FEATURES OF DETERMINING ASYMMETRICITY AND VOLUME OF THE MAMMA GLANDS IN PREOPERATIVE EXAMINATION
Authors: Yakobchuk A. A. 
Published: February 2025

Summary. Asymmetrical mammary glands of different sizes are one of the most common phenomena, where the left and right glands differ in size, shape, position of the nipples, areolas, etc. The correct and symmetrical appearance of the breasts is an important component of determining the attractiveness of female beauty. Asymmetry is understood as the absence or violation of the regular arrangement of similar parts of the body relative to a certain point, axis or plane, considering the differences, shapes and positions of the mammary glands. Pronounced asymmetry of the breasts in women leads to the emergence of complexes, decreased self-esteem and serious psychological problems. Considering all the features of the upcoming operation, it is important for a plastic surgeon in his practice to take into account the features of determining the asymmetry and volume of the mammary glands in preoperative planning.
Purpose of the work is to determine the features of asymmetry and volume of the mammary glands in a preoperative examination by a plastic surgeon.
Materials and methods. The study involved 120 patients aged 18 to 65 years, namely: 18 - 25 years - 21 women (17.5%), 25 - 40 years - 62 women (51.6%), 40 - 55 years - 32 women (26.6%). The smallest proportion of those examined was among women aged 55 - 65 years - 5 (4.1%). All patients were examined according to the standard scheme: clinical examination, instrumental studies, patients’ informed consent cards were filled out, as well as long-term observation cards. During the history taking, attention was paid to the presence of somatic and hereditary diseases, allergies to medications, etc. When general somatic diseases were detected or present in the history, additional research methods were performed. The examination of patients included determining the shape of the mammary glands, elasticity, and skin turgor.
Results and discussion. Measurements were performed twice during the initial consultation and directly on the day of the operation. A very important stage is the possibility of transferring the future submammary fold, where the incision will be made in the future. It is important to take into account the fact that the initial dimensions of the left and right mammary glands most often differ, and sometimes very significantly. The distance between the breasts is also subject to adjustment. Measurements of the width, height, and projection of the future prosthesis are prescribed (marked) directly on the day of the operation on the patient’s chest, taking into account skin tone. Preoperative assessment of asymmetry should be performed in a horizontal and vertical position. Before this, posture, presence or absence of scoliosis, and chest deformities (bootleg, keeled sternum) were assessed.
Conclusions. It is important for a plastic surgeon in his practice to take into account many different aspects and features during the preoperative examination of patients. In order to select the correct shape and size of the endoprosthesis and determine the surgical tactics, the surgeon needs to accurately assess the difference in the volumes of both mammary glands, the location of the submammary folds, and the symmetry of the position of the nipple-areolar complex.