Achieving symmetrical breasts is a common goal for women undergoing breast implant surgery. Symmetry not only contributes to an aesthetically pleasing appearance but also to a sense of self – confidence. However, in some cases, breast implants may result in an asymmetrical look, where one breast appears different in size, shape, or position compared to the other. This can be a source of distress for patients. Understanding the causes of asymmetrical breast implants and the available solutions is crucial for both those considering the procedure and those who may already be experiencing this issue.
Causes of Asymmetrical Breast Implants
Pre – existing Asymmetry in Natural Breasts
Natural Anatomical Differences: Many women have some degree of natural breast asymmetry even before considering implants. This can range from subtle differences in breast size, shape, or nipple position. For example, one breast may be slightly larger or smaller than the other, or the nipples may be at different heights. When breast implants are added, these pre – existing asymmetries can become more pronounced. If the surgeon does not take these natural differences into account during the planning phase of the surgery, the final result may still show a significant degree of asymmetry.
Breast Tissue Disparities: The amount of natural breast tissue can vary between the two breasts. In some cases, one breast may have more glandular or fatty tissue. When an implant is placed, the interaction between the implant and the existing breast tissue can lead to an uneven appearance. For instance, if an implant is placed in a breast with less natural tissue, it may appear more prominent or feel different compared to the other breast with more natural tissue support.
Surgical – related Causes
Implant Placement Errors
Incorrect Pocket Creation: During surgery, the surgeon creates a pocket in the breast to place the implant. If the pocket is not created symmetrically, it can lead to uneven implant placement. For example, if one pocket is made too high or too low, the implant in that breast will be positioned incorrectly, resulting in a difference in breast height. Similarly, if the pocket is not wide enough or is shaped differently on one side, it can cause the implant to look distorted or uneven compared to the other side.
Implant Malposition: Even if the pockets are created correctly, the implant itself may shift or be placed slightly off – center during the surgical procedure. This can happen due to various reasons, such as improper handling of the implant during insertion or movement of the implant within the pocket before the incision is closed. An off – center implant can make the breast appear asymmetrical, both in terms of shape and position.
Differences in Surgical Technique
Submuscular vs. Subglandular Placement Discrepancies: The choice of implant placement (submuscular – behind the chest muscle or subglandular – in front of the chest muscle) can affect symmetry. If the surgeon uses different placement techniques for each breast without a valid reason, it can lead to differences in how the implants settle and how the breasts look. For example, submuscular placement may result in a more natural – looking shape over time, but if only one breast has the implant placed submuscularly and the other subglandularly, it can create an asymmetry in appearance.
Incision – related Issues: The type of incision used during the surgery can also play a role in symmetry. If the incisions are not made in the same location or are not closed properly, it can affect the final appearance of the breasts. For instance, a periareolar incision (around the areola) on one breast and an inframammary incision (under the breast fold) on the other may heal differently and potentially lead to a difference in breast shape or symmetry.
Implant – related Causes
Implant Size and Shape Selection
Inappropriate Size Matching: Choosing the wrong size of implants for each breast can cause asymmetry. If the implants are not sized to complement the natural breast tissue and body proportions on both sides, one breast may end up looking larger or smaller than the other. For example, if a woman with a significant natural breast size difference is given implants of the same size, the resulting asymmetry may be more noticeable.
Shape Mismatch: Implants come in different shapes, such as round and anatomical (teardrop – shaped). Using different – shaped implants for each breast, or using an inappropriate shape for the patient’s natural breast anatomy, can lead to an asymmetrical look. An anatomical implant is designed to mimic the natural shape of the breast, and using a round implant on one side and an anatomical implant on the other may create a visible difference in breast shape.
Implant Defects or Changes
Rupture or Leakage: If one implant ruptures or leaks while the other remains intact, it can cause a significant difference in breast size and shape. In the case of silicone – gel implants, a rupture may lead to a gradual change in the shape of the breast as the gel leaks into the surrounding tissue. Saline implants, on the other hand, will deflate quickly if there is a rupture, resulting in an immediate size difference between the two breasts.
Capsular Contracture Disparities: Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens. If this happens more severely in one breast than the other, it can cause the affected breast to feel firmer, look smaller, and be positioned differently. The uneven tightening of the capsule can distort the shape of the implant and lead to asymmetry.
Post – operative Factors
Differential Healing Rates
Inflammatory Responses: Each breast may have a slightly different inflammatory response to the surgery. One breast may experience more swelling, redness, or pain during the healing process. This can affect how the implant settles and the final shape of the breast. For example, if one breast has a more intense inflammatory response, it may take longer to heal, and the implant may not settle into its proper position as quickly as the other breast, leading to temporary or even permanent asymmetry.
Scar Tissue Formation: The formation of scar tissue around the implant can vary between the two breasts. Uneven scar tissue growth can pull the implant in different directions or cause the breast to have an irregular shape. If the scar tissue is thicker or more fibrous in one breast, it can also contribute to a difference in the feel and appearance of the two breasts.
Patient – related Behaviors
Sleeping Positions: Sleeping on one side can potentially affect the position of the implants. If a patient consistently sleeps on one side, the weight of the body may push the implant on that side, causing it to shift or settle differently compared to the other side. Over time, this can lead to a visible asymmetry in breast position.
Exercise and Activity Patterns: Certain types of exercise or activities that put uneven stress on the chest can also impact the symmetry of breast implants. For example, if a woman engages in a lot of one – sided exercises, such as tennis or golf, the repeated movement and stress on one side of the chest may cause the implant on that side to move or change shape more than the other.
Solutions for Asymmetrical Breast Implants
Non – surgical Solutions
Padding and Prosthetics
Bra Inserts: For mild cases of asymmetry, wearing bra inserts can be a simple and non – invasive solution. These inserts can be placed in the bra cup on the side with the smaller – looking breast to add volume and create a more balanced appearance. Bra inserts come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, such as silicone or foam, and can be easily adjusted or removed as needed.
External Breast Prosthetics: In more significant cases of asymmetry, external breast prosthetics can be used. These are custom – made to match the size and shape of the natural breast and can be worn in a special pocket in the bra. They are designed to provide a more natural – looking and long – term solution for masking the asymmetry without the need for surgery.
Physical Therapy and Exercises
Muscle Strengthening Exercises: Specific chest – muscle strengthening exercises can sometimes help improve the appearance of asymmetrical breast implants. By strengthening the pectoral muscles on the side with the less – prominent or differently – positioned breast, it may be possible to enhance the support and alignment of the implant. Exercises such as push – ups, chest presses, and dumbbell flyes can be tailored to focus on the weaker side. However, it’s important to consult a physical therapist or a fitness professional before starting any exercise program to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for the individual’s condition.
Postural Training: Poor posture can sometimes exacerbate the appearance of breast asymmetry. Postural training can help correct the alignment of the body, which in turn may make the breasts look more symmetrical. This may involve exercises to strengthen the back and core muscles, as well as learning proper sitting and standing techniques.
Surgical Solutions
Implant Exchange
Size and Shape Adjustment: If the asymmetry is due to an inappropriate implant size or shape, the surgeon may recommend exchanging the implants. This involves removing the existing implants and replacing them with ones that are better suited to achieve symmetry. For example, if one implant is too large compared to the other, a smaller implant can be selected for that side. Or, if the shape of the implants is causing the asymmetry, the surgeon may choose a different shape, such as switching from a round implant to an anatomical one.
Same – type Implant Replacement: In some cases, the asymmetry may be due to a defect or problem with one of the implants, such as a rupture or capsular contracture. In such situations, the surgeon may remove the affected implant and replace it with a new implant of the same type. This can help restore symmetry and address the underlying issue with the implant.
Revision Surgery for Pocket Adjustment
Reshaping the Pocket: If the asymmetry is caused by incorrect implant placement due to a poorly – shaped or positioned pocket, revision surgery can be performed to reshape the pocket. The surgeon will open the incision, carefully adjust the pocket size, shape, and position, and then re – position the implant. This can help correct issues such as implants that are too high, too low, or off – center.
Capsulorrhaphy: Capsulorrhaphy is a surgical technique used to correct capsular contracture and can also be used to address asymmetry. In this procedure, the surgeon tightens or adjusts the scar tissue capsule around the implant. If the capsule has tightened unevenly on one side, causing asymmetry, capsulorrhaphy can help re – shape the capsule and re – position the implant to a more symmetrical position.
Fat Grafting
Volume Enhancement: Fat grafting involves harvesting fat from another part of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, and injecting it into the breast. This can be used to add volume to the smaller – looking breast or to correct any contour irregularities. Fat grafting can provide a more natural – looking and long – lasting solution for improving symmetry, as the injected fat becomes a part of the body’s natural tissue.
Contour Correction: In addition to adding volume, fat grafting can also be used to smooth out any lumps or depressions in the breast that may be contributing to the asymmetry. By carefully injecting the fat in specific areas, the surgeon can improve the overall shape and appearance of the breast, making it more symmetrical with the other side.
Recovery and Follow – up after Asymmetry Correction
Immediate Post – operative Care: After any surgical procedure to correct breast implant asymmetry, the patient will need to follow strict post – operative care instructions. This includes wearing a compression garment or special bra to support the breasts and reduce swelling. The patient may also need to take pain medications as prescribed and keep the incision sites clean to prevent infection.
Monitoring and Follow – up Appointments: Regular follow – up appointments with the plastic surgeon are essential to monitor the healing process and ensure that the symmetry has been successfully corrected. The surgeon will check the incisions, the position of the implants (if applicable), and the overall appearance of the breasts. Any concerns or issues that arise during the recovery period can be addressed promptly at these appointments.
Long – term Considerations: Even after the initial recovery, patients should continue to be aware of any changes in their breasts. Regular self – examinations are important to detect any potential problems early. If there are any signs of new asymmetry, implant rupture, or other issues, the patient should contact their surgeon immediately.
Conclusion
Asymmetrical breast implants can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from pre – existing natural differences to surgical and post – operative issues. Understanding these causes is the first step in finding an appropriate solution. Whether through non – surgical methods like padding and exercise or surgical interventions such as implant exchange and revision surgery, there are options available to help women achieve a more symmetrical and satisfying breast appearance. It’s crucial for patients to communicate openly with their plastic surgeons, both before and after the initial breast implant surgery, to address any concerns about symmetry and to explore the best course of action if asymmetry does occur. With proper evaluation and treatment, most cases of asymmetrical breast implants can be effectively managed.
Related topics:
What Breast Implants Will Look Like In 30 Years?
