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Breast asymmetry refers to a noticeable difference in the volume, shape, size or nipple position between your breasts. Breast asymmetry correction usually involves a surgical procedure to rebalance your breasts, such as a:
Mild breast asymmetry is considered a normal body variation, one most women experience. But severe unevenness affects your overall comfort and self-image. Research published in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery literature reports that uneven breast correction is one of the main reasons women seek breast procedures.
David Shokrian, MD and board-certified plastic surgeon Mohamed Soliman Ahmed Elfar, MD, MS, FACS at New York Breast Surgery Center offer personalized breast asymmetry correction services in Manhattan and Long Island.
“It all starts with an examination,” says Dr. Shokrian. “At your consultation, we evaluate your breast volume, chest wall structure, nipple position and skin elasticity to create a customized surgical plan that addresses your aesthetic goals.”
Uneven breasts occur for many reasons. For most women, mild unevenness begins when one breast develops faster or in a different way than the other. Breast development is rarely symmetrical, although hormonal changes strongly influence breast tissue growth, volume and shape throughout adolescence and adulthood. Common factors that contribute to asymmetrical breasts include:
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can also change the shape of your breasts, as milk production and tissue expansion are rarely equal on both sides. One breast may become fuller or lower than the other after nursing. Previous breast surgeries — such as augmentation or reduction — may cause uneven breasts from scar tissue, the implant position or your healing process. If that’s the case, ask about breast implant removal surgery at New York Breast Surgery Center in Midtown Manhattan or Great Neck, Long Island.
Breast asymmetry involves a difference in the size, shape or volume of your breasts. Tuberous breasts, though it may be obvious, result from a specific developmental condition that affects normal breast tissue growth. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recognizes tuberous breasts as a congenital breast condition. While you can mistake tuberous breasts for natural unevenness, the condition involves structural differences within your breast base and tissue distribution, such as:
Mild breast asymmetry can be corrected with implants, a fat transfer or a breast lift. But tuberous breast correction involves tissue-release techniques to reshape the base of your breasts. You may also need areola reduction. The New York City breast reconstruction experts at New York Breast Surgery Center craft a balanced breast shape while preserving a soft, natural appearance.
Dr. Shokrian recommends breast asymmetry correction surgery when the unevenness becomes physically noticeable or when it causes considerable discomfort and emotional distress.
“When bras, swimsuits, fitted dresses or exercising become uncomfortable,” says Dr. Shokrian, “come in for a consultation. Severe asymmetry can affect your body image and social confidence.”
You’re a candidate for the procedure if you’re generally healthy, don’t smoke and have fully developed breasts and realistic expectations. Asymmetry affects both genders, as chest asymmetry in men is not uncommon. Along with a condition of enlarged male breast tissue called gynecomastia, chest asymmetry in men leads to a negative body image. Both conditions, however, are easily treatable.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, severe breast asymmetry during adolescence can seriously impact self-esteem, which is why teenagers are sometimes good candidates. Experienced, compassionate surgeons like Dr. Elfar and Dr. Shokrian provide safe, effective treatment in an accredited, safe, calming space.
Breast asymmetry correction surgery depends on the degree of your asymmetry, the quality of your skin and your overall body balance. After a thorough evaluation, a Manhattan plastic surgery specialist like Dr. Shokrian recommends the most appropriate approach, which may be a single surgery or a combination of procedures, such as:
If an uneven breast develops after a previous breast surgery or if changes to your breasts involve contour irregularities, your treatment options may include:
Through customized correction surgical procedures, your New York City plastic surgeon realigns your uneven nipples and resizes your areolae. Correction procedures may involve repositioning nipples, reducing stretched areolae or reshaping surrounding breast tissues. Nipple and areola asymmetry may develop due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding or uneven development during puberty.
At New York Breast Surgery Center in Midtown Manhattan and Great Neck, Long Island, Dr. Elfar and Dr. Shokrian thoroughly evaluate your nipple placement, breast contour and skin elasticity before recommending a nipple reconstruction and correction treatment, such as:
“Our former patients report noticeable results once the initial swelling subsides,” says Dr. Shokrian. “Most often, that occurs within the first week after surgery. You may need to wait several months for the final results, once your breasts settle into a softer, more natural position.”
If you had breast lift surgery, breast reduction surgery or implant revision, you may experience a longer settling period, varying from three months to a year. Additionally, congenital breast condition surgery or significant tissue imbalance correction may require more advanced techniques to achieve optimal results, leading to a longer recovery period. Your surgeon provides realistic expectations before your procedure.
At New York Breast Surgery Center, Dr. Elfar and Dr. Shokrian not only deliver refined, proportionate results, but also provide detailed post-surgical guidance. Their goal is to help you heal safely while you achieve natural-looking symmetry and balance. With their collective experience, these plastic surgeons are proud of their reputations among the best in NYC.
Most people return to desk work or light activities within the first two weeks, but your recovery timeline depends on the type of procedure you undergo. You can expect temporary swelling and tightness during the first few days. Swelling and bruising from the surgery subside after the first two weeks. Improvement follows as you heal.
You may have to wait four to six weeks before you can sleep directly on your chest, do heavy lifting or perform strenuous exercises. Some habits — like smoking, weight changes and inconsistent post-operative care — delay your healing and may affect your results. Follow your plastic surgeon’s post-op care instructions to the letter.
In general, the cost of a breast asymmetry correction procedure varies, depending on several factors, including:
Severe breast reconstruction may be covered by your insurance because of the medical implications to your health. But even if your insurance covers the procedure, the expert surgeons at New York Breast Surgery Center are out-of-network. Their staff works with you and your insurance company to make your procedure as affordable as possible.
Normally, insurance covers a procedure if it’s considered medically necessary. Your insurance likely covers procedures for a breast reconstruction after cancer or a breast reduction to relieve back pain. New York Breast Surgery Center also offers financing plans to help you cover your surgical costs. For comparison, the cost of a breast augmentation procedure ranges between $18K and $25K, not including the facility and anesthesia fees. Your plastic surgeon provides a detailed cost breakdown before your surgery.
Have questions about breast asymmetry correction? Find answers to some of the most common questions below.
Yes. Mild breast asymmetry is very common and usually not a cause for concern. If the difference in size or shape is moderate to severe or affects your confidence or comfort, scheduling a consultation with a breast plastic surgeon is the best way to determine your treatment options.
Yes. Breast asymmetry can often be corrected with a personalized surgical plan. Depending on your anatomy, your surgeon may recommend breast augmentation, breast reduction, a breast lift, fat transfer, or a combination of procedures to achieve a more balanced appearance.
Yes. Significant breast asymmetry can make it difficult to find bras or swimwear that fit comfortably. Corrective surgery may improve breast balance and make clothing fit more naturally.
Yes. In more severe cases, uneven breast weight may contribute to shoulder, neck, or back discomfort. Depending on the cause and severity, insurance may provide coverage for medically necessary corrective procedures.
You can expect temporary swelling, tightness, and soreness after surgery. Most discomfort is well controlled with prescribed medication and gradually improves during the first several days of recovery.
Many patients return to light daily activities within about two weeks. Complete healing and final breast shape continue to develop over the following months as swelling resolves.
Most patients should avoid sleeping on their side for several weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will let you know when it is safe based on your healing progress and the procedure performed.
The goal of breast asymmetry correction is to create a more natural and balanced appearance. While perfect symmetry is not possible, surgery can significantly reduce noticeable differences in breast size, shape, or position.
Yes. Surgery may be considered when breast asymmetry is severe, caused by a congenital condition, or creates significant emotional distress. Most patients wait until breast development is complete before undergoing surgery.
Yes. Pregnancy, significant weight changes, aging, or hormonal changes can alter breast shape over time. If needed, revision surgery may be performed to restore symmetry.
It depends on the specific procedure performed. If you plan to breastfeed in the future, discuss your goals with your surgeon during your consultation so your treatment plan can be tailored accordingly.
Yes. Breast revision surgery can address implant shifting, implant malposition, capsular contracture, or other issues that contribute to breast asymmetry after augmentation.
Some scarring is expected after surgery, but your surgeon carefully places incisions in discreet locations whenever possible. Over time, scars generally fade and become much less noticeable with proper healing.
New York Breast Surgery Center specializes exclusively in breast procedures. Dr. Mohamed Soliman Elfar, MD, MS, FACS, and Dr. David Shokrian, MD, combine extensive experience in breast reconstruction, implant revision, and cosmetic breast surgery with personalized treatment planning to deliver natural-looking, balanced results tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals.
With two locations in New York City, the plastic surgeons at New York Breast Surgery Center deliver a combination of individual care and technical experience to support precise outcomes. A successful breast asymmetry correction requires precise surgical planning to address your unique concerns and reduce your recovery time.
At New York Breast Surgery Center, you receive a thorough consultation before your procedure. You can expect exceptional post-operative monitoring while you heal. New York Breast Surgery Center is a safe, reliable practice that has helped thousands of men and women attain the desired results. Schedule a consultation for breast asymmetry correction on Long Island or in Midtown Manhattan today.
Facility Safety Note: All surgical procedures are performed at our JCAHO-accredited flagship surgical center in Bryant Park, Manhattan (HCO ID: 676295). Consultations, minimally invasive procedures and pre/post-operative care are available at our Bronx and Great Neck locations.
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