Op Notes: Scottsdale Plastic Surgery Blog

The term “asymmetrical breasts” refers to the condition where one breast has a different size, shape, position, or volume than the other. Breast tissue, in general, is dynamic and changes through a woman’s life, most dramatically at puberty, and then again with the hormonal changes of pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause.

Similarly, breast tissue can change each month during ovulation, as breasts sometimes appear temporarily larger due to water retention and increased blood flow. A small variation between the breasts is completely normal, but when there is a significant difference, a woman may feel self-conscious or unhappy with her body.

In this article we will address some concerns women may have about their asymmetric breasts. We will also discuss available procedures that impact the aesthetics of this condition.

Tubular breasts are a condition in which the breast tissue lacks volume in both the horizontal and vertical direction, leading to tubular or tuberous breasts. Some doctors also call this condition breast hypoplasia. In general, the breast tissue does not proliferate properly during puberty, leading to a breast deformity that impacts breast shape and at times the ability for a woman to breastfeed. Important to note, there is no health risk associated with tuberous breasts, however, some women seek to correct the condition by undergoing breast augmentation surgery.

In this article, you will learn what tubular breasts look like and how to treat the condition. Scottsdale plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Howarth is an expert plastic surgeon known for correcting tubular breast deformity with breast augmentation surgery in Arizona.

Saline breast implant rupture occurs when the implant used in a breast augmentation procedure sustains a leak, and the implant itself deflates in size. In general, saline implants have very long-lasting, durable qualities and most women will never experience an implant rupture. However, even when placed under perfect circumstances, implant rupture and deflation can occasionally occur.

The saline implant consists of a soft silicone shell filled with a saltwater solution called saline. The silicone shell of the implant can experience tearing or damage under extreme conditions. In rare cases, just as with any other medical device, the implant itself is faulty. Once ruptured, the saline leaks into the body, where it gradually, naturally absorbs over time. This is known as saline implant deflation.

There are a few different procedures that can address saline implant rupture, but the treatment of choice always involves surgical removal of the ruptured implant. Scottsdale plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Howarth is an expert at removing and replacing ruptured breast implants.

Capsular contracture is a complication that can occur after breast augmentation surgery with implants. Even the most highly skilled surgeons see cases in their patients because every single body responds uniquely to placement of an implant.

With any breast implant surgery, the body creates a capsule of scar tissue that surrounds and supports the implant. Recognized as a normal finding, the formation of the capsule helps keep the implant in place. However, in cases of capsular contracture, the capsule becomes unusually dense and contracts around the implant. This can lead to unwanted aesthetic changes, or when extreme, significant pain and distortion in the breast.

Capsular Contracture Treatment Scottsdale AZ

In this blog post you will learn what the breast implant complication looks like and the Baker stages of capsular contracture. Scottsdale plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Howarth is an expert known for correcting capsular contraction deformities in revision breast augmentation surgery in Arizona.

A double bubble breast implant deformity is an unfortunate breast implant complication that may occur following breast augmentation surgery. A breast with a double bubble deformity has a distinct appearance of a second bulge or bubble beneath the inframammary fold (IMF). A double bubble breast implant can generally only be corrected surgically. Scottsdale plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Howarth is an expert known for correcting this defect in revision breast augmentation surgery.

To learn more about the double bubble deformity, read on. In this blog post you will learn what a double bubble deformity looks like and how to recognize if your breast has the deformity. Furthermore, you will learn what causes the double bubble and how to correct it through revision surgery.

What Does a Double Bubble Breast Implant Look Like

A double bubble breast deformity looks similar to the illustration above. Notice the presence of two folds beneath the breast giving the appearance of a second bulge or bubble beneath the breast. The crease below the breast is known as the inframammary crease or inframmmary fold. In a double bubble defect, two creases or folds are present.

A snoopy deformity or snoopy dog breast deformity is a complication that can occur following a breast augmentation with implants. A breast with a snoopy deformity will have the distinct appearance of drooping breast tissue that falls below the breast implant. This gives the appearance of a sad looking snoopy dog with the nose pointed towards the ground. This deformity is sometimes also called a waterfall deformity, due to the appearance of breast tissue spilling over the breast implant like a waterfall.

We are unsure where and when plastic surgeons first began using the name “Snoopy” to describe the deformity of droopy breast tissue below a breast implant. The following illustration shows the resemblance between this breast deformity and the cartoon beagle. Snoopy is a registered trademark of Peanuts Worldwide LLC.

Breast Augmentation vs Lift

There are many personal reasons a woman might consider breast enhancement surgery. Improved physical appearance, increased self-confidence and the desire for a revitalized contour can all be factors in the decision. When contemplating any procedure, it is important to fully understand the different surgical terms involved, as many may be initially unfamiliar. Breast augmentation, breast lift and breast implants are three specific but related terms, commonly discussed in breast enhancement surgery.

Dr. Ashley Howarth is a board-certified female plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, specializing in cosmetic breast surgery. Trained at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Dr. Howarth can handle cosmetic breast procedures from simple to the most complex. The first step to any cosmetic surgery is an in-depth consultation, which is an opportunity to find out if you are a candidate for breast enhancement surgery and which surgical option is best for you. Dr. Howarth will explain the nuances involved in various treatment options so that you can make a well-informed decision. There are many questions to consider.