Achieving Symmetry in Breast Augmentation: How a Skilled Surgeon Creates a Balanced Look
Breast augmentation is not only about enhancing size; it’s also about achieving symmetry and balance in a way that complements the patient’s natural shape. For this patient, a unique approach was necessary to account for existing differences in her breast shape and size. She had a beautiful foundation but some asymmetry, making her an excellent candidate for a tailored approach.
Assessing Natural Asymmetries
During the initial consultation, we discussed the differences in her breasts, something most patients may not even notice until we point them out. In her case, her left breast was slightly larger and narrower, while her right breast had a shorter inframammary fold (the natural crease under the breast). These factors influence implant selection and positioning for a more balanced look.
Surgical Plan: Adjusting the Inframammary Fold
To accommodate the implants and achieve symmetry, I needed to make a few specific adjustments:
- Lowering the Fold: By extending the inframammary fold on her right breast, I could create more space to fit a proportionate implant. This adjustment would make both breasts’ dimensions more equal and allow for a larger implant on the right side.
- Selecting High-Profile Implants: High-profile implants were chosen, not for height, but because they provide more volume without a wider base. This choice allowed me to match the implant width to each breast while achieving the desired volume.
Surgical Techniques for Stability and Balance
Adjusting the fold requires precision. If done incorrectly, there’s a risk of the implant moving downward or becoming unstable. I anchored the new fold position securely using a permanent suture attached to the strong fascia, ensuring the implant would stay in place and not migrate.
Finalizing the Look
After creating a stable and secure pocket for the implants, I used a temporary sizer to check that everything was positioned correctly. Once satisfied, I placed the final implants, confident they would provide the volume, projection, and balance the patient desired. Closing the pocket in layers further ensured the durability of the new fold position.
Achieving the Goal
Perfect symmetry in the human body is impossible, but we always strive for a natural, balanced result that enhances each patient’s unique anatomy. In this case, the adjustments to her breast dimensions, combined with the carefully selected implants, allowed us to achieve a fuller, more symmetrical appearance.
In the end, creating a harmonious and beautiful outcome requires a nuanced understanding of each patient’s anatomy and a surgical approach that’s as unique as they are. This personalized process highlights why breast augmentation isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s a careful blend of art and science to help patients look and feel their best.
