One reason a woman may choose to have a breast augmentation is to achieve better symmetry in the breasts if they differ in size and/or shape, which is known as breast asymmetry. Sometimes the asymmetry is obvious, but often women are unaware of a slight asymmetry of their own breasts, and itâ??s very common.
Women should be aware that a breast augmentation could accentuate the imperfection when the asymmetry is more pronounced, according to surgeons who participated in a panel on the topic at the recent annual meeting of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
“It is important for surgeons to assess the patient’s breast symmetry before operating to determine whether the surgery is necessary and if it will make the asymmetry more obvious,” said Dr. Jack Fisher, the panel’s moderator.
Breast Asymmetry &Â Patient Satisfaction
The key to a high patient satisfaction rate is, according to plastic surgeon Dr. Laurie Casas, to fully inform the patient that this kind of augmentation is extremely challenging, but that using a detailed analytic approach, we can achieve a very aesthetically pleasing outcome within the limits set by their preoperative anatomic characteristics.”
When creating a breast augmentation plan for those with breast asymmetry, plastic surgeons must evaluate all elements that contribute to it including volume, nipple position and chest wall deformity in order to increase patient satisfaction.
Before breast surgery on those with breast asymmetry, the plastic surgeon should be clear with the patient about the challenges of augmentation posed by the asymmetry, so that patients are fully informed and have realistic expectations about their results.
Also, new technology, such as 4-dimensional imaging, can help patients during the consultation process so they have reasonable expectations.
Learn more about breast augmentation, which can help patients achieve better symmetry when breasts are moderately disproportionate in size and shape.
Dr. Jonov is a cosmetic surgeon who specializes in plastic surgeries of the face, breast, and body at Seattle Plastic Surgery.
