Breast Surgery for Uneven Breasts

Breasts have many nicknames, but one especially common term we often hear is “the twins.” What we find here at CARE Plastic Surgery is that many women believe the ideal breasts are perfectly paired, perky, and full. However, in reality, nature doesn’t always provide our “ideal.” If your “twins” aren’t as you would like, consider coming to see us. Breast surgery for uneven and misshapen breasts can often help provide greater symmetry.

How Common Is Breast Asymmetry?

Breast asymmetry is extremely common, in varying degrees. One study of 100 women found that all had some variation between the two breasts, like nipple position, breast fold position, projection, or breast size. 94% had significant asymmetry between the breast forms. Odds are, you’ve got asymmetry, just like many women. It is very common.

If the asymmetry is minimal and doesn’t bother you, don’t worry about it. However, if you feel you have severe asymmetry or are having difficulty finding clothing and bras that fit well, you may be a candidate for surgical breast reshaping, and we may be able to help. There are many ways to correct asymmetry and to even out breast size and appearance. Of course, some degrees of asymmetry will likely continue to exist after surgery, but our goal is to make the discrepancies between your breasts less noticeable.

Breast Asymmetry and Its Effects on Mental Health

Breast asymmetry isn’t just a cosmetic issue. It can have a significant impact on mental health. A study of teens with breast asymmetry found that the condition affected self-esteem, emotional well-being, and social functioning. Although this study just examined teens, in our practice, we’ve found that breast asymmetry can impact women at any age. Young or old, severe breast asymmetry may affect how you feel about yourself.

What Causes Breast Asymmetry?

Breast asymmetry has many causes. It occurs any time there is a difference between the breasts in shape, size, position, or appearance. Further confusing things, your breasts may even change sizes throughout the month. You may have asymmetry at some points during your menstrual cycle and not at other times.

Let’s take a quick look at a few of the many causes of breast asymmetry:

• Injury- Injury to the breast buds during childhood or early adolescence can lead to breast asymmetry in the late teens and adulthood after the breasts develop.
• Macromastia– Macromastia, also known as breast hypertrophy, is a condition that causes excessive breast enlargement. Often, these super-size breasts are similarly sized, but asymmetry is common in women with this condition.
• Fibroids or Cysts– The development of fibroids, cysts, or tumors can lead to breast asymmetry. This type of asymmetry usually occurs during adulthood, after the breasts are fully developed. Most of the time, the growths are not cancerous, but if you notice a sudden change in your breasts, see your doctor, just in case.
• Tuberous Breasts- Tuberous breasts, also known as tubular breasts, are congenital breast abnormalities with many symptoms. The breasts may be smaller than average, often with wide spacing between the breasts. Puffy, enlarged nipples are common, and the breast fold may be higher than average. This can be a complex breast condition to correct and requires a highly skilled plastic surgeon with experience working with tubular breasts.
• Chest or Spine Deformities– Some chest or spine deformities, including scoliosis, can create the appearance of breast asymmetry.

Correcting Breast Asymmetry – What Are My Options?

Breast asymmetry can be improved with plastic surgery. Call our office to schedule your consultation with our board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Brian S. Coan. He’ll examine your breasts, make surgical treatment recommendations, and help you find solutions to your breast asymmetry.

Common treatment recommendations may include:

• Breast Reduction– By reducing the size of your larger breast to be more in line with the size of your smaller breast, we can correct asymmetry without implants. Often both breasts will also need a lift to ensure they have a similar breast positioning after surgery. Breast reduction is especially helpful for women with medium to large breasts.
• Fat Transfer to the Breasts – Remove fat from areas of the body and then place it in desired locations in your breasts.
• Breast Implants– If you want to increase breast size and correct asymmetry, breast augmentation may be the solution. We’ll place different-sized implants into each breast to even out breast volume.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re disappointed with your breast appearance due to breast asymmetry, or if you’ve had a nagging issue that’s bothered you for some time, come see Dr. Coan at CARE Plastic Surgery and explore your options. Call today to schedule your consultation at our new state-of-the-art surgical facility in Cary, North Carolina.

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