What Is Breast Asymmetry?
Breast asymmetry describes a difference in the size, shape, and/or position of one breast compared to the other. While differences in breast shape and size are usually subtle, asymmetrical breasts can be very apparent in some women.
The degree of asymmetry can vary widely from woman to woman. For some, this condition is barely noticeable. For others, it can be a major source of anxiety and self-consciousness. Those struggling with this issue often camouflage the problem by wearing oversized clothing to hide their breasts, avoid swimsuits at all costs, and often feel uncomfortable in intimate situations.
Breast asymmetry surgery is a procedure that corrects the differences in size, shape, or position of one breast to match the other. There are several types of breast asymmetry surgery available, depending on the nature and degree of the asymmetry. The patient and the doctor will go over a plan tailored to the patient’s needs during the consultation.
What Causes Breast Asymmetry in Women?
There are many potential causes of significant breast asymmetry, but it’s often unclear exactly what the cause is in any given case. Some women just naturally develop uneven breasts, while hormone imbalances, injuries, or certain medical conditions may be the cause in other cases. Sometimes, breasts can exhibit asymmetry later in a woman’s life.
Breast size fluctuates throughout a woman’s life. Most women notice that their breasts are fuller during ovulation and shrink back to normal size during their period. During pregnancy, most women notice a significant increase in breast size as the body prepares for breastfeeding, which may create asymmetry.
In some cases, a patient may present with a tuberous breast deformity, a congenital abnormality that occurs during breast development. These women often have pronounced asymmetry of their breasts.
Teenagers and Breast Asymmetry
Teenage girls, whose bodies are still growing and developing, are often concerned about differences in their breast size and shape. Normal fluctuations in hormone levels can cause the breasts to develop at different rates and result in asymmetry. Sometimes, the different breast sizes will resolve on their own, so it is important to give the breasts time to fully develop before considering a breast augmentation or another corrective surgery.
Juvenile hypertrophy can also affect the symmetry of the breasts. Though rare, this can cause one breast to grow significantly larger than the other. Even though the disorder is correctable with surgery, it may lead to psychological distress.
Asymmetry can be a source of stress, especially for teenage girls. Reports in a recent issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery indicate that differences in breast size can have a significant mental health impact, particularly in adolescent girls. Fortunately, any difference in size between breasts can be corrected with surgery if the problem does not resolve on its own.
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Candidates for Breast Asymmetry Correction
Any woman in good physical health with uneven breasts that will not self-correct may benefit from breast asymmetry surgery. The degree of asymmetry generally does not matter, only that the patient is distressed by the difference.
Correcting Asymmetry
Women are considered to have breast asymmetry when there is at least one cup size difference between the breasts. Fortunately, there are methods a cosmetic surgeon can use to effectively even out the breasts and achieve a more symmetrical appearance that meets the patient’s goals and expectations.
According to the American Association of Plastic Surgeons, over 80% of women who underwent reconstructive breast surgery had breast asymmetry. The most common corrective method for addressing asymmetry is breast augmentation.
During breast augmentation, synthetic implants are surgically placed to add volume and improve the symmetry between the breasts. While implants of equal size are used for traditional breast augmentation surgery, two different sizes are needed for patients with asymmetrical breasts.
Breast lift and breast reduction surgery can also be used to correct asymmetry. Breast reduction surgery is ideal for women who are experiencing back pain or other health issues related to overly large breasts. In this case, they may want to reduce the larger breast to match the size of the smaller one or reduce both breasts to create a uniform appearance. A breast lift is an option for women whose breasts are positioned at different points on the chest.
Breast Asymmetry Consultation
During your consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your concerns, discuss your goals, and design a unique surgical plan that will safely and effectively deliver your desired results. The surgeon tailors the procedure to fit the patient’s goals.
There may be a combination of procedures used to help each patient feel confident in their appearance. Procedures can include breast augmentation, a breast lift, or in some cases, reducing the breast volume with breast reduction.
About Breast Asymmetry Surgery
Women who have significant breast asymmetry (generally one cup size or more between the two breasts) often experience psychological distress surrounding the issue. Fortunately, there are ways to even out the breasts for a more symmetrical appearance. The surgical process varies depending on the type of enhancement the surgeon recommends for your aesthetic goals.
Breast Augmentation
The most common technique for correcting breast asymmetry is breast augmentation. If this is the chosen method, the smaller breast may be enlarged with a silicone or saline implant for symmetrical purposes.
If an overall enhancement is preferred, our surgeons use implants of two different sizes for patients with asymmetrical breasts. This is the most popular option for correcting unevenness because most patients prefer larger breasts.
Breast Reduction
A breast reduction is best for women experiencing back pain or other issues from overly large breasts. However, it is also an ideal choice for improving symmetry in women with large breasts.
Patients may want the larger breast to match the smaller one, or wish to reduce both to make them match. If the patient desires, we can reduce the larger breast to match the smaller breast. Visit our breast reduction page to learn more information on the surgical process.
Breast Lift
A breast lift is a good option for women with breasts in two different positions on the chest. A lower breast position may give off the appearance of uneven breasts, which a breast lift can effectively address. You can find more surgical information on our breast lift page.
The Recovery Process for Breast Symmetry Revision
Patients should expect an initial recovery period of one to two weeks following the procedure. An implant placed below the muscle under the breast usually requires an extended recovery period.
Patients will wear a surgical bra with adjustable straps to help the breasts heal and reduce swelling. The surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help with any discomfort during your recovery period.
After a few days, most patients are up and moving around without the need for pain meds and may resume light activity. You should avoid exercise, strenuous activity, and heavy lifting for 3 to 4 weeks.
Breast Asymmetry FAQs
You might be surprised to learn how common some degree of breast asymmetry is. In most women, it is hardly noticeable, but almost no one has a perfectly matched pair of breasts.
One breast is typically slightly larger than the other. Human bodies are not perfectly symmetrical and it’s completely normal for breasts to be a little bit different from one another. More severe asymmetry is less common, but it does happen for a variety of reasons.
Because breast asymmetry has been linked with breast cancer, patients need to monitor their breast health carefully following corrective surgery. Self-exams, mammograms, and other routine screenings will help ensure that patients catch any changes or abnormalities quickly.
Minor asymmetry is usually nothing to worry about. At least half of all women have some degree of breast asymmetry. More noticeable asymmetry may not indicate a medical issue, but in some cases, it does.
Unfortunately, researchers have linked significant unevenness between the breasts with a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Thus, patients with uneven breasts need to be vigilant about monitoring their breast health whether they decide to correct the issue with surgery or not.
Women who develop asymmetry after their breasts have finished growing (unrelated to pregnancy) should set up an exam with their doctor. These changes may indicate a cyst, breast cancer, or another medical problem.
The cost for this surgery will vary because the required procedure may be more or less complex. The usual cost ranges from $4,000 to $8,000 per breast.
While this includes a physical examination and consultation, other related costs like imaging or lab tests aren’t included. You will discuss costs and available financing options during your one-on-one consultation with the surgeon.
It’s mostly a result of genetics and how the breasts grow. The breasts get wider at the base when muscles develop beneath them. It appears to be largely a product of genes, growth trends, and timing.
Like mismatching, this type of breast tissue is perfectly normal. However, breast asymmetry surgery can help treat this common aesthetic concern.
Teen girls, whose bodies are still developing, are often especially concerned about asymmetry. Hormone fluctuations can cause asymmetry during adolescence and breasts may not develop at the same rate. Some asymmetry cases in teens will resolve on their own, so it’s important to wait until the breasts are fully developed to consider corrective surgery.
There are creams available that will help to improve the appearance of asymmetric breasts. Creams can temporarily make breasts look fuller and more even but won’t have a significant impact on breast size.
Some exercises can help as well, like resistance training which will improve unevenness. But these options don’t offer dramatic, long-lasting results the way surgical intervention does.
If you live in the state of Florida, Aesthetic Surgery Center offers breast asymmetry surgery among its services. For a full list of services, please visit our Locations page.
Why choose Aesthetic Surgery Center
Dr. Anurag Agarwal, M.D., F.A.C.S.
- Board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
- Received his Doctor of Medicine at Philadelphia’s MCP-Hahnemann School of Medicine in 1999 and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.
- In 2016, Dr. Agarwal was honored at the annual American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery national meeting.
Richard W. Maloney, M.D., F.A.C.S.
- Certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
- Served as chief investigator for numerous laser application systems for CO2, Argon, Nd:YAG, ER:YAG and Krypton lasers used in Facial surgery.
- Fellow American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons
- Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- Attended medical school at UNMC (University of Nebraska Medical College).
- Was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.
- Member of The Aesthetic Society, the Florida Medical Association, and Collier County Medical Society.
- General surgery residency at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL
- Plastic surgery residency at Cleveland Clinic Florida
Book Your Breast Asymmetry Consultation in Naples
If your uneven breasts are impacting your self-confidence and quality of life, it may be time to meet with an expert. Only a plastic surgeon can assess your candidacy and give you customized treatment recommendations.
The experts at the Aesthetic Surgery Center are here to help you reach your cosmetic goals. Fill out the contact form below to book your breast asymmetry consultation in Naples, FL, or call (239) 594-9100
Related Procedures: Breast Augmentation, Breast Implant Revision, Breast Lift (Mastopexy), Breast Reduction, Breast Reconstruction, Male Breast Reduction