Nipple Surgery and Breast Reconstruction for Breast Asymmetry: Learn More at a Yeoksam-dong Plastic Surgery Clinic

Nipple Surgery, Breast Reconstruction, and Breast Asymmetry: Learn More at a Yeoksam-dong Plastic Surgery Clinic

Why are breast reconstruction and nipple surgery performed in several stages? We help reconnect the time that came to a halt after cancer. Detailed design tailored to your body's recovery pace at each stage. Atelier is with you at the beginning of your recovery, not the end of it.

Hello, this is Atelier Plastic Surgery, where we help reconnect the time that has come to a halt.

“I got through the difficult breast cancer surgery, but I cry every time I look in the mirror.”

“I have to go through more procedures to rebuild the shape of my breast, and I'm scared they'll make more incisions.”

“When I heard breast reconstruction would have to be repeated several times, I got scared right away.”

We deeply empathize with those who, after getting through a major ordeal, have been left with lasting emotional wounds from changes to their appearance.

It is only natural to feel burdened by the fact that the process is divided into several stages.

However, this process follows a sequence: first building up volume, then balancing the left and right sides, and finally refining the nipple and contour.

So let's go through the reasons behind this approach, one by one.

Q1. Why is the process divided into multiple stages?

Breast reconstruction, which rebuilds the overall shape of the breast, is approached in stages rather than being completed all at once.

This is because each stage lays the foundation for the next.

First, the basic volume and proportions must be established. Only then can the exact position and size of the nipple be determined on top of that foundation.

Next, the left and right balance is refined, and finally the contours and minor scars are touched up to raise the overall quality of the result.

Taking one step at a time, matched to the speed of your body's recovery, this sequence forms the basis for a shape that stays stable over time.

Because each stage requires delicate judgment, the surgeon's skill greatly influences the quality of the final result.

Dr. Ko Ju-young, the director of Atelier Plastic Surgery in Yeoksam-dong, is a plastic surgery specialist with a medical doctorate who has performed 8,000 clinical cases over 18 years.

Dr. Ko has focused on flap and microsurgery research since working at Samsung Medical Center, and received a paper award from the Korean Society for Microsurgery.

Afterward, through fellowship training at MD Anderson Cancer Center in the United States and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan, Dr. Ko refined precise microsurgical techniques.

Also, breast cancer reconstruction does not always mean using implants.

Factors such as how much of the breast was removed, the condition of the remaining skin and tissue, and whether your body type and tissue volume are sufficient,

as well as whether you have had or are scheduled to have radiation therapy, are all considered together before deciding on the appropriate approach.

The main options are implant-based reconstruction and autologous reconstruction, which uses the patient's own tissue.

While implants are suitable in some cases, there are also situations where it is more appropriate to use tissue from areas such as the abdomen or back to

naturally recreate the breast shape.

So, to the question “Which reconstruction method is best?”

it is difficult to offer a single method as the one right answer.

What matters is carefully reviewing each patient's physical condition, surgical history, and treatment course, and then choosing the method that fits.

Breast reconstruction is not simply about recreating the shape of a breast that has been lost.

It is a process that must take into account not only the physical changes after surgery, but also the psychological burden the patient feels.

Atelier Plastic Surgery also carefully examines each patient's unique anatomical features and post-surgical condition,

and rather than applying one fixed method, we place importance on finding the reconstruction direction each patient needs.

Q2. Can the shape really look natural even after surgery for breast asymmetry?

Nipple surgery, performed 3 to 6 months after the volume has formed and the surrounding tissue has stabilized, is the final step that completes the three-dimensional shape of the breast.

At this stage, we apply techniques optimized for each individual, such as a precise origami-style method that folds up local flaps from the surrounding area,

or, when needed, moving a portion of tissue from the opposite side.

Once the shape is established and fine details are corrected and color-matched, a natural three-dimensional look that appears as if it were your own can be achieved, whether viewed from the front or the side.

Because the surgery is performed after precisely measuring each person's skin thickness and elasticity, the shape does not sag over time, and a confident form is maintained.

Q3. How are scarring and pain reduced?

Concerns about scarring and pain can be further reduced through Atelier's precise design and incision planning.

In addition, applying techniques such as the petal-shaped incision, which uses the natural fold along the areola border, is highly effective at keeping scars inconspicuous.

Also, for the areola, the procedure can be performed comfortably under brief sedation or local anesthesia alone, so the physical burden is low and return to daily life is relatively quick.

Care instructions and precautions for the recovery period are also provided individually, so you won't have to get through it alone feeling lost.

With a carefully designed breast asymmetry plan, you can expect a recovery process with a significantly lighter burden of pain and scarring.

Atelier Plastic Surgery in Yeoksam-dong aims for more than medical perfection.

Regaining the smile and confidence you lost, when you stand in front of the mirror again

Carefully filling in even that final piece is the value our clinic has upheld.

With designs that fit naturally to each person's body, we will stay with you to the end so that a confident everyday life can begin again.

"Thank you"

#BreastAsymmetry #UnevenBreasts

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is breast reconstruction performed in multiple stages?

This is because each earlier stage lays the foundation for the next. First, the basic volume and proportions must be established so that the position and size of the nipple can be determined on top of that. Next, the left and right balance is refined, and finally the contours and minor scars are touched up.

When is nipple surgery performed?

It is performed 3 to 6 months after the volume has formed and the surrounding tissue has settled. It is the final step that completes the three-dimensional shape of the breast, and depending on the individual, techniques such as folding up local flaps from the surrounding area or, when needed, transferring a portion of tissue from the opposite breast are applied.

Does breast reconstruction always require implants?

No. The main options are implant-based reconstruction and autologous reconstruction, which uses the patient's own tissue. The method is determined after reviewing factors such as the extent of removal, the condition of the remaining skin and tissue, body type and tissue volume, and whether radiation therapy has been or will be given. The clinic also explains that in some cases, using tissue from the abdomen or back may be more appropriate.

How can scarring and pain be reduced?

The clinic explains that precise design and incision planning can reduce the burden of scarring and pain. The petal-shaped incision technique, which uses the natural fold along the areola border, is introduced as a way to keep scars inconspicuous, and areola surgery is said to be performed under brief sedation or local anesthesia.

Can the shape look natural even after surgery for breast asymmetry?

The clinic explains that once the shape is established and fine corrections and color matching are completed, a natural three-dimensional look can be achieved from both the front and the side. Because surgery is planned after precisely measuring each person's skin thickness and elasticity, the clinic says the shape does not sag over time. However, individual results may vary.