Breast deformities
Most women have breasts that are different from each other. “They are siblings, not twins.” Most often, the left breast is slightly larger than the right breast. If the differences between the breasts are large, it can be difficult to find a bra that fits without using an insert on one side. Sometimes the differences and size differences are due to a deviation or deformity. We at Elite Clinic has many years of experience in correcting these deformities.
Tubular breasts
The most common breast abnormality is so-called tubular breasts. They are classified according to how pronounced the shape of the breasts deviates. It may be one or both breasts that have a tubular appearance. The shape of a tubular breast can be compared to a tennis sock and sometimes the areola is larger on one side than the other. The milder forms of tubular breasts are barely visible and can usually be easily corrected with breast implants and reduction and movement of the areola. The more advanced tubular breasts are among the most difficult when it comes to breast reconstructions and should be performed by a plastic surgeon with special experience in these procedures.
Poland syndrome
In this malformation, all or part of the pectoralis major muscle is missing and often the breast on the same side has not developed in the same way as the breast on the “normal” side. Often these women come to us to correct their breast asymmetry, but are unaware that they have Poland syndrome. Not all general practitioners who meet these women are aware that this condition exists either. In many cases, it is sufficient to perform a breast augmentation on one or both sides and sometimes a breast reduction on one side and a breast augmentation on the other side. The surgical plan must be careful and a particular challenge is young women whose breasts have not yet fully developed.
pectus excavatum
In this condition, the ribs and sternum are affected, making them more concave than normal. Sometimes it is symmetrical in both costal arches and sometimes it is on one side. For women who are seeking treatment for pectus excavatum, breast augmentation can camouflage the condition without the need for anything else. If it is very pronounced, a custom-made silicone plate can be inserted to smooth out the chest.
Risks and complications
Breast reconstructions for breast deformities also carry some risks of complications. Fortunately, serious complications are rare, but it is often difficult to achieve good symmetry between the breasts.
Common complications:
- Asymmetry
Unusual complications:
- Capsule formation
- Implant rupture (the implant breaks)
Very rare complications:
- Chest infection
- ALCL (breast implant associated lymphoma)
This is how the operation works
The morning before the operation, we go over which method and strategy should be used to get the best possible result. The operation is performed under general anesthesia and takes between 1,5-3 hours depending on how extensive the operation is. We always give protective antibiotics before the operation starts. After the operation, you wake up and are cared for by our nurses before you go home. We often place the breast implant under the pectoralis major muscle, if present, and then it is a little more painful during the first week, but then regular Panadol is usually enough for pain relief.
Follow-up
After one and two weeks you will return to the clinic for check-ups. You should take it easy for the first 4-6 weeks and avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise. It all depends on which surgery you have had. After about 6-9 months the breasts will have healed well enough for us to do a final check-up. Minor corrections are not uncommon for more severe deformities.
Book a consultation and talk to a specialist to find out what is best for you.