are life-changing, enabling them to wear the clothes which flatter rather than hide their curves.

Plastic surgery is a big decision.

Breast asymmetry surgery isn’t the right choice for everyone. It’s a very personal decision which, ultimately, only you can make. We are here to provide you with the information you need to help you understand what’s involved and the results that can be achieved. For us, it’s important that you have realistic expectations.

If you would like to explore breast asymmetry surgery, you’ll need to be over 18 or with fully developed breasts. The first step is to arrange an informal appointment to meet us. At this appointment, we will examine your breasts and talk to you about the breast asymmetry options available.

When you have asymmetrical breasts, you can create an even chest contour by reducing the size of your larger breast or increasing the size of your smaller breast. In some instances, it may be possible to solve the problem with a breast uplift (mastopexy) procedure on one or both of your breasts, although the most common is the breast asymmetry surgery.

During your free consultation, we’ll talk you through what’s involved. Of course, this is also a great opportunity for you to task questions to that you can make an informed decision about whether to go ahead.

All surgery carries risk.

The risks specific to breast asymmetry surgery include complications such as bleeding, infection, or reaction to the anaesthesia. You can reduce your risks by closely following our advice both before and after surgery.

You need to be aware that breast implants and breast reduction procedures will leave noticeable, permanent scars although every effort will be made to hide them, and it will be possible to cover most with your bra and bathing suit. Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers.

With this type of surgery, some patients may experience a permanent loss of feeling in their nipples or breasts. Rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply and the tissue will die. (The nipple and areola can be rebuilt by modern techniques. Occasionally, underlying breast tissue may also require reconstruction.) You won’t be able to breastfeed in future in a breast which has been reduced.

If you undergo our breast asymmetry surgery then you are putting yourself in the best possible hands, we have breast asymmetry experts. However, as with any surgery there are elements that are out of our hands, so you must follow our advice afterwards to see the best results from your breast asymmetry correction

You can find out more on our breast enlargement and breast reduction sections.

It’s important to know exactly what’s involved.

In your free consultation, we will discuss the variables that may affect your procedure, including your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin.

We will also discuss where the nipple and areola would be positioned; they’ll be moved higher during the procedure, and should be approximately even with the crease beneath your breasts.

Naturally, every patient has a different view of what is a desirable size and shape for their breasts and we will tailor your surgery to ensure your wishes are met as closely as possible.

It’s important to note that breast asymmetry surgery is unlikely to result in precisely symmetrical breasts but that the end result should be a much closer match, enabling you to wear your everyday clothes, underwear and swimwear with greater confidence.

Before you arrive for your treatment you will be given specific instructions on how to prepare, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking and medication.

The surgery, for which you’ll need a general anaesthetic, usually takes two to four hours, but may take longer in some cases. You can expect to remain in the hospital for two to three days. Please be aware that it may be appropriate for you to have a mammogram (breast x-ray) before surgery.

You’ll need to remember to ask someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days afterwards to enable you to rest.

Helping you recover as quickly as possible.

Whether you’ve had a reduction or an enlargement, expect to feel some pain for the first couple of days, especially when you move around or cough; and some discomfort for a week or more, though you will be prescribed pain relief.

You’ll be able to bathe after a few days and any tapes will be removed after one week and replaced, if appropriate, with a soft bra. It’s best to wear the bra 24/7 for several weeks, until the swelling and bruising subside. Absorbable sutures are used and few, if any, will need to be removed.

Your first period following surgery may cause your breasts to swell and hurt. You may also experience random, shooting pains for a few months. You may be instructed to avoid sex for a week or more and to avoid anything but gentle contact with your breasts for about six weeks.

Although much of the swelling and bruising will disappear in the first few weeks, it may be six months to a year before your breasts settle into their new shape. Even then, their shape may fluctuate in response to your hormonal shifts, weight changes, and pregnancy.

You’ll also need to attend one or more follow-up clinics where we check that you are healing properly. We’ll also give you advice on how to have a speedy recovery from your breast asymmetry correction surgery and of course, if you have any queries after surgery, you can always get in touch with us.

Your initial consultation is free of charge. It is difficult to give a wholly accurate idea of the cost of your surgery until we have met and fully assessed your needs and goals. At the end you will be given an exact quote which will cover all treatment, appointments and re-admissions or revisions, should that be necessary. The price guide below should give a reasonable idea of the range of prices for your chosen treatment.

Your second consultation is more in-depth, often including a 3D imaging assessment and simulation of outcome, as well as preparation for the day itself. This costs £150 and is included in the cost of your treatment.

My breasts are severely uneven, can you help?

Yes, this surgery can help to balance very uneven breasts.

Is there an optimum age for breast asymmetry surgery?

You need to have fully developed breasts, otherwise any benefit may be undone by further growth.

How long does it take to recover?

Within a week of surgery, you will start to feel like your old self but it can be several months before you are fully recovered. You’ll need some time off work and to take it easy after surgery.

My breasts are uneven and have changed shape, what can be done?

We will assess how to get the best results for you when you attend your free consultation.

Will I be in pain after surgery?

Expect to feel some mild pain for a couple of days though we will provide pain relief, as appropriate.

*Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person

RealSelf Patient Reviews of James Murphy, FRCS(Plast)