"The finest results in any cosmetic surgery will always be a natural extension of the patient's own appearance." - Joel M. Rein, M.D.
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Perfect symmetry does not exist in nature nor in our bodies. When asymmetry of the breasts occurs it is a deformity of the most significant aspect of femininity.
Perfect symmetry does not exist in nature nor does
it occur in our bodies. Most women can observe some variation between
their own breasts. This may be manifested by some difference of shape,
volume or position. As long as the degree of asymmetry is within five
percent it will not be observed as an abnormality and is usually accepted
as normal. Variations beyond this degree occur as an infrequent but definite
developmental error in a number of young women. It may then become a deformity
of the most significant aspect of femininity and may undermine their female
self-image.
Surgical correction of breast anomalies may entail any
or all combinations of the classic procedures done for cosmetic breast
improvement. When performed for correction of anomalies they are considered
reconstructive surgeries which are usually covered by health insurance.
The combinations of surgery which may be performed on
each breast will depend on the specific deformity or difference which
exists in individual patients. An aesthetically balanced result cannot
be achieved by surgery on one side alone. Hence if the much larger breast
requires reduction, the smaller breast may need a mastopexy to result
in a matching shape. If mastopexy is done for a tubular hanging breast,
an augmentation may be needed for an opposite smaller side.
The same requirement for bilateral surgery usually occurs
when reconstructing a breast following mastectomy. A pleasing symmetrical
outcome will often require some surgical modification to the opposite
non-cancerous breast.
An even rarer anomaly is amastia or complete failure
of breast development. This requires skillful implant placement using
the pectoral muscles as cover. It is really a bilateral breast reconstruction.
A beautiful aesthetic result is much more difficult to effect than when
performing a cosmetic breast enlargement.
The outcome of surgery for breast anomalies depends
on both the technique and 'artistry' of the plastic surgeon.
An experienced eye is needed to make the best judgment as to which operative
combination will produce the most natural paired breasts.
