Went into surgery; 445 cc mod both sides. I feel because my right had more fat I think doctor put in smaller implant which has now made the right smaller then the left. Although I was getting a lift as well which should have corrected the difference. It was never discussed in pre-ops and the implant is 70 cc smaller so now the left which has the 445 cc is full like I want and the right is smaller which I believe 375 cc was put in by 0.5 inch wide. What is my recourse since my DR is denying it?
I would ask for the operative note and medical records. There are stickers in each implant package that uniquely identify it, and they should become part of your medical record. In my practice, I register your implants with a national database. I also keep those stickers archived in an aggregated database uniquely identifying you and your implants together. I give my patients a card with the implant dimensions, the serial number and the description of the implants to keep in your personal file at home. I advise you to put that info with your birth certificate or social security card. No need to carry it around.
Certainly, the breast can have some volume discrepancy, as all breasts have. If you both agreed that the small difference was acceptable, then an augmentation and a breast lift using the same size implants is the best course.
A breast lift does not correct a volume discrepancy, as it simply re-positions the breast tissue in a perky way. An agreed upon breast reduction on one side is a way to correct a volume discrepancy. This is performed at the same time as the other side lift. Once the breasts are the same size gland volume, the implants of the same size can then be added and breasts will "behave" the same over the long term.
It is difficult to have a radiologist assess the exact volume of the implants by MRI or ultrasound, but that can be done with their cooperation.
If your relationship is broken down and you don't trust your surgeon, then it is time to move forward with another relationship. If not, then you both need to frankly discuss what is going on and whether it needs a revision procedure. Each implant is embossed with a volume mark and the serial number, so your surgeon can verify size, style and volume at the time of re-operation, should it come to that.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Breast asymmetry is the norm for most women. Planning and discussion before surgery should address any asymmetries as well as any plans to attempt to improve it at surgery as well as the frequent outcome that complete symmetry may still not be achieved. It does take a few months for your breasts to "settle" fully so it is best to wait and maybe a revision surgery can be avoided. You should openly discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon. If it has been longer and your plastic surgeon is not acknowledging your concerns then you can always consider a second opinion.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I am missing quite a few pieces of information to give a relevant answer :How long ago was your surgery? It makes a big difference if you are still in the swollen period or not. It usually takes three months before implants settle. Saline or silicone? How asymmetric were your breasts before surgery? The best person to ask your questions from is your surgeon who has all of these elements. In general no one is perfectly symmetrical, neither before nor after the surgery.
Published on Jul 11, 2012