It’s difficult enough as it is to find a bra that fits right and feels pretty comfortable. When you have uneven breasts, getting a good-fitting bra becomes almost impossible, depending on the degree of asymmetry. If one breast is noticeably larger or smaller than the other, you might also feel self-conscious about your appearance.
There are temporary ways to correct uneven breasts, such as filling out one bra cup with padding. However, you might be looking for a solution that is longer lasting while still being simple. Depending on the size of your breasts and the results you want, breast augmentation or breast reduction can help create a more even look.
Why Are My Breasts Uneven?
There are many reasons your breasts might be uneven. Breast asymmetry can often be due to genetics. Many teens entering puberty might notice their breasts developing at different rates. There are also other potential reasons behind this unevenness. These can include:
Hypoplastic Breasts
If one of your breasts is smaller than the other, the reason can be due to hypoplasia, or underdevelopment of the breasts. Your breasts might also have enlarged areolas. There is no specific cause that has been identified for this issue. However, medical injuries and changes in hormone levels could possibly play a role.
Pregnancy
Breasts might become uneven during pregnancy. After pregnancy, if your child is breastfeeding only from one side, it can lead to a lopsided breast. However, this is not a major concern as the breasts are likely to even out again after the baby no longer needs to be breastfed. Some women also opt for breast surgery to address pregnancy-related changes.
Uneven Breasts after Implants
After opting for breast augmentation surgery, you might still notice some unevenness in your breasts. You should start by asking yourself if you have been following the post-recovery chart provided by your surgeon. Often, your breasts may be swollen right after the surgery. It is possible that this may be causing some unevenness that will resolve on its own.
Lopsided Breasts after Reduction
There can be many reasons behind lopsided breasts after a breast reduction procedure. The formation of blood or fluid post-surgery is a common cause. If your breasts are swollen and aching for a prolonged period, you may want to consult with your surgeon. However, this is uncommon. It is best to wait until you have healed completely before you worry about unevenness.
Breast Augmentation to Correct Uneven Breasts
One way to correct breast asymmetry is to perform breast augmentation on the smaller breast, to bring it up to the size of the larger breast. If both of your breasts are small, and you would like an increase all over, a plastic surgeon can place an implant in both breasts, putting a larger implant in the breast that is currently undersized.
Along with choosing the size of the implant, you also want to choose the type of implant you receive. Currently, saline and silicone implants are available. Each type of implant offers it own set of advantages and disadvantages.
For example, saline implants are less expensive than silicone and can be used in women who are over age 18. Silicone implants are approved for women over age 21. Silicone implants are less likely to show rippling in the skin, particularly in women with only a small amount of breast tissue. Silicone implants also tend to have a more natural feel than saline implants. It’s up to you and your surgeon to decide whether saline or silicone implants are the right pick for you.
Depending on the woman, recovery after breast augmentation to correct uneven breasts can take up to two weeks. You’ll be asked to wear a special bra during your recovery, which will help keep swelling down and will help with healing. You might not need to take a full two weeks off from work, as some patients are ready to get back to their regular activities after a few days. You will be asked to avoid particularly strenuous activities, such as exercise, for about a month after your surgery.
Breast Reduction to Correct Uneven Breasts
If one breast is significantly larger than the other, a breast reduction surgery might be a better option for you than a breast augmentation. You’ll benefit from a reduction surgery if your large breasts cause you discomfort.
The technique a surgeon uses to reduce the size of the breasts varies based on the patient, but generally speaking the procedure doesn’t take more than three hours. A surgeon usually uses a vertical reduction mammoplasty (lollipop incisions) when a woman needs a moderate or slight reduction in the size of her breast or breasts. A wise pattern reduction (anchor incisions) procedure is typically used on women who have considerably large breasts and who want to significantly reduce the size of either or both breasts. Liposuction is commonly used along with either technique to help create a natural and pleasing shape to the breast.
The recovery after breast reduction is similar to the recovery after breast augmentation. You can expect to take about a week off from work. You should avoid exercise and other strenuous forms of activity for at least three weeks. To help the breasts heal and to minimize discomfort, you should wear a support bra for the first six weeks after surgery.
What About a Breast Lift?
A breast lift might not correct asymmetry on its own. It doesn’t change the volume or size of your breasts. But, if you have uneven, sagging breasts, a lift combined with augmentation or reduction might be ideal. The surgery helps reposition the breasts so that they appear uplifted and in a more youthful position.
A plastic surgeon uses a variety of techniques when performing a breast lift. The technique used depends on the degree of sagging a woman’s breasts have. The Benelli Lift procedure is often ideal for patients with just a small amount of droop. If you have considerable sagging, your surgeon might recommend the Anchor Lift.
Having symmetrical breasts can make you look better and feel better. When you aren’t embarrassed by the uneven appearance of your breasts, you tend to find yourself appreciating how you look in clothing and swimsuits. You also tend to be more self-confident in a number of situations.
Schedule Your Breast Asymmetry Consultation Today
To learn more about your options for correcting uneven breasts, contact the Aesthetic Surgery Center to book an appointment with Dr. Holmes. Dr. Holmes believes that educating and communicating with patients are the keys to helping them achieve successful, natural-looking results. He will discuss your goals with you and tailor the procedure to help you meet them.
Book your appointment at the Aesthetic Surgery Center, located at 1175 Creekside Pkwy, Suite 100, Naples, FL, by calling 239-420-8141.