Some women have uneven breasts. This may be congenital, but the asymmetry can also result from breast-conserving therapy for breast cancer. Severe breast asymmetry is difficult to conceal with clothing, especially in swimwear. For this reason, many women affected by this condition seek effective correction and equalization of their asymmetrical breasts.
Here you will find further information as well as a selection of breast symmetrization specialists and centers.
What happens during breast reduction surgery?
Breast symmetrization is usually performed through surgery. There are two options:
The goal of the surgery is to ensure that both breasts are the same size and as symmetrical as possible.
Occasionally, it is necessary to perform a combination of both procedures. The surgeon then reduces the larger breast and enlarges the smaller one. The surgical method chosen depends on the patient’s anatomy and her wishes.
Before Breast Symmetry Surgery
Before the scheduled procedure, a detailed consultation takes place with an experienced specialist. During this consultation, the patient can express her wishes and clarify any questions she may have.
Careful preoperative preparation is essential to ensure the best possible outcome for breast symmetrization with the greatest possible symmetry. To this end, the surgeon precisely marks the necessary incisions on the breasts. These markings serve as a guide during the surgery and are absolutely essential.
Before breast symmetrization, the surgeon marks a few lines for orientation © H_Ko | AdobeStock
Costs of Breast Symmetrization for Uneven Breasts
The cost of breast symmetrization depends primarily on the complexity of the procedure and the chosen treatment method. The doctor selects the treatment method together with the patient during the preliminary consultation.
The price range for breast symmetrization is between 4,000 and 8,000 EUR.
How is breast symmetrization performed in cases of breast asymmetry?
For some patients, the size difference between the breasts is minimal. If the patient wishes to increase the overall size of her breasts, implants of different sizes can be used.
A breast lift and breast augmentation carry different risks and result in scars of varying sizes on the breast. The surgeon must therefore carefully assess, on a case-by-case basis, which procedure is best suited for the patient.
The surgical procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia in the presence of an anesthesiologist. The procedure itself is therefore painless for the patient.
In most cases, breast harmonization is performed on an inpatient basis. This allows the patient to receive strong pain medication during the postoperative phase, if necessary.
The Initial Period After Breast Reconstruction
Depending on the surgical technique chosen, you will need to wear a support bra day and night for three to six weeks after the surgery.
If non-absorbable sutures are used, they must be removed after 8 to 14 days.
Avoid physical exertion for at least six weeks. You should also avoid direct sunlight on the scars for the first six months. Otherwise, the sun’s rays could cause the scars to discolor.
Possible Complications and Risks of Breast Reconstruction
No surgery is without risks. Even with the utmost care, complications can occur during or after the procedure.
During the surgery, particularly during lift or reduction procedures, heavier bleeding may occur. In very rare cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary. To avoid the risk of infection from a blood transfusion, donating your own blood may be possible and advisable.
In very rare cases, pressure-related damage to nerves or soft tissues may occur. This damage typically resolves within a few weeks.
Possible complications following surgery include
- postoperative bleeding,
- bruising,
- numbness in the nipple and breast skin, and
- very rarely, circulatory and wound-healing disorders at the scar sites.
The appearance of scars varies from patient to patient depending on individual predisposition. In some patients, raised, thick, discolored, and painful scars (keloids) may develop. Such scars sometimes require corrective surgery.
Breast reduction surgery can also affect the ability to breastfeed. In rare cases, wound infections may occur, requiring follow-up surgery.
No surgeon can guarantee 100% symmetry. Patients must be aware of this.
