Introduction
Breast asymmetry is a common concern among women, with various causes and degrees of severity. It can have a significant impact on a woman's self - confidence, clothing fit, and overall quality of life. In New York City, there are numerous hospitals and medical professionals offering correction services for uneven breast size. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these facilities, including the causes and types of breast asymmetry, available correction procedures, top hospitals, and what to expect during and after the correction process.
Understanding Breast Asymmetry
Causes of Breast Asymmetry
There are several factors that can contribute to breast asymmetry. Some are natural while others are due to external or internal events.
- Genetics: Tuberous breasts, a genetic condition, constrict the base of the breasts and cause malformation, leading to significant breast asymmetry. This condition can result in unusual breast shape, size discrepancies, and areolar herniation.
- Adolescent Development: Most breast asymmetries form during adolescence when the breasts are developing. Uneven growth rates can lead to differences in size and shape.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: These processes can cause changes in breast tissue. After pregnancy and breastfeeding, some women may experience significant differences in breast volume between the two breasts.
- Weight Changes: Fluctuations in weight can affect the distribution of fat in the breasts, leading to asymmetry. Losing or gaining weight unevenly can cause one breast to change size more than the other.
- Aging: The natural aging process can cause the breasts to lose elasticity and volume. Gravity may also have a greater effect on one breast than the other, resulting in drooping and size differences.
Types of Breast Asymmetry
Breast asymmetry can manifest in various forms, and different women may experience one or more of these types.
| Type of Asymmetry | Description |
|---|---|
| Size Discrepancy | One breast is significantly larger or smaller than the other. This can range from a small difference to a full cup - size variance. |
| Positional Asymmetry | One breast sits higher or lower on the chest than the other, which can be more noticeable when wearing form - fitting clothing. |
| Drooping Asymmetry | Both breasts may droop, but one hangs lower than the other. This can be due to factors such as age, pregnancy, or weight loss. |
| Areolar Asymmetry | There are differences in nipple areolar size, projection, or bulge. For example, one areola may be larger or more protruded than the other. |
| Tuberous Breast Deformity | Characterized by a narrow base of the breast, constricted breast tissue, and often an enlarged or bulging areola. This genetic condition causes a distinct and usually more severe form of breast asymmetry. |
Impact of Breast Asymmetry
Breast asymmetry can have both physical and psychological impacts on women.
- Physical Discomfort: Severe breast asymmetry can make it difficult to find properly fitting bras, swimsuits, and clothing. This can lead to discomfort, skin irritation, and postural problems.
- Psychological Effects: It can negatively impact sexual confidence, self - esteem, and happiness. Women with significant breast asymmetry may feel self - conscious about their appearance and may avoid certain activities such as swimming or intimacy.
Available Procedures for Breast Asymmetry Correction
Breast Lift
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that can provide a youthful, perky, and symmetrical shape to the breasts. It addresses breast drooping, whether it is due to age, pregnancy, or weight loss. During the procedure, the surgeon removes excess skin and repositions the nipples to a higher position. This results in lifted, upward - turned nipples and a more attractive overall appearance of the breasts.
Breast Reshaping
Breast reshaping is often part of a breast lift procedure. It focuses on creating symmetry between the breasts by sculpting them into a round, beautiful shape. This may involve balancing the areolae, aligning the nipples attractively, and ensuring that the overall contour of the breasts is harmonious.
Breast Reduction
For women with overly large breasts and breast asymmetry, breast reduction can be an effective solution. The procedure reduces the size of the breasts while also reshaping them into a smaller, more symmetrical, and attractive form. It balances the breast position, enhances the shape and projection of the breasts, and provides a more youthful appearance.
Breast Implants
Breast implants can be used to correct discrepancies in breast size and shape. They can increase the round, full appearance of the breasts. The surgeon carefully selects the size and volume of the implants to achieve harmonious breast symmetry. Implants can be made of silicone or saline, and the choice depends on various factors such as the patient's preferences, body type, and the surgeon's recommendation.
Top Hospitals for Correction of Uneven Breast Size in New York City
New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mt. Sinai
This hospital has an excellent reputation in the field of breast reconstruction and asymmetry correction. It has been ranked among “America’s best hospitals” for nine years straight since 2006 and has achieved magnet® status by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program® for excellence in nursing services. Dr. Joshua Levine established the first dedicated perforator flap breast reconstruction program in New York City at this hospital in 2006. The hospital has a team of experienced surgeons and staff who are well - versed in the latest techniques for breast asymmetry correction.
740 Park Plastic Surgery
Here, board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stafford Broumand is highly experienced in correcting breast asymmetries. He offers a personalized approach, beginning with a thorough consultation. The doctor uses advanced technology like Vectra® XT 3D imaging to help patients visualize the potential results of the procedure. He also employs the Keller funnel™ “no - touch” technique for silicone breast implant placement, which can help lower the chance of capsular contracture and other complications.
Preminger MD
Dr. Aviva Preminger is a top plastic surgeon in Manhattan. She offers breast asymmetry correction using customized breast augmentation and lifting techniques. With her extensive expertise in implant augmentations, reductions, and reconstructions, she has received many positive testimonials from her cosmetic breast procedure patients. Her goal is to create a natural - looking and balanced appearance for each patient.
Dr. Antell's Practice
Dr. Antell, trained at Stanford and Cornell, is among the world’s most celebrated plastic surgeons. He provides breast asymmetry correction to address a wide range of concerns related to breast size, shape, and nipple characteristics. With twenty years of experience, he is known for his meticulous, artistic skill that results in natural - looking, beautiful results. He offers a variety of procedures, including breast lift, reshaping, reduction, and implants.
Blaine Plastic Surgery
Dr. Christine Blaine, a top board - certified plastic surgeon, offers breast asymmetry correction at this practice. She can reshape or resize breasts using methods such as adding an implant or fat transfer to a smaller breast to match it in size to the other. Her approach focuses on creating a balanced appearance and helping women feel more confident in their appearance.
Dr. Kolker's Practice
Dr. Adam Kolker combines technical skill, finesse, experience, and an artistic perspective in breast asymmetry correction. He begins with an in - depth consultation to understand each patient's unique goals. He then formulates a personalized plastic surgery treatment plan that may involve a combination of breast enlargement, reduction, lift, and reshaping techniques.
Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC
Dr. Elie Levine offers a full range of procedures to correct breast asymmetry, including breast augmentation, reduction, shaping, contouring, lift, and tissue expansion and reconstruction. The practice has an accredited in - office surgical facility, and patients can expect personalized care throughout the entire process, from consultation to recovery.
Cosmoplastic Surgery
Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh, the founder and medical director, is a double Ivy - league alumnus with over 23 years of experience. He offers breast asymmetry correction and has made significant contributions to the field of breast lift techniques. His published research and clinical trials, along with his breakthrough naturabra™ breast lift technique, put him at the forefront of breast lift procedures.
What to Expect During and After Breast Asymmetry Correction
Consultation
The first step in the breast asymmetry correction process is a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. During this appointment, the surgeon will listen to your aesthetic goals, conduct a physical examination of your breasts, and review your medical history. They will also take the time to understand the specific concerns you have about your breast asymmetry. Using this information, the surgeon will outline a customized treatment plan that takes into account your body shape, chest size, and personal preferences. Some surgeons may use 3D imaging technology to help you visualize the potential results of the procedure.
Pre - operative Preparation
Before the surgery, you will need to follow several pre - operative instructions. These may include having a current mammogram (within one year) to serve as a baseline for postoperative comparison. You may also be asked to stop smoking for at least two weeks leading up to the procedure, as smoking can increase the risk of complications. Additionally, you will need to avoid taking certain medications that can thin the blood, such as aspirin, to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during surgery.
The Surgery
The breast asymmetry correction surgery is typically performed under twilight or general anesthesia. The length of the procedure depends on the extent of the correction needed but usually takes between 1 to 4 hours. The surgeon will make incisions in carefully selected locations to minimize visible scarring. The specific incisions used will depend on your anatomy, the type of procedure, and the amount of correction required. Once the incisions are made, the surgeon will perform the necessary procedures, such as placing implants, reducing breast tissue, lifting the breasts, or reshaping them. After the procedures are complete, the incisions will be closed with small sutures.
Recovery
After the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored until you wake up from the anesthesia. You will likely have drains installed to reduce blood or fluid building up as you heal and will be required to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and help your breasts maintain their proper shape. Most patients can return home the same day.
You will need about two weeks to rest and recuperate. During this time, it is important to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after the surgery and help you at home with daily activities such as childcare and lifting. You may experience some swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the breasts for 1 - 2 weeks, which can usually be managed with medication.
Most patients are able to resume normal, non - strenuous routines after approximately one week. However, you should refrain from any rigorous exercise or strenuous physical activities for several weeks to ensure proper healing. It takes several months for the breasts to fully heal and settle into their final, symmetrical shape and position.
Conclusion
Breast asymmetry can have a significant impact on a woman's self - confidence and quality of life. Fortunately, in New York City, there are many top - notch hospitals and experienced plastic surgeons who offer effective solutions for correcting uneven breast size. The available procedures, such as breast lift, reshaping, reduction, and implants, can be customized to meet each patient's unique needs and goals.
If you are considering breast asymmetry correction, it is important to do thorough research, choose a qualified surgeon, and have realistic expectations about the results. By taking these steps, you can achieve more balanced, proportional, and beautiful breasts.
Take the first step towards correcting your breast asymmetry by scheduling a consultation with one of the recommended hospitals or surgeons in New York City. Don't let breast asymmetry hold you back from feeling confident and comfortable in your own body. Share this article with others who may benefit from the information, and explore more related topics on breast health and cosmetic procedures.
