Breast Asymmetry is more the rule than the exception. Size, shape and location of the breast mound all come into play; however, asymmetry may also affect the nipples. Normally, the differences are small, but when there is significant asymmetry surgical correction may be an option.
In my San Francisco Bay Area Cosmetic Plastic Surgery practice, I literally measure the differences between the breasts every day, and they are always different. Today’s post is focussed primarily on nipple asymmetry, but other breast asymmetries are also addressed.
Inverted Nipple Repair Surgery
One of the most common nipple asymmetries is Inverted Nipples. Inverted Nipples can occur on one or both sides, and can be treated with minor in-office surgery.
Inverted Nipple Repair – before the nipple is completely hidden. After surgery the relatively large nipple is revealed.
Inverted Nipples are caused by short mammary ducts that pull the nipple inside the breast tissue. In the most pronounced forms even the areola may be hidden. The scar for Inverted Nipple Correction is normally hidden in the fold beneath the nipple. Since correction involves releasing the tight ducts, correction may interfere with the ability to breastfeed, and this should be discussed with your plastic surgeon prior to surgery.
Nipple Reduction Surgery
When the nipples are too large, they can be reduced. Nipple Reduction Surgery is used to adjust the size and shape of the nipples.
In general, it is easier to reduce a large nipple than to enlarge a small one. Big hypertrophic nipples can be reduced in both length and girth, as shown in the Nipple Reduction Before and After Photos below.
Nipple Reduction Surgery is used to reduce the projection and/or the diameter of the nipple. In the Nipple Reduction Before and After pictures above, the hypertrophic, saggy nipple is lifted and reduced in both length and width.
There are several methods of Nipple Reduction Surgery. In the above case, an incision was made around the base of the nipples to shorten them, and a small wedge of nipple was removed to decrease the nipple diameter.
Adjusting Nipple Location on the Breast
There are times when the nipples are normal, but their location on the breast is asymmetric or they are just too low. Modest changes in nipple location can be improved with a periareolar approach, an incision made around the edge of the areola. Several centimeters of motion can be safely accomplished with this method. The same periareolar technique can also be used for Areolar Reduction or to correct the overly full areola, as seen with a Tubular Breast Deformity.
Larger asymmetries may require greater nipple motion and surgery similar to a Breast Lift. Formal breast lifts allow the larger movement of the nipples, and reshaping of the entire breast mound. There are many types of lifts, and each has its own pros and cons. The art of Plastic Surgery is choosing the best approach for each patient.
Breast Surgery Consultations
Whether you are seeking Nipple Surgery, Breast Surgery or another Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in the San Francisco Bay Area call (925) 943-6353 and schedule a personal consultation. I can review your goals and the latest options available to achieve your desired look.
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