While The Asymmetry After My Combined Breast Lifts and Breast Implants Get Better?

Q:  Hi Dr. Eppley I just had a combined breast lift with implants less than three days ago. I have several concerns at this point and want your opinion. My left breast seems to currently have a different shape than my right (more fullness to the top and more stiff on the top).  I don’t know if it’s usual for them to have different shapes at the beginning of recovery if they were different sizes to begin with (my right was bigger than my left before surgery).   

A: It is very common with any type of cosmetic breast surgery at this early postoperative period (48 hours) to have breasts that have some differences. This is a function of many factors including peak swelling that occurs 48 to 72 hours after surgery, the fact that no two breasts swell the same afterwards even if they had the identical operation, the fact that they are heavily taped which distorts them, and your pre-existing asymmetry (which will be improved but not cured). 

For all of these reasons, I would not even try to look at them and come away with any assessment. It simply is way too early and substantial changes will take place over the next 4 to 6 weeks in both breasts as swelling subsides and the breast implants and tissues settles.The time to get more critical is 6 to 8 weeks after surgery but certainly not now.

In the end, I believe there will be some mild asymmetry in shape and the nipple position as this always occurs after major breast recontouring. (combined breast augmentation and breast lifts)  But there is no way to get idea about that at this point. I know it is hard but my best advice is to stop looking at them for now.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis Indiana