Asymmetry of the breasts is present in the majority of women. Some might have been aware of the differences whereas some never even noticed the difference until it was pointed out much to their surprise during their consultation. Differences can involve breast shape, size, positioning on the chest wall, drooping, chest wall variations and nipple-areola asymmetries such as size, shape, positioning, contour and projection. Of course, whether or not there is a difference or if it ever was recognized previously, many expect perfect symmetry following surgery.
Breast augmentation surgery will not correct asymmetries. Some differences may be diminished whereas others will persist or may even be accentuated.
A frequent question regards differences in the vertical heights of the areolas and whether they will be situated at the same level following surgery. The answer to this is that they will remain dissimilar most of the time so that one will continue to be higher than the other (see photos). Furthermore, because the breast implants are placed so as to be at the same vertical height on the chest, aesthetically, one nipple-areola complex will always seem to not be in the ideal position. In situations where the areolas are located more to the side of the breast than centrally preoperatively, this malposition may be magnified postoperatively.
Despite these relatively minor issues, a breast augmentation still provides women what they desire from this procedure – fullness, projection, cleavage and a more attractive and alluring appearance.
Different nipple-areola heights preoperatively (frontal view)
Nipple-areola heights following breast augmentation (frontal)
Different nipple-areola heights preoperatively (oblique view)
Nipple-areola heights following breast augmentation (oblique)
Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona