Breast asymmetry
Perfect symmetry doesn't exist in nature, so every woman's breasts are often slightly different. But when this difference is marked, breast asymmetry profoundly alters the beauty and sensuality of the bust, and above all self-confidence. Dr Christelle Santini offers a range of breast surgery solutions to restore beautiful, shapely and symmetrical breasts.
What are the indications for breast asymmetry surgery in Paris?
Breast asymmetry is most often linked to asymmetry of the breast tissue, more rarely to positional defects in the thorax.
This may be a difference in volume, or a difference in shape, or both.
The aim of breast asymmetry mammoplasty is to change the shape, volume and position of the breasts, using various techniques specific to breast surgery, such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift or breast lipofilling.
- Breast asymmetry can be congenital, and thus visible in adolescence: this is the case, for example, with tuberous breasts or Poland syndrome.
- Mammary asymmetry can also be acquired :
- melting of breast volume after pregnancy or breastfeeding: the "empty breast" effect;
- melting fat after dieting or illness;
- loss of volume from a breast lesion, whether medical (partial mastectomy, radiotherapy, cyst, etc.) or accidental (accident, burn, etc.)...
In all cases, Dr. Santini takes care to determine the cause of the asymmetry, for optimal overall management.
What should I do before breast asymmetry surgery?
For breast asymmetry surgery in Paris, Dr. Christelle Santini always begins with a medical examination.
In particular, it will determine whether one of the breasts is hypertrophic or hypotrophic, as health insurance may in some cases partially reimburse breast asymmetry surgery. This is particularly the case for malformations such as Poland syndrome, major asymmetry, proven unilateral breast hypertrophy (over 300 g) or proven hypotrophy of one breast (cup size below A).
After an examination, Dr Santini will explain the technical possibilities, and whether or not the procedure is covered by the CNAM. As Dr Santini is not covered by a convention, an additional fee will be charged.
It will also detail the main recommendations, such as :
- Do not take aspirin or anticoagulants for 10 days prior to surgery.
- Stop taking oral contraceptive pills 1 month before surgery to reduce embolic risk.
- Stop smoking at least 1 month before and 1 month after surgery, to optimize healing.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke for at least 6 hours before surgery.
What procedures for breast asymmetry does Dr. Santini offer?
Correcting breast asymmetry by injection of hyaluronic acid is forbidden in France, to avoid creating artifacts that could interfere with mammography screening for breast cancer. The solution is therefore surgical, using three techniques which may or may not be combined in a single operation.
The operation can be performed on one or both breasts (augmentation on one side, reduction on the other), in order to recreate symmetry, while at the same time reshaping the breasts.
Breast reduction mammoplasty
Dr. Santini can reduce the volume of one or both breasts if there is breast hypertrophy: volume and contours are then adjusted, if necessary lifting a breast that is too heavy.
This operation breast reduction can be unilateral or bilateral.
Breast augmentation mammoplasty
On the contrary, Dr. Santini can propose augmentation of one or both breasts, reshaping the contours to achieve symmetrical breasts.
Depending on the lack of volume to be corrected, breast enlargement can be achieved in one of two ways:
- by injecting the patient's own fat, taken from elsewhere on the body: this is breast lipofilling or lipostructure, reserved for moderate augmentations;
- breast prostheses, for more extensive augmentation or more complete 3D remodeling. Breast implants are indicated in cases of greater asymmetry.
- Breast augmentation surgery gives the patient a symmetrical, more shapely chest.
Symmetrization of both areolas
During the procedure, Dr. Santini will also symmetrize the nipple-areolar plates or areolas, so as to obtain two nipples that are as symmetrical and correctly aligned as possible.
It is sometimes necessary to remove excess skin, as in the case of mastopexy or breast lifting.
What to do after surgery to correct breast asymmetry?
The after-effects will depend on the technique used: they are lighter for simple breast lipofilling than for augmentation or reduction surgery on both breasts.
The inflammatory reaction results in the appearance of ecchymoses, which disappear within a few days, and oedemas, which disappear completely within a few weeks.
Dr Christelle Santini always prescribes analgesic treatment, even if overall pain is often mild.
You should expect to be off work for 7 to 10 days, with no heavy lifting for the first few days. Sports must be stopped for 6 weeks. This time off work is considered sick leave only if the breast operation is reimbursed by social security.
A medical support bra must be worn at all times for around 4-6 weeks. The aim is to promote deep healing and remodeling of the breasts.
Dr Santini provides post-operative follow-up with several visits, tailored to the specific needs of each patient.
She stresses the precautions to be taken, in particular protecting scars from UV rays for 6 to 12 months, while they fade. In certain cases, Dr. Santini may suggest the use of a laser to improve healing at the end of the operation. Don't hesitate to discuss this with him during your consultation, especially if you have risk factors for poor healing.
Highlights of breast asymmetry surgery
- Natural, made-to-measure results for more harmonious breasts
- Combination of different techniques according to the patient's wishes and, above all, the technical possibilities and initial morphology.
- Partial and conditional reimbursement of breast surgery by CNAM
Breast asymmetry in a nutshell...
What to do before a breast asymmetry?
- 1 to 2 plastic surgery consultations with a quote and photographs. A 15-day cooling-off period is mandatory.
- Opinion of the CNAM medical officer if surgery is reimbursable (prior agreement)
- Blood test prior to consultation with anesthesiologist, mammogram +/- breast ultrasound
- Stop smoking and taking the pill at least one month before, stop taking aspirin or anti-inflammatories for 10 days, stop taking anticoagulants on medical advice.
How is breast asymmetry surgery performed?
- Surgery under general anaesthetic
- 1 to 2.5 hours to correct asymmetrical breast volume
- Combine several techniques for a customized breast reshaping effect
- Average overnight hospital stay
What is the post-operative course of breast asymmetry surgery?
- Follow-up consultation with Dr Santini 7 to 10 days after surgery
- No wires to remove; wear a support bra for 6 weeks
- Allow 7 to 14 days' sick leave
- 4 to 6 weeks off sport
- Wait 6 to 12 months for a final rendering
- Regular mammograms (precautionary principle)