BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS
*DISCLAIMER: This site contains graphic & surgical images that may be disturbing to some viewers.
This site is intended for individuals over the age of 18.
**Please note that none of the images posted throughout this site have been enhanced or photoshopped.
before the surgery:
What is Breast Asymmetry?
If the breasts are symmetrical, both of the breasts are the same size and shape with equal nipple areola size and location. Most women’s breasts are not perfectly symmetrical. There is often a difference in the size, or shape, or both, when comparing your breasts. This is called asymmetry.
What is the perfect breast?
Symmetry (both breasts and nipple areola are very similar in size and shape). 40% of the breast volume lies above the nipple areolar complex, and 60% below. The nipple areolar complex is at the apex of the breast mound, with a gentle lower and lateral curve of the breast mound, meeting the chest wall at a defined crease, which matches the opposite breast.
What are the types of Asymmetry?
It is unusual for the breasts to be identical. The breasts and the nipple areola may differ in size and shape and location on the chest wall. The chest wall may also be asymmetrical which may produce breast asymmetry.
A consultation with Dr. Giuffre to define the asymmetry, and discuss the surgical options based on the clinical findings, and the patient’s wishes, for correction is recommended.
My breasts are quite droopy and one breast is a different size and shape than the other breast. What are my surgical options?
This depends on how severe the droop (ptosis) is, and how large the difference is in your breast size.
If you want the droop (ptosis) corrected and you DO want larger breasts:
If the size difference between the breasts and the ptosis is very minor and is equal on both sides, (same nipple heights), a Breast Augmentation may correct the ptosis, (See Breast Augmentation FAQ).
If the size difference between the breasts is minor to moderate, the nipple heights are equal, and the droop is very minor, a breast augmentation, adjusting the implant size between the breasts, may correct this minor size asymmetry.
** Please see Patient F Below
If the droop is more significant, (even if it is more on one side than the other) then a breast lift would be required (See Breast Lift FAQ), along with Breast Augmentation, if the patient also wants larger breasts, (See Breast Augmentation FAQ).
If one of the breasts is significantly larger, it's size and shape will be different than the smaller breast: It often sits lower (droops) with a difference in nipple location and size when compared to the smaller breast.
If the patient prefers the larger breast size, then placing a breast implant in the smaller breast will increase the size of the smaller breast, however, will not address the shape difference, nipple location, and nipple size differences. The end result will be asymmetrical and unsatisfactory.
**This can be seen in the photograph below.
The surgical goal is to make both breasts the same shape and size, and then, put a breast implant of the same size into both breasts. In this case, the surgical option is a Bilateral Lift, and, Breast Reduction on the larger breast, with a Bilateral Breast Augmentation using the same size implants in both breasts (after they have been lifted and reduced). This procedure would be done all at the same time.
In the future, if the implants were to be removed, the patient will still have symmetrical breasts without the implants.
If you want the droop (ptosis), size and shape difference corrected, but you DO NOT want larger breasts:
If the droop is more significant, but the breast sizes are the same, then a Breast Lift would be required, (See Breast Lift FAQ).
If one breast is significantly larger, and both breasts are droopy (ptotic), and the patient wanted only the breast ptosis and size correction without enlarging the breasts, then only a Breast Lift and Breast Reduction, of the larger breast, would be done to match the opposite breast.
If the nipple heights on each breast are significantly different, or the areola size on each breast is significantly different, a Breast Lift option can correct this.
If the actual projection of the nipple is too large or excessive, this can be corrected.
If the nipple is inverted, this can be corrected.
If the smaller breast is the correct shape and size for you, and you are wanting to match the larger breast to the smaller breast, the surgical option is a Breast Lift/Reduction on the larger breast, to match the size and shape, and the nipple size and shape, to the smaller breast.
If both breasts are very large and droopy (ptotic), the surgical option is a Breast Reduction procedure. Alberta Health Services will cover Breast Reduction surgery in certain circumstances. Please contact Dr. Giuffre's office for a consultation.
For more details and FAQ, please refer to: FAQ Breast Augmentation,FAQ Breast Lift, & FAQ Breast Reduction surgeries.