As young women go through adolescence and their breasts develop, it’s possible for each breast to have a different size or shape. In fact, most women have slight differences in each of their breasts… differences that are hardly noticeable.
But some women experience an extreme abnormality in the size of each of their breasts, which are caused by either genetic tendencies or differences in which paired organs like breasts grow.
Either way, breast asymmetry can be a difficult condition for any young woman. Fortunately, there are surgical options available to correct these kinds of abnormalities.
Continue reading to learn more about the surgical correction of congenital breast asymmetry offered by University of Florida Health surgeons at our plastic surgery center and see if it’s the right procedure to help restore your breasts’ appearance.
Is a congenital breast asymmetry right for me?
Different breast size is developmental disorder that no one can do much to prevent. Fortunately, there are ways to correct this problem so women are not forced to live their lives with major differences in the size of their breasts.
Breast buds begin developing in young girls anywhere between age 7 and 13, or whenever a girl’s biological clock starts making her body create more estrogen. About two years after this occurs, the first menstrual period occurs. Breasts continue developing for another two to four years after this event, which is where noticeable differences in breast sizes can occur.
Women’s breasts are typically fully developed by 21 years of age so if you’re at this age and still have size differences in your breasts, a congenital breast asymmetry correction may be right for you.
If breast development has been occurring for more than about six years, you shouldn’t expect your breasts to change until pregnancy or menopause, the other two events in your life that can cause changes in the breasts’ shape and size.
How do I prepare for a congenital breast asymmetry surgical correction?
If you think a congenital breast asymmetry correction is something that can potentially help you address the size differences in your breasts, surgeons will first sit down with you and fully discuss the procedure and your goals.
UF Health plastic surgeons, specializing in breast asymmetry correction, will provide full detail of any and all risks associated with the procedure. They will require you to sign a consent form attesting that you fully understand the procedure and any potential risks before scheduling you for your procedure.
Once your procedure is scheduled, surgeons may suggest you take certain medications and/or adjust ones you’re currently on. To minimize the risk of bleeding, avoid Aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements prior to and immediately after your breast asymmetry procedure…and quit smoking well before your surgery.
On the day of your surgery, have someone drive you home after your procedure is complete and have someone stay at least the first night with you to help monitor your recovery.
Again, the first step is contacting breast asymmetry surgeons at UF Health Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics Center and scheduling a personal consultation.
What will my recovery be like?
A congenital breast asymmetry procedure is basically a combination of different cosmetic breast procedures. It really depends on your initial consultation and what the surgeons find in regard to your breast size differences.
Some require a breast reduction or breast augmentation only, while others require both procedures – it really depends on how severe the differences in your breasts are.
Recovery is like other cosmetic breast procedures we perform, but you should plan on a post-op recovery time of 24-48 hours and about a week of reduced activity. You will likely experience some swelling and soreness for a few weeks after your procedure but incisions and swelling will fade over time.
Dressings and bandages will be applied to the surgical area to help minimize swelling, etc. A temporary tube may be placed in the breasts to drain away any excess blood and fluids.
Remember – follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions to avoid infection and other complications. They will instruct you on how to take care of your breasts, any medications you should apply or take orally and when to follow up for a checkup.
Immediately seek medical attention if you experience shortness of breath, chest pains or unusual heartbeats after you return home.
Call 352.265.8402 or contact us today to schedule a consultation.