Overview
Sanjuna, an IT professional, shares her experience undergoing breast reduction surgery after developing significant asymmetry — her left breast grew to 70% larger than her right following childbirth. The asymmetry made breastfeeding nearly impossible and forced her to wear two bras and extra coverings in public, causing low confidence and mood swings. After consulting Dr. Anjali Saple at Divyam Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, Sanjuna underwent surgery and was discharged within a day, with her main message being that the procedure was transformative both physically and emotionally.
Pre-existing Breast Asymmetry and Its Progression
Sanjuna had a 20% difference in breast volume for approximately 3 years before seeking surgery. The asymmetry was monitored and attributed to a mildly enlarged mammary gland, with advisors suggesting she wait until after pregnancy before pursuing surgical correction.
“Once I delivered, the left one started growing much bigger, it was like 70% bigger than the right one and I couldn’t feed my baby which was like a biggest problem for me.”
Worsening After Childbirth
Following delivery, the left breast grew dramatically — approximately 70% larger than the right — creating a severe imbalance. The nipple was not protruding, making it extremely difficult for her baby to latch and breastfeed.
“Now I am perfectly fine, I am able to hold my baby both sides. Earlier it was just the right side, now I can hold her on the left side as well.”
Breastfeeding Challenges
Because the nipple was inverted or not protruding, Sanjuna could not directly breastfeed from the left side. She spent 2–3 hours daily using a milk extractor to express and then feed her baby, which she described as a very problematic and exhausting situation.
“I had to sit for at least 2-3 hours every day with the milk exporter and had to export the milk and feed her which was like very very problematic situation.”
Impact on Daily Life and Mental Health
Sanjuna had to wear two bras and always cover herself with a dupatta or shawl when leaving her room or going out. She experienced low confidence, significant mood swings, and emotional distress, especially compounded by the demands of new motherhood.
“I was very low, I was like less confident… I had a lot of mood swings and I wasn’t able to take it because this was never a situation for me earlier.”
“I was very low confident because I had to wear 2 bras just to have both of them in sync and I had to wear extra dupatta or shawl every time I had to go out or any room in the house.”
Decision to Pursue Surgery
After discussing the situation with her husband, who is a general physician, she was advised to consult a surgeon. Multiple people, including her husband, recommended Dr. Anjali Saple at Divyam Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, which led Sanjuna to book a consultation.
“She was very confident that my old age could come back. So just looking at her face, I had this motivational spark, so I just said yes to the surgery.”
Consultation with Dr. Anjali Saple and Decision to Operate
Sanjuna arrived at Divyam Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery unsure of what to expect, but Dr. Anjali Saple’s confidence and demeanor gave her a motivational spark. After explaining her situation, she felt reassured that her previous quality of life could be restored and agreed to proceed with surgery.
“She was very good at handling her patients, she was very friendly, she was such a sweetheart.”
“Even now when I look at the bad days, only pain I could see is the day that I had to hold these two things in place, not with the surgery.”
Surgery and Recovery
Sanjuna was admitted, underwent general anesthesia, and found the surgery went by quickly. She was discharged within a single day and reports that the only difficult period she can now recall was the months of struggling with the asymmetry — not the surgical experience itself.
“I got admitted just on a random day, took anesthesia and within no time I didn’t even realize that the surgery went.”
The Numbers Behind Her Journey
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pre-surgery asymmetry (initial) | Left breast approximately 20% larger than right, for ~3 years |
| Pre-surgery asymmetry (post-delivery) | Left breast approximately 70% larger than right |
| Duration of symptoms before surgery | Approximately 5–6 months post-delivery |
| Hospital stay | Discharged within 1 day of surgery |
| Anesthesia used | General anesthesia |
| Visible scarring | None reported by patient |
Post-Surgical Outcomes
After surgery, Sanjuna is able to hold and feed her baby on both sides, something previously impossible on the left. She notes no visible scarring, and describes being fully recovered with restored symmetry and confidence.
“Now you can see I am without a scarf and dupatta. Everything was very well done.”
“Being a mother itself is a tough phase and on top of it I had to undergo all of these for at least 5-6 months.”
Conditions & Treatment
Breast Asymmetry (Unilateral Breast Hypertrophy): The left breast was significantly larger than the right — initially about 20% larger for approximately 3 years, attributed to a mildly enlarged mammary gland. After delivery, it grew to approximately 70% larger than the right breast, causing physical, functional, and psychological difficulties.
Inverted or Non-Protruding Nipple: The enlarged left breast had a nipple that was not protruding outward, making it impossible for the baby to latch and breastfeed directly. This required Sanjuna to use a milk extractor for 2–3 hours daily.
Breast Reduction Surgery: Surgical reduction performed on the enlarged left breast to correct a severe asymmetry (approximately 70% larger than the right breast). The procedure was performed under general anesthesia and resulted in symmetry restoration, resolution of nipple protrusion issues, and no visible scarring according to the patient.
Goals & Motivations
- Primary goal: To correct the severe breast asymmetry, restore symmetry, and regain her previous quality of life and confidence.
- What triggered action: After delivering her baby, the left breast grew to 70% larger than the right, making breastfeeding impossible and causing significant emotional distress over 5–6 months, prompting her to seek surgical intervention.
- Why this practice: Multiple people recommended Dr. Anjali Saple at Divyam Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, including her husband who is a general physician. During the consultation, Dr. Anjali Saple’s confident and reassuring demeanor gave Sanjuna the motivation to proceed with surgery.
The Journey
- Initial Discovery of Asymmetry: Approximately 3 years before surgery, Sanjuna noticed her left breast was about 20% larger than her right. She underwent tests, all of which were normal, and was told the mammary gland was slightly enlarged. She was advised to proceed with pregnancy and address the issue surgically afterward if needed.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the asymmetry remained at a manageable 20–30% difference and did not cause significant distress.
- Post-Delivery Worsening: After delivery, the left breast grew dramatically to approximately 70% larger than the right. The nipple was not protruding, preventing the baby from latching. Sanjuna spent 2–3 hours daily using a milk extractor and had to wear two bras and cover herself when going out. She experienced low confidence and mood swings for approximately 5–6 months.
- Seeking Medical Advice: Sanjuna consulted her gynecologist, who acknowledged the issue. She then discussed the situation with her husband, a general physician, who advised her to consult a surgeon to explore both non-surgical and surgical options.
- Finding the Practice: Multiple people recommended Dr. Anjali Saple at Divyam Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, including her husband. Sanjuna traveled to the clinic uncertain of what to expect.
- Consultation with Dr. Anjali Saple: Sanjuna explained her condition to Dr. Anjali Saple, who expressed confidence that Sanjuna’s previous quality of life could be restored. The doctor’s demeanor gave Sanjuna the confidence to agree to surgery.
- Surgery: Sanjuna was admitted, underwent general anesthesia, and had breast reduction surgery performed. She described the experience as going by very quickly.
- Recovery and Discharge: Sanjuna was discharged within one day of surgery. She recovered without complications and reports no visible scarring.
- Post-Surgery Life: Sanjuna is now able to hold and feed her baby from both sides, has regained her confidence, and no longer needs the physical workarounds she relied on before surgery.
Results
- Physical: Symmetry between both breasts was restored. Sanjuna can now hold and feed her baby from both sides, whereas before surgery she could only use the right side. There is no visible scarring.
- Emotional: Sanjuna reports being perfectly fine now. The low confidence, mood swings, and distress she experienced before surgery have resolved. She no longer needs to wear two bras or cover herself with extra clothing.
- Timeline: Discharged within one day of surgery; current testimonial reflects recovery and satisfaction at an unspecified point post-surgery.
Key Takeaways
- Breast asymmetry can worsen dramatically after childbirth. — Patients with pre-existing mild asymmetry should be aware that hormonal and physiological changes during and after pregnancy can significantly exacerbate the condition.
- Breast reduction surgery can resolve breastfeeding difficulties caused by inverted or non-protruding nipples due to asymmetry. — Patients struggling to breastfeed due to anatomical issues may find surgical correction directly improves their ability to feed their child.
- Discharge was possible within one day of surgery. — Short hospital stays can reduce the disruption to family life, especially for new mothers, making surgery a more accessible option.
- The surgery left no visible scars according to the patient. — Concerns about post-surgical appearance are common; this outcome may reassure patients worried about cosmetic results after breast reduction.
- Breast asymmetry has significant psychological and social impacts beyond physical discomfort. — Patients considering treatment should know that addressing the physical condition can also meaningfully improve confidence and emotional wellbeing.
“If you have any problems, anything, something similar to me and if you have no person to reach out, you can come here, sit here, discuss your problems with her and she will take care of you.”