Breast asymmetry is a common condition that affects many women worldwide. It refers to the uneven breasts in size, shape or position. Understanding its causes and treatment options is essential for addressing the impact it has on women. In this blog post, we’ll explore breast asymmetry, its significance, and the available treatments.
What is Breast Asymmetry?
Breast asymmetry refers to the unevenness in size, shape, or position of the breasts. Some women may have a noticeable difference in breast size, where one breast is suddenly bigger than the other. Others may experience different breast shapes, where one breast may be rounder or more elongated compared to the other. Additionally, the position of the breasts on the chest wall can also vary, with one breast appearing higher or lower than the other.
While slight asymmetry is normal, significant imbalances can be addressed through treatment options. Consulting with a qualified specialist plastic surgeon is essential to explore breast asymmetry treatment based on individual anatomy.
Causes of Asymmetrical Breasts
Developmental Factors
- Uneven breast development during puberty: Breasts may develop at different rates, resulting in asymmetry that can persist into adulthood.
- Hereditary factors: Genetic variations can influence breast size, shape, and positioning, contributing to asymmetry.
Medical Conditions
- Tubular Breasts or Breast Hypoplasia: Tubular breasts are a condition where the breasts are underdeveloped and have a narrow and elongated shape. It occurs when there is insufficient glandular tissue in the breasts, leading to limited breast volume and projection. This condition can result in noticeable asymmetry between the breasts.
- Amastia: Conditions that affect the development of breast tissue, areola, or nipple.
- Poland Syndrome: A rare condition where the chest muscle does not develop properly, leading to asymmetry in the affected breast.
- Juvenile Hypertrophy: Is excessive growth of one breast during adolescence, resulting in a significant size difference compared to the other breast.
Life Events and Hormonal Factors
- Extreme weight fluctuations: Significant weight gain or weight loss can affect breast volume and symmetry.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Hormonal changes and the process of lactation can cause temporary changes in breast size and shape, potentially leading to asymmetry.
- Ovulation and hormonal fluctuations: Hormonal variations during the menstrual cycle can result in temporary changes in breast size and tenderness.
Trauma and Medical Interventions
- Trauma or injury to the breast: Accidents, surgeries, or injuries to the breast can cause asymmetry due to tissue damage or scarring.
- Breast cancer treatment: Surgical removal of one or both breasts can result in asymmetry, which can be addressed with reconstruction techniques.
Breast Asymmetry Treatment
Cosmetic surgeries that correct breast asymmetry are known as breast asymmetry correction surgery. Each breast may require different surgical techniques to achieve symmetry. It is a highly individualised and complex procedure that should only be performed by a specialist plastic surgeon.
As every patient and case is unique, there is no one-size-fits-all breast asymmetry surgery. The best approach depends on your physiology and the type of asymmetrical breasts.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to increase the size and shape of the breasts by inserting silicone breast implants. It is an option for addressing breast asymmetry. Whether it’s one breast or both breasts that require correction, breast augmentation can help correct symmetry by adding volume and achieving a more proportionate appearance. During the consultation, your specialist plastic surgeon will discuss different implant sizes and types to find the best match for your preferred outcome. The choice of implants will depend on individual preferences, body proportions, and the recommendations of the specialist plastic surgeon.
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction surgery also known as reduction mammoplasty, aims to achieve a reduced breast size by removing excess tissue and excess skin. It can be a solution for correcting asymmetry when one breast is significantly larger than the other. The procedure involves reshaping and lifting the breasts to create a level and reduced breast size. Consulting with a qualified specialist plastic surgeon is crucial to determine if breast reduction is the right option for correcting breast asymmetry and to receive personalised recommendations.
Breast Lift
Breast lift surgery is a procedure to address excess skin or loose breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the underlying breast tissue. It can be an optimal solution for addressing breast asymmetry when one breast is lower than the other. By lifting and reshaping the breasts, a breast lift can increase the height of the breast. In cases of significant asymmetry, a breast lift can be combined with other procedures, such as breast augmentation or breast reduction, to achieve optimal symmetry. During a consultation with an experienced specialist plastic surgeon, they will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most suitable surgery approach to achieve your preferred outcome.
Nipple/Areola Reshaping Surgery
Nipple or Areola Reduction Surgery is a cosmetic procedure aimed at reducing or lifting the size and shape of the nipples to their original position on the breasts or correcting mal-positioning caused by factors such as stretched skin or loose breasts.
Breast Implant Explantation
Breast implant removal, also known as breast explantation, is a cosmetic surgical procedure performed to remove breast implants. This procedure is typically chosen when breast implants have reached the end of their lifespan or when complications related to the implants arise. Breast implant removal surgery can also be combined with a breast lift procedure to achieve preferred results.
Minimise Risk and Complications
Breast asymmetry surgery can help achieve medically balanced breast size and shape. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications to consider.
Patients should make sure to fully understand all pre-operative instructions as well as post-operative care instructions before undergoing any procedure. Following your surgeon’s instructions increases the chances of a smoother surgery journey with reduced complications.
Choosing a Qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon for Breast Asymmetry Surgery
When it comes to surgery, safety should always be your highest priority, that’s why choosing the right surgeon is crucial. You need to ensure that your surgeon is qualified and highly experienced. You should feel comfortable that they understand your surgery goals.
Dr Mark Doyle is a specialist plastic surgeon, offering surgery to patients from Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Brisbane and Sunshine Coast.
- Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons – FRACS (Plas)
- 30+ years of cosmetic surgery experience
- 15,000+ hours in the operating theatre
- 10,000+ surgeries performed including 3,000+ breast surgeries
- 200+ positive reviews
- Comprehensive expertise in surgical planning and 3D imaging
- Committed follow-up and 12 months aftercare including scar treatment
Following Pre- And Post-Operative Instructions
Carefully following pre-operative and post-operative instructions is essential for successful breast asymmetry correction surgery. These instructions minimise complications and ensure optimal recovery. Pre-operative instructions may involve medication avoidance and lifestyle adjustments, while post-operative care includes wound care, prescribed medication, and attending follow-up appointments.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Breast Asymmetry Correction Surgery?
Recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the surgery and individual healing factors. Generally, it takes a few weeks for initial healing, and full breast surgery recovery can take several months. Your surgeon will provide specific post-operative instructions and guidance to facilitate a smooth recovery process.
Can Breast Asymmetry Be Corrected Without Surgery?
In some cases, non-surgical options such as specialised bras, padding, or prosthetics may help to improve the appearance of breast asymmetry. However, for significant and persistent asymmetry, surgical intervention may be necessary to achieve optimal symmetry and breast balance.
Book a Consultation
To determine if breast asymmetry surgery is suitable for your surgery requirements, we recommend that you book a consultation with Dr Mark Doyle, a Specialist Plastic Surgeon located on the Gold Coast. During the consultation, Dr Doyle will assess your specific situation and provide a personalised recommendation.
About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plas) – Queensland Plastic Surgeon
Servicing patients in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and New South Wales NSW – Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore and more.
Dr Mark Doyle is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing breast, body, face and nose surgery. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery.