Correction of Breast Asymmetry in Manhattan, New York

Important Points:

• In 10% of women, one breast is very different than the other. Usually, one breast is smaller and flatter and the other is larger and sagging.
• As a women gets older, the difference between her two breasts can increase because the small breast tends to stay flat while the larger one grows even larger and more sagging with preganancies or weight changes.
• This asymmetry or difference between the two breasts can be corrected with good surgery.
• Severe breast asymmetry can be psychologically disturbing, especially for teenagers.

What's special about my approach:

• I wrote a chapter for a surgical textbook on breast asymmetry when I started my career, and because of this I have treated an unusually large number of women with breast asymmetry.
• I perform MINIMAL SCAR breast surgery.
• Please see the separate pages on our website about breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction.
• I plan the procedure to anticipate how the breasts will change as you get older.
• I keep checking to make sure you get real symmetry. Just before the end of the operation, I place you in a sitting position on the surgical table. When you are in this upright position, I can make sure that your breasts look the same.
• Cosmetic surgery is like sculpture and it should not be rushed. I spend as much time as necessay to give you the the absolutely best possible result.

The Procedure:

I tailor each operation for the individual patient. The most common combination is breast augmentation of the smaller breast and breast reduction of the larger breast. Sometimes, only one breast needs to be operated on. If the smaller breast looks good, we just reduce the larger one to match. If the larger breast looks fine, then we will just place an implant in the smaller breast to get symmetry.

Surgery is performed under light anesthesia as an out-patient. It can be done in our fully accredited office surgical suite or in the hospital.

Scars:

With good surgery, the scars can be minimal. In breast augmentation, there is a 1 1/2 inch scar in the armpit or under the breast or just under the nipple. The most common scar for breast reduction is a "lollipop" scar which goes around the nipple and then down below the nipple. The scars fade with time.

Implant Choices:

• I am one of the silicone breast implant investigators and so I can offer you a choice between silicone implants and saline implants. I will tell you which one I think is best for you.
• Most breast augmentations are currently performed with saline implants, which are implants filled with saline or physiologic salt water.
• Implants come with different shapes and surfaces and I select the best implant for each patient based on her anatomy and on want she wants.
• Both saline and silicone implants have been determined to be entirely safe.

Implant Facts:

• Implants can leak. The risk of leaking is very low for the first ten years, but you may need to have your implants replaced because of leaking sometime in the future.
• Implants may occasionally become firm. The process is called capsular contracture, and typically it does not bother the patient.
• Postoperative mammograms must be done by a specialist mammographer since special views are needed.

Nipple Sensation and Breast Feeding:

Breast augmentation leaves normal nipple sensation and you can breast feed. Breast reduction does not interfere with nipple sensation, but you may not be able to breast feed on that side.

Recovery Time after Correction of Breast Asymmetry:

• You will have some swelling and perhaps a little bruising for a few days. After the first week, you may resume your normal activities including sexual relations.
• Most Patients take three to four days off from work.
• Vigorous athletic activity such as dance or aerobic classes should be avoided for three weeks after breast surgery.

Update on advancements in our program to minimize scars.