One breast is larger after enlargement. Why can one breast of a woman or girl be larger than the other and how to fix it? Tubularity of one of the mammary glands

Mammoplasty is a good way to restore the shape of a woman’s breasts. A woman who decides to undergo surgery must follow all doctor’s instructions. In preparation for surgery, you need to pass all tests and be examined by a therapist and anesthesiologist. If this is not done, there is a risk of complications or unsuccessful breast surgery. According to statistics, this situation occurs in 4% of women.

Loss of sensitivity of the nipple and areola

Minor sensory disturbances may be associated with edema. The swelling will subside and sensitivity will be restored.

Most often, the sensitivity of the nipple and areola is not affected by submarinal (under the breast) and axillary access. It is disrupted with periariolar access (the border of the areola and the skin on the chest).

Numbness of the breast after plastic surgery

This in most cases occurs because the nerve branches were crossed during surgery and time is needed for their recovery. The recovery period is different for everyone, on average about six months.

If this is not done in advance, severe consequences, complications and scars may occur after mammoplasty.

Purulent wounds around the implant

Occurs in 1–4% of patients. The reason may be:

natural rejection breast implant;
entry infections during the operation.

It may appear a year or more after surgery. They are treated with antibiotics, and in severe cases the implant is removed.

Infection

Any operation is associated with infection. The first factor is the qualifications of the surgeon and his professional work experience. The second factor is the patient’s failure to comply with hygiene requirements after surgery.

Accompanied by a temperature above 38 degrees, redness and purulent discharge. Antibiotics and antiseptic drugs are prescribed, and in difficult cases, the endoprosthesis is removed or replaced.

Seroma and hematoma

It is normal for a small amount of fluid to collect around the breast prosthesis, but seroma after mammoplasty is a lot of clear serous fluid.

The more extensive the surgery, the more likely it is that seromas will appear. If the gray is left unattended, it can persist for a long time and cause hardening. Surgically removed using a syringe.

Any irritant can cause gray matter:

reaction body onto the prosthesis when the capsule has not yet formed;
physical loads, injuries;
early refusal of wearing compression linen;
non-compliance restorative period.

To prevent seroma formation, you should wear compression garments for at least 6 weeks.

A hematoma is a collection of clots of dried blood in sacs around a breast implant. It is accompanied by severe swelling, fever, and inhibits muscle mobility. Treatment of the hematoma is mandatory.

Tissue death

Tissue death - necrosis - occurs when the implant compresses the blood supply in the chest due to scar tissue (capsule) growing around it.

To prevent this from happening, in 1968 W.C. Dempsey and W.D. Latham suggested installing a breast implant subpectorally (under the pectoralis major muscle).

Scarring

Immediately after the operation, the surgeon applies a special plaster to the scar. It makes it possible to maintain body hygiene at first.

It is important to allow scars and cicatrices to heal quietly in the first months. Surgeons recommend:

Not scratch scar, but let it heal and form;
smear the formed scar with a special silicone gel;
stick silicone strips that allow the skin to breathe and do not allow water to pass through, and also visually make the scar invisible;
don't visit swimming pools, postpone a trip to the sea;
Not load chest area, scars should not stretch.

After a few months, the incision line will not be visible at all. But if a woman’s visible part has an unaesthetic appearance and this bothers her, plastic surgery has ways to correct this:

excision of a scar or scar;
grinding.

There cannot be the same time period until complete recovery. Therefore, if the scar is red, you need to wait until it turns white. Otherwise, you can get a keloid.

Breast change

After surgery, breasts may change shape and become denser. This change is called capsular contracture.

Essentially, a capsule of fibrous connective tissue is formed around the implant, which becomes compacted and thickened over time. Normally, the capsule is very thin and measures 1/10 of a millimeter. But with capsular contracture, the capsule grows to 2-3 mm or more.

It gradually squeezes and compresses the implant, which leads to its deformation, and therefore to a change in the shape of the breast and to pain. In severe situations, it leads to atrophic changes in breast tissue.

If capsular contracture is detected, corrective surgery is performed. The implant is changed and the capsule is removed.

Temperature

In the first days, this is a natural reaction to a foreign body; the temperature after mammoplasty will be 37 or higher. In the following days, a “hangover” condition may occur. The surgeon will prescribe antibiotics and monitor the patient's condition.

Possible complications associated with implants

A capsule is formed around the breast implant. Capsular contracture is more common with silicone implants. Capsular contracture, consisting of fibrous tissue, begins to compact the implant, which leads to pain. The aesthetic appearance of the breast also deteriorates.

Surgery for severe capsular contracture allows removal of the capsule itself and the endoprosthesis. Mild cases do not require surgery.

Implant rupture

High-quality implants undergo many stages of testing at factories, which indicates their safety. They are filled with state-of-the-art cohesive gel and come with a lifetime warranty. Even if the implant ruptures, the gel will not leak into the soft tissues and will not harm the patient’s health.

Implant rupture may not be visually noticeable. But it is detected on a mammogram or MRI.

Severe tears can ruin the appearance of the breasts and cause inflammation, swelling and pain.

Deformation of the endoprosthesis

If after mammoplasty one breast has become larger than the other, this will disappear in the first months after the operation, when the swelling goes down.

In another case - with an incorrectly selected endoprosthesis or placement.

In the third case, deformation may have occurred:

More susceptible to deformation saline implants.
Matters volume implant filling: normal and overfilled. When overcrowded, there is less wrinkling.
Textured endoprostheses are more deformed and wrinkled than smooth ones.
Implants "under the muscle" are deformed to a lesser extent.
A special type of deformation also includes double bubble complication.

Implant displacement

It takes time for the breast implant to become firmly entrenched in the tissues. To do this, immediately after the operation the patient is dressed in compression garments. To avoid asymmetry and displacement, it is recommended to completely avoid physical and strength loads on the chest and upper abdomen for three months.

If after three months adjustment is still needed, additional procedures are prescribed.

A loose pectoral muscle may cause discomfort during the postoperative period, but this goes away over time as the muscle and implant adjust to each other.

Saline implants are more likely to dislodge because they are heavier than silicone ones.

An implant that is placed above the muscle is more susceptible to displacement than an implant that is placed under the muscle.

Double fold (or double bubble)

Double bubble after mammoplasty is a serious aesthetic complication. The chest does not look like a single whole, but as if folded.

30% of women have a specific anatomical feature of Cooper's connective tissue ligaments. These ligaments are located under the breast and support the weight of the entire glandular part. After surgery, when swelling goes down, a small percentage of women face this problem. Surgeons offer correction.

During correction, an incision is made, part of the breast tissue is excised, carefully straightened and fixed in a new place to a new submammary fold.

The double fold after mammoplasty will still be noticeable for some time, but after a week this deformity will disappear. Patients after such correction must wear compression garments for two weeks.

Calcification

This is a specific complication of breast surgery, which is associated with the individual characteristics of the body. The mammary gland becomes deformed and its aesthetic appearance is lost.

A deposit of calcium salts forms around the implant - calcification. During examination and palpation, the surgeon identifies foci of calcification and may suggest implant replacement or correction surgery.

There is no prevention for this complication.

These deposits may be mistaken for tumors on mammography.

Symmastia

This is an aesthetic complication after mammoplasty, in which the implants are located very close to each other. Visually, the mammary glands seem to have “grown together.”

The reason may be:

too much choice volumetric breast implants;
anatomical location of the mammary glands.

To avoid symmastia, an experienced surgeon must select the correct size of the breast implant, otherwise you will have to make a correction with smaller implants.

Skin ripples

Mostly such ripples occur on cheap breast implants. Ripples after mammoplasty can also appear when the capsule covering the implant is not fully formed on one of the breasts. If the ripples do not go away, the surgeon suggests correction.

When the volume of native breast tissue is small, breast implants are usually installed “under the muscle”.

Reduced efficiency of breast cancer diagnosis

Breast implants and silicone have not been proven to cause cancer. Patients who have had a gland removed due to cancer are fitted with endoprostheses.

Sometimes it happens that a patient came for mammoplasty and an oncological disease was detected.

Experienced surgeons sometimes combine operations: during mammoplasty, for example, fibroadenoma is removed. And the removed material is sent for further examination.

Endoprostheses make mammography examinations more difficult, which reduces the effectiveness of diagnosing cancer.

To prevent implant rupture during palpation and examination, it is necessary to warn the doctor about its presence.

Decreased ability to breastfeed

Breastfeeding issues are discussed with the surgeon in the preparatory period. Both saline and silicone endoprostheses do not have a negative effect on pregnancy and fetal development, even in the event of rupture.

With periariolar access (through the isola incision), the ability to breastfeed is significantly reduced or completely lost, as the ducts are crossed.

With submarinal (under the breast) and axillary access, the mammary gland is not injured. But if there were complications, the risk of impaired ability to breastfeed remains.

After breastfeeding, at least 6 months later, you can begin preparing for mammoplasty.

Capsular contracture

In medicine, capsular contracture is a formation that consists of dense fibrous tissue. It forms around the implanted implant, gradually squeezing it. But it is a normal reaction of the body to a foreign body.

But you should consult a doctor when signs of capsular contracture begin to bother you. Among them, hardening of the neoplasm and its increase in size are noted.

The causes of contracture formation are:

Accumulation serous fluid around the implant, which leads to its detachment.
Inflammation.
Non-compliance recommendations specialist during the rehabilitation period.
Hematomas, formed after surgery.
Wrong size implant.
Hit silicone between the implant and fibrous formation as a result of rupture of the first.

In cases where the capsular contracture is large, repeated surgery is performed to remove it.

In order to prevent the development of such a complication, it is necessary to follow all the specialist’s recommendations during the rehabilitation period, use implants with a textured surface, wear special compression garments and regularly visit a specialist.

If your chest itches or there is a lump in the area where the implant is located, you should consult a doctor.

Pain

Often after mammoplasty, patients complain that their breasts hurt. Unpleasant sensations occur for 2-3 days after surgery, provided the healing process is normal and all doctor’s recommendations are followed. But you should know that the duration of the recovery period is individual in each case.

After mammoplasty, the nipples may hurt, which is also not a deviation, provided that the pain does not increase, but gradually disappears.

The causes of pain are injury to soft tissues during surgery and their stretching during the recovery period.

Swelling of the abdomen

Swelling is a normal reaction of the body to surgery.

But abdominal swelling after mammoplasty is not observed in all patients. Often, an unpleasant symptom occurs when access during surgery is carried out under the breast.

It appears gradually. Swelling immediately after a breast augmentation procedure is observed only in the mammary glands. After 1-3 days it drops onto its stomach. In appearance, it is swollen; when pressed, marks may remain.

The color of the skin changes only when there is bleeding. In this case, bruises and hematomas appear on the abdomen.

Unsuccessful breast surgery can lead to swelling. In this case, the symptoms will be pronounced, they will constantly increase and worsen.

To relieve swelling, it is recommended to apply cold to the abdomen, wear compression garments after surgery, and eat right. In the first days after surgery, you should not take a hot bath, shower, or visit a sauna or bathhouse. In severe cases, it is necessary to use homeopathic remedies in the form of creams to relieve swelling.

Preventive measures and reducing the risk of complications

After any plastic surgery you must:

Do not visit pool, sauna, bathhouse, solarium, from 4-6 weeks.
Do not take hot baths.
Homemade aquatic Procedures should be taken only with a special silicone strip on the incision, and not earlier than after a week.
In the first 7-10 days sleep on your back with your head elevated so that swelling subsides faster and discomfort decreases. Two weeks later - on the side. Not earlier than in a month - on the stomach.
Even if the patient is compression underwear, do not lift weights. This threatens complications and new operations.
Don't engage sports. Intense training on the chest and upper abdomen and back can displace the thoracic endoprosthesis from its location, which again threatens complications and correction.
Do not exercise for the first time after surgery sex. This may cause the seams to come apart. It is recommended to start planning pregnancy no earlier than a year after mammoplasty.
Don't fly to airplane in the first few weeks after surgery.
Accept medicinal medications prescribed by the surgeon.

Hi all! I’m probably a “veteran” of mammoplasty on this site - I did this operation a little over 15 years ago, and quite spontaneously.

That is, theoretically, I haven’t liked my breasts since school. It was completely flat. Now I had to “shove through” a lot of archives, but I still haven’t found at least one “reliable” photo of that time. Because I didn’t take off my breasts while naked - I didn’t even imagine that it could ever be useful to me. There was also an “ambush” in clothes, because for as long as I can remember, I persistently wore foam rubber bras, and sometimes I put something in them to give my breasts a “seductive”, in my opinion, roundness. That's why in most "before" photos I usually look more or less normal.

I had no illusions that after childbirth my breasts could get bigger, because by that time I had already had one childbirth and nothing had gotten bigger.

But what was the impetus, so to speak? I don’t even remember now. I was sitting on a plastic surgery forum, wondering whether or not to redo my nose after a failed rhinoplasty. I went into a thread about breasts, read a lot... and then, literally within a month, I decided to do this. I turned to a local surgeon - he had a good reputation in our city. She came and said - I want bigger breasts and, most importantly, not in the shape of “balls”. “No problem,” he answered me, “bring your money.” He promised to make beautiful teardrop-shaped breasts and install high-quality implants of the largest possible size for me (“whatever will fit”).

The operation cost me about 130 thousand rubles. Approximately - this is because the cost was named in foreign currency (I paid at the rate that was the day before the operation). They also forced me to sign a statement that I was supposedly donating this money to the temple (which was located on the territory of the hospital) and a paper that in case of complications I would have no claims. I was desperate and threw everything away.

In general, after carefully reading the plastic surgery forum, for some reason I was afraid of one thing. No, not anesthesia - capsular contracture.

FOR REFERENCE.

Capsular contracture is the formation of dense fibrous tissue in the form of a capsule around the implant, which subsequently compresses and deforms it.

On the forum they often wrote about this complication with the saying “I’m sitting like a fool with a contact device.” The thought that I, too, could be one of these “fools” depressed me. And yet I decided.

The operation and the first days.

I vaguely remember what preceded the operation. I took tests. In the morning (on an empty stomach) I arrived at the hospital. The anesthesia... after it they “stirred away”, and... the sensations were unforgettable. I woke up, everything hurt terribly. I’m wearing compression underwear, and plastic tubes with “barrels” are sticking out of my chest, into which the ichor flows.

Oh yes, I almost forgot. I didn’t tell anyone that I was going to have surgery. Well, no one at all. And until now I haven’t told a single person about this. At that time, my husband and I were in the process of divorcing; he (with the child) was visiting relatives in another city. True, on the second or third day I had to call my brother. Because, as it turned out, there was no food in the hospital (this department). I couldn’t get to the other one, but I still wanted to eat. “I’m in the hospital,” I say, “but don’t ask anything and don’t tell anyone anything, just bring me some food.” My brother silently brought the food, I went down to him in a robe and with “barrels” under my arms, thanked him and left. Maybe he guessed something, but he never asked questions. But there was no sign on the department that it was a department of plastic surgery, there was something else written there. So there you go.

I stayed there for 4 or 5 days - half human, half disabled. My arms can’t lift, there’s extreme pain with any movement, and most importantly, it’s impossible to sleep on my stomach (my favorite position). Although no, this is not the main thing. I was shocked when I saw the seams. What did the doctor tell me? We'll make access under your chest; there's no other way to stuff it in you. But let’s hide the “intervention” in the inframammary fold; over time it won’t be visible. What came of it, see at the end of the review.

After the stitches were removed, the marks seemed absolutely huge. Especially in those places where the tubes were sticking out. I was very upset.

The “semi-invalid” state lasted for several weeks and was aggravated by the fact that it was late autumn. I had difficulty putting on my coat, but I couldn’t button it! I was afraid that I would catch a cold, but it turned out okay. And at first there was a feeling that my chest would “fall in”. It’s as if I put the balls under my T-shirt and I have to walk carefully so that they don’t fall out. I told the doctor about this, he laughed.

Then the pain suddenly went away. And I was able to sleep on my stomach again and lead a normal life. First of all, I ran to the photo shoot. Indecent, yeah. Although the seams were still terrible, bright red, the girl photographer delicately remained silent and covered them up for me in Photoshop.

From that time (a little over a month after the operation) I still have these photos:

The sensitivity of the chest was restored quite quickly, but it felt like stone to the touch. Over time, however, it “jumped”, but not much. “It rises” with difficulty, and it is generally impossible to “assemble” it to form a hollow. If you lie on your back, it still feels quite hard to the touch.

And here is a photo a couple of years after mammo:

Yes, I almost forgot. Soon I got married again. During the first intimacy, my man asked, “Do you have your own breasts? I’ve only seen something like this in movies before.” I was in no hurry to answer, but he continued: “However, what difference does it make if it’s beautiful!” We didn't raise this topic again. After the operation I had 2 pregnancies, but I only breastfed once. The breasts almost did not increase during this period, but they hurt very much.

I also often flew on airplanes (this is a note for those who still believe that implants “explode”. Nope, girls, they don’t explode. Everything is in place).

It seems that over time the breasts have become a little smaller. About 10 years after the operation, I went to that doctor - I forgot, you see, to clarify whether the implant needed to be changed. “No, it’s not necessary, it’s for life,” the doctor answered me. Oh well. Then he felt my chest, said that everything was okay and let me go in peace.

After the review, I contacted the surgeon and asked him to look for documents/photos of my mammoplasty. He said that he remembers exactly - at that time he only installed Mentor implants, he will look for a “before” photo, but does not promise. Several weeks have passed and I have not yet received a response.

The advantages of Menter implants are that the company provides a lifetime warranty for all types and types of products, as well as the right to replace it with a similar model of a different size in the event of a capsule rupture during use of the product. If a complication such as capsular contracture occurs, the endoprosthesis is replaced without additional payment and with a 10-year warranty period.

Continuation of the review.

Over time, I almost “lost my belt” and stopped wearing bras. Therefore, in some photos you can see what the breasts look like under clothes (don’t be outraged that it’s so visible, these were not very crowded places). Photos from 2015:

And finally, photos taken the other day.

In a top and in clothes:

To be fair, I want to note that breasts look completely different in different clothes and from different angles. Sometimes, especially if with push-up, it seems outstanding. And sometimes it seems that she is almost not there.

(The first photo was taken last year - I didn’t enlarge my breasts in Photoshop, I just gave it a “tan” because my skin tone was “pig”. The second photo is already ten years old).

Well, my “headache” is the marks under the breasts. Photos in different lighting. As soon as I raise my hands a little, the implant becomes more noticeable and there is a mark. I smeared it with contratubex and did grinding - it was useless.

LET'S SUM UP.

What does a breast implant look like 10, 15 years after mammoplasty? It seems almost the same as a year later. Do I think that the breasts have changed a lot, changed shape? In my opinion, not really.

What is life like with breast implants? To be honest, I have already become so close to them that I don’t remember how I lived differently. I don't regret the operation. My only regret is the scars. Of course, the breasts did not go into “waves”, lumps or contracture did not appear - and thank you for that. But still, now I would insist on axillary access. So my main warning is girls, if possible, don't settle for under-breast access.

The second warning - do not run to buy beautiful lingerie immediately after the operation. The swelling will persist for some time, then the breasts will shrink a little.

In fact, this is a difficult question and one cannot give advice here. That’s the only reason I answered “no,” which actually means “think for yourself.”

If you have any questions, write - I will answer if it is within my power.

P.S. CAN SILICONE BREASTS BE DANGEROUS?

Update from October 13, 2018.

After writing the review, I came across an article with supposed scientific research data about the dangers of silicone breasts in the long term. To be as honest as possible, I leave a link to this text.

In particular, there is the following information:

It turned out that women with silicone implants were at increased risk of several rare diseases compared to the general population. These conditions are classified as autoimmune or rheumatologic disorders: Sjögren's syndrome (eight times the risk compared to the general population), scleroderma (seven times the risk), and rheumatoid arthritis (about six times the risk).

You know, there is an interesting point here. I do have rheumatoid arthritis, but I had it before the surgery.

This is probably why there is an explanation at the end of the article:

The researchers emphasize that their results are not conclusive due to limitations inherent in the use of post-marketing databases, including the lack of complete patient information and individual follow-up data.

So whether you are afraid of these studies or not is up to you.

******************************************

The most effective methods for preserving the beauty of the breasts, despite lactation

During pregnancy, a woman's breasts undergo dramatic changes, but breastfeeding causes even more serious damage to its aesthetic appearance. It is these changes that cause the formation of not only uneven enlargement or sagging of one of the breasts, but also lead to loss of symmetry of the nipple-areola complex. Doctors have identified two main reasons that become the main culprits in the development of the problem:

Hormones

Carrying a child and lactation lead to increased production of prolactin, which, when reacting with estrogen, provokes a change in the size and appearance of the mammary glands. At the same time, the rapid growth of breast tissue contributes to the appearance of stretch marks and unpleasant pain, which are almost impossible to get rid of. However, to reduce discomfort and minimize unwanted consequences, you can use reliable supportive bras and do not neglect moisturizing care products to protect your breasts from cracking.

Uneven feeding

To exclude this, it is necessary to adhere to a strict feeding regimen at certain intervals from the very beginning of lactation. Otherwise, due to improper stimulation of the right and left breasts, different amounts of milk are produced. Therefore, over time, uneven stretching of the mammary glands occurs and, as a result, a difference in their size, the stability of which is observed after the end of breastfeeding. The development of a pathological condition can be avoided by taking into account some rules:

Do not limit night feeding to using only one breast;
From the beginning of lactation, try not to ignore the “less milky” breasts, which may be a consequence of a previous injury or mastopathy;
Accustom your baby to both breasts, if even one of them has a nipple shape that does not meet his needs;
Ignore cracked nipples on one of the breasts and do not neglect alternating mammary glands during feeding

In addition, leading experts in this field strongly advise using both breasts during breastfeeding, controlling the volume of milk by expressing excess milk and avoiding its stagnation in the ducts.

Surgical methods for solving problems with breast asymmetry

In cases where one breast is much larger than the other, not due to cancer or endocrine disease or a peculiarity of adolescence, correction of the defect is possible only through surgical intervention. This operation is today considered one of the leading areas of mammoplasty, which has led to the emergence of numerous techniques taking into account various characteristics of the body, which have characteristic differences in the method of execution, access method, location for installation of individually selected endoprostheses, etc.

Evaluation of the result after surgery for breast asymmetry:

Before preparing for surgery, each patient is given a unique opportunity to independently make a choice regarding the direction of the surgeon’s approach - to focus on enlarging the smaller breast or reducing the one that is larger. In this case, the surgeon’s work can be carried out using one of the following proposed methods:

Installation of implants is the simplest method of surgical access, which perfectly solves problems with any type of asymmetry, with the exception of severe and atypical forms. Provides for the installation of two endoprostheses of different sizes, taking into account the wishes of the patient;
Lipofilling is designed for transplantation of adipose tissue from the abdomen or sides to the mammary gland area. The main advantage of the method is its low-invasiveness, the ability to do without general anesthesia, the use of natural material, which, unlike prostheses, takes root well and cannot lead to the formation of capsular contracture. However, the method can only be used if there is a slight difference in volume with an error of 0.5 to 1 size and is suitable for girls with curvy figures;
Reduction mammoplasty involves reducing the size of one of the breasts and is performed mainly in the case of large mammary glands. The complexity of the procedure causes the appearance of noticeable scars. However, the end result exceeds all expectations, as many patients believe;
Mastopexy - breast lift - is indicated for uneven ptosis, which is a common consequence of the childbearing period. The method is designed for a combination of lifting and installation of implants;
Changing the size and shape of the nipples and areolas is a simple procedure that can be carried out either in an isolated way or as an additional measure to all the methods described above.

Severe forms of asymmetry (examples of the work of surgeon I.V. Sergeev). Photos are shown before and after eliminating the difference in size with severe ptosis:

A very important and necessary operation (or several), which provides for an individual selection of the number of interventions depending on the severity of the defect, the characteristics of the body and the personal preferences of each patient. The only disadvantage of the procedure is the irreversible loss of lactation when using some methods, which requires women preparing to become mothers to make an informed decision or postpone correction until the end of breastfeeding.

Possible causes of asymmetry

Hypoplasia – underdevelopment of one of the glands(when the second remains normal).

How to fix the problem:

The correction is performed by enlarging the smaller breast using an implant

Hypertrophy (excessive enlargement) of the breasttaking into account the normal size and development of the other.

How to fix the problem:

The most effective reduction mammoplasty procedure

Uneven ptosis with pronounced sagging of one of the breasts.

How to fix the problem:

A lift is recommended, which can be supplemented with endoprosthetics

Ptosis aggravated by hypertrophy or hypoplasia.

How to fix the problem:

General mastopexy with the addition of reduction mammoplasty or installation of implants is more effective

There is a big difference in the shape and size of the nipples.

How to fix the problem:

The correction is carried out by reducing the size of the larger nipple until it fully matches the shape of the second

Areola asymmetry.

How to fix the problem:

The size of the larger areola is reduced

Tubularity of one of the mammary glands.

How to fix the problem:

The most severe form of the defect, the correction of which is carried out by special dissection of the problem gland, insertion of an implant and subsequent straightening of the incised tissue

Determining factors for the appearance of a possible defect when one breast becomes larger than the other after plastic surgery

Three main reasons can contribute to the creation of such a situation:

Uneven swelling– restoration of injured tissue does not occur immediately and therefore slight swelling is considered normal. Moreover, even within a day, migration of the localization of edema from one part of the body to another can be observed. Taking into account the fairly long period until a clear observation of a lasting effect from the operation, which can vary from several weeks to months, you should not take such a defect to heart. After a certain time everything will pass;
Surgeon's mistake- a relatively rare precedent, which, however, may occur. The main reason for the formation of edema is incorrect work of the surgeon. To correct the error, unfortunately, it is impossible to do without a repeat operation;
Inflated patient expectations– when seeking surgical help, all patients hope for the maximum cosmetic effect, which does not always work out. It is worth clearly understanding that even with an ideal operation there will be a slight difference in the size of the mammary glands. Therefore, the main thing is not to focus on the problem - everyone who is too picky about their bust and after the operation will find a reason to develop a new complex

Answers to your most pressing questions

Do all women suffer from breast asymmetry?

Paradoxically, yes. Man, by nature, and the entire world around us, is devoid of ideal proportions. According to statistics, all those with a difference of only a few millimeters and almost imperceptible are negligible. Most women have a range from 0.5-1 to 2 or more in size.

Even a world-famous specialist cannot give a definite answer to this question. Of course, minor errors in the size or position of the mammary glands should not cause much concern. The situation is different with pronounced imbalances, the presence of which lowers aesthetic self-esteem and requires a visit to an experienced surgeon. However, in the case where the visible discrepancy is not considered a source of depression or a sign of any illness, take emergency measures to eliminate the asymmetry.

Could this be hazardous to health?

In the case of congenital asymmetry or acquired naturally (for example, as a result of lactation), there is no point in fearing for health. But if there is a sharp enlargement of one breast, this is at least a reason to contact a mammologist or endocrinologist to exclude the development of pathological conditions.

Is it possible to eliminate asymmetry without surgery?

With a small difference in size (no more than 1 unit) of the mammary glands, several feminine “tricks” can help. A proven method for decades, which is designed for the use of special bras with pockets for push-up inserts in the cup for the smallest breasts. Theoretically, a vacuum massage to stimulate blood circulation or a specially designed set of sports activities will be useful, which will certainly help increase the elasticity and tone of the pectoral muscle and visually increase the volume of the breast for some time. However, all surgeons are very skeptical of these methods, and based on the strict choice of selective impact on the problem organ, they claim that the best effect can only be achieved with the help of mammoplasty. And even more so, you should not oversaturate the mammary glands with various cosmetic care products, which can cause irreparable damage to an already devoid of any aesthetics bust.

One breast is larger than the other - how to deal with asymmetry - video

So. The promised post about breasts.
At the moment, 4 months have passed since mammoplasty. (Photo attached)
1.why did I decide to have the operation?
Before the appearance of my third child, I always had breasts and quite good ones between 2-2.5 sizes. When I became pregnant with Leah, my breasts instantly increased to size 4, and later they were closer to size 5. And considering that until 5-6 months my belly was almost invisible, I really liked being slim and busty))))). But after Leah was born and all our experiences in the first month of her life, the breast size was 1-1.5. I took and still take hormonal pills, but even they didn’t add at least half a size....and then it got worse. I started playing sports and my breasts completely disappeared. I went into surgery with 0.5.
Judging by the photo, we can say that there seemed to be something))) but these are just well-chosen underwear and swimsuits. And as the doctor said, my chest is “houselike” - in profile and lying down, the appearance of breasts will always be created. But the appearance alone didn’t suit me. I wanted my 4 back, which I had been wearing for 9 months.
2.choice of a doctor.
My surgeon is Yuri Alekseevich Kachina.
I chose between 4 doctors. (Shikhirman, Babayan, Nesterenko, Kachina)
All the information he is mute, his experience, qualifications and education can be read on his website, I don’t see the point in writing. Why is it him out of 4? Because during the consultation he understood me instantly: I said what I want and what I don’t want. I was offered options. We agreed on round implants Mentor high profile 375 ml. This is the maximum size that could be placed under the pectoral muscle. But Yuri Alekseevich suggested ordering another 350 ml for reinsurance, because... I was afraid that 375 simply wouldn’t fit. (In the end, that’s what happened).
I’ll say right away that the prices of all the listed surgeons are the same, only Shikhirman charges about 50 thousand more (but there you must understand that you are paying for a “brand”. He has his own clinic, etc., etc.) cost the increase for these doctors is from 190 -220 approximately, depending on the type of implants. Surgeons also carry out various promotions on a regular basis. It is quite possible to have your breasts done for 150-160 plus underwear tests and examinations and hospitalization. Well, if you are from out of town, then plus accommodation. As well as a course of medications for recovery. As a result, your chest will be “turnkey” at 180-200. Perhaps less if you go for tests and examinations at your clinic under the compulsory medical insurance policy. I did it for a promotion. And I didn’t hand over anything under the policy (I was saving my nerves: grannies and queues are not for me))
3.preparation and operation.
I prepared for a long time, I was sick for a long time before this, the tests were bad, I retook them. In the end, 2 days before day X. I recovered and decided not to delay, but to go and do it. With three children, getting sick again is such a sweet soul))) we called the doctor, I showed him the tests, they approved it and I began to prepare mentally.
The operation took place at the Svyatoslav Fedorov medical center. On the day of the operation I was very worried. After they made the markings at the clinic, my legs gave way. Therefore, Yuri Alkseevich and I walked into the operating room in an embrace, hand in hand, hand in hand. In general, he brought me.))) We talked with the anesthesiologist, signed papers and went to the table))) I didn’t understand how I fell asleep, I woke up with boobs))) with a wild cough and a sore throat. Endotracheal anesthesia (a tube is inserted into the trachea) 2 days of cough, sore throat and the voice of a transvestite are guaranteed. They brought me to the room, the doctor said that he put 350 ml, because 375 ml was not suitable...
4.rehabilitation.
A day later I was discharged, and 3 children were waiting for me at home. One and whom I left 2 months ago. It was very difficult. No one helped me as soon as I returned from the clinic. No matter how hard you look at it, you can’t hold your daughter in your arms. You cannot lift anything more than 3 kg. raise your arms above shoulder level... and I have a 10 kg daughter who needs to wash her bottom, put her in a high chair, etc. and take children to kindergarten. I drank painkillers in batches for 2 weeks. Then it became easier. By the month it became comfortable. I needed to wear compression underwear for 2 months because the volume was quite large. but I took it for 1 month, and cut off the elastic band that was pressing on top. So it went away for the second month. I started to train a little. Swelling was present until approximately 2.5 months. Now he is completely gone. The chest became soft. The first month it is like an expander, the second month it is still hard, but no longer stone. At 3 months, my swelling completely went down and I seemed to get rid of swelling all over my body, and my breasts now look different than after the operation. Now everything is more harmonious, she is soft and mobile. The first month is like rubber Zina

Breasts after mammoplasty in the first days are hard and swollen. During the postoperative period, various unpleasant physiological manifestations, pain, and hematomas may occur in organic tissues, which is a normal reaction to surgical intervention. Over the course of a couple of weeks, the mammary glands will gradually return to normal and restore their elasticity. In the postoperative period, you need to be especially attentive to all manifestations within your body.

Pain

Minor pain may not appear identically in each gland. After surgery, pain is a normal physiological reaction. Basically, it is low-intensity and can be eliminated with effective painkillers. When your breasts hurt after mammoplasty, you should pay special attention to the location of the sensations and their severity inside the breast.

The first week after surgery is the most difficult. It will take some patience until the mammary glands stop hurting. Usually the painful discomfort goes away within a week. However, some manifestations in a later period should be alarming. Your chest may continue to hurt:

if implants are installed incorrectly;
nerve damage;
purulent inflammation.

It is common to feel a tingling sensation in the chest after surgery. The nerve fibers of the gland are traumatized during surgery. The completely uncomfortable burning sensation disappears only two years after the operation. During the recovery period, a tingling sensation is felt that accompanies the restoration of sensitivity. The occurrence of a burning sensation is due to the increased sensitivity of the mammary glands.

Swelling

Breast swelling after mammoplasty is a phenomenon that cannot be avoided by any patient. Swelling from surgery is absolutely normal in medical practice and goes away after a week. Also in the first days there is a cyanosis of the skin. Over the course of several weeks, your skin tone will gradually recover.

You should be wary if tissue swelling continues for more than 3 weeks. This may be due to the development of complications. In some cases, there is an accumulation of blood or fluid in the mammary gland. Swelling also develops if a blood vessel in the chest bursts. The causes of prolonged swelling are:

instability of pressure in blood vessels;
low blood clotting;
incorrect implant size.

Surgical removal of the fluid will help eliminate the defect. If, along with swelling, bruises under the breast are diagnosed, this indicates that blood has entered the gland tissue. If you notice large bruises, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Extraneous noise

Sometimes after surgery, a squelching sensation is felt inside the chest. This phenomenon is caused by the air flow, which penetrates into the chest during surgery and then exits through the gland tissue. The squelching goes away on its own 10 days after mammoplasty.

Hardness

Soft breasts after mammoplasty are the ultimate dream of many women. However, the hardness of the mammary glands disappears only after three to four months after the operation. The reasons for super-hard breasts are the strong density of the implant or the discrepancy between the prosthesis and the breast pocket. If the pocket is too small, then the mammary gland will be hard after correction. A large implant size is also undesirable.

The breast can become hard if bleeding is not stopped correctly during surgery or due to the lack of proper drainage. It affects the softness of the breast tissue and the woman’s predisposition to the formation of a hard capsule.

In most cases, the defect disappears on its own 4-5 months after surgery. If the hardness is due to insufficient quality of the implant, then the prosthesis will have to be changed. Only then can you achieve the desired result.

Asymmetry

Uneven, asymmetrical breasts can occur in a situation where one of the implants is installed disproportionately or incorrectly. The endoprosthesis can also rupture, become dislodged, or simply not fit into the breast cavity. The development of asymmetry is influenced by the deflation of the implant. The isotonic substances contained within the prosthesis may be depleted through the valve over time. The prosthesis must have a very high-quality shell so that the isotonic solution can be preserved for many years.

The cause of asymmetry is often the anatomical features of the mammary glands, breast trauma, or damage to one of the prostheses. Implant rejection also causes asymmetrical size and location of the mammary glands.

One of the most pronounced and dangerous complications is an abscess. Inflammation develops as a result of an inappropriate size of the implant or due to rejection of the endoprosthesis. First, the skin under the breast becomes inflamed, after which the outbreak spreads to organic tissue. The abscess is accompanied by general malaise, high fever, and severe pain.

Pathogenic microorganisms can also enter the wound and cause an infection. Suppuration develops, which requires specific treatment. The doctor prescribes the use of antibiotics and painkillers. In some cases, the endoprosthesis is removed from the breast.

Alarming symptoms are:

deformation of the mammary glands;
strong hardness;
severe pain for too long a period;
different swelling of the right and left breasts;
volume change;
redness;
discharge from the suture;
unpleasant odor;
repeated swelling.

Scars

Even the neatest scar will not disappear without a trace. The main thing is that after surgery there is no ugly large scar left. To prevent its appearance, you should take extra care of your skin after surgery. To avoid unsightly scars, you need to wear compression garments and use special silicone patches. Near the seam, tensioning of the skin and fabrics should not be allowed. Their tension will have an extremely negative impact on the condition of the skin and contribute to the formation of postoperative scars.

Various creams are not allowed to be used in the early postoperative period. At the beginning, the swelling of the breast should go away. It is important to wait for healing until a scar forms, after which you can begin to use a special ointment to eliminate scars. After surgery, colloidal scars should not be allowed to form. If the body is predisposed to their appearance, surgical breast correction should be abandoned.

Many women who have decided to have plastic surgery on their breasts are wondering when their breasts will recede. Elevation of the mammary glands is typical for the first time after mammoplasty. The implants slightly lift the breasts, but after 2 months the endoprostheses take a lower position. One breast may sink faster than the other, which is not something to worry about.

As for size, doctors take an individual position on this issue. For some, breast size 4 will not fit after size 1, but size 3 will be the best choice. Breast size after mammoplasty is previously discussed with a plastic surgeon. The choice depends on the patient’s weight and height. As a result of the operation, the breasts may “grow” three sizes or more.

Breast care

The surgical intervention of a plastic surgeon is contrary to the natural female nature. To avoid a negative reaction from the body and support the healing of the implant, it is imperative to follow all medical instructions. Basic recommendations:

for about 6 weeks, wear a compression bra that securely holds the breasts in place;
be sure to take antibacterial medications prescribed by your doctor;
You can shower a week after surgery;
Do not rub the mammary glands with a washcloth during water procedures;
try to avoid squeezing your chest;
in the first months, reduce your physical activity - you can exercise your arms after 6 months;
It is important to protect yourself from stress;
You can start driving a car a week after the operation;
do not remove the medical bandage yourself after surgery;
do not peel the crust off the seam, it will fall off on its own;
to quickly heal the scar, use a special scar ointment;
You can take a bath only after 14 days;
Don't sleep on your chest.

It is very important to wear compression garments for more than 1 month after surgery. After this period, it should be replaced with a durable and comfortable bra with wires that will support the new breasts. The entire healing and recovery process can take about six months or more. During this period, it is important to avoid strong physical activity - you should not strain the muscles of the chest, arms, or back.

Any complications during or after mammoplasty can be avoided if the surgeon is sufficiently qualified. It is necessary to choose a trusted clinic with an excellent reputation. It is also important to pay attention to the quality of the implants used. Endoprostheses from leading manufacturers will last a fairly long period and will not cause complications. The use of special threads to form a suture during the operation will avoid the formation of scars. Postoperative discomfort normally does not last too long. At first, it is important to adhere to all medical prescriptions. Within two weeks after surgery, pain, swelling and bruising on the chest will disappear.