Balancing Your Profile with Breast Asymmetry Surgery
Have you ever wondered to yourself “why is one breast bigger than the other?” While many women experience a slight difference in the size of their breasts, there are instances where the difference is far more obvious, affecting their self-esteem and confidence.
The good news is that surgery for breast asymmetry can solve this problem. Whether through a breast augmentation, a breast reduction, or a breast lift, women who suffer from breast asymmetry can achieve a balanced look and a boost to their self-esteem.
What is Breast Asymmetry?
Breast asymmetry refers to a condition in which one of your breasts has a different size or shape than the other. In some cases, the nipples or areolas might not be balanced with each other as well.
Is Breast Asymmetry Common/Normal?
Breast asymmetry is quite common, particularly throughout puberty when the breasts are still growing. Once the breasts have matured, this issue usually passes. Most women will experience a small degree of breast asymmetry, however, which can be completely natural and does not always indicate a health condition. Regular health exams and mammograms can help rule out any health issues or abnormalities.
Rediscovering Confidence through Breast Asymmetry Correction.
Breast asymmetry correction surgery gives women the opportunity to feel and look their best, boosting their confidence and overall happiness.
Causes of Breast Asymmetry
Trauma, puberty, and hormonal fluctuations are just some factors that can cause a woman’s breasts to change in size or shape.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy hormones can cause breasts to sag or enlarge unevenly as the body gets ready to produce milk. When breastfeeding, it’s normal for there to be some difference in breast size and shape, especially if the baby prefers one side.
Hormones Can Impact Breast Development
Hormonal fluctuations throughout puberty might cause one breast to develop faster than the other. Additionally, when you are ovulating, you may experience a change in the feel and fullness of your breast tissue. Breasts often appear larger due to physiological changes brought on by increased blood flow and water retention but will typically go back to normal during the menstrual period.
Genetics, Age, Body Weight
Natural variations in development, such as differences in breast size and shape, can be influenced by genes. In other words, if your grandmother or mother had asymmetrical breasts, chances are good that you will, too. One breast can also sag more than the other because of the natural aging process. Losing weight might also lead to lopsided breasts. Because they have different amounts of fat, each breast can grow or shrink at a different rate.
Prior Breast Surgeries (e.g., Augmentations)
Asymmetry can sometimes be caused by breast augmentation. With breast implants, natural unevenness can become more noticeable if the plastic surgeon doesn’t consider it. If something goes wrong during surgery, this can also affect the appearance of just one breast.
Other Causes
Breast asymmetry reasons include trauma to the region, such as injuries sustained in a vehicle accident or a fall, however breasts often return to their original size in due time. In addition, skeletal anomalies in the back or ribs can give the impression of an uneven bust. Fractures and deformities of the ribs can change the chest wall’s natural contours, creating asymmetry.
Fast Facts: Breast Asymmetry Surgery
Correct breast size and shape imbalance
Patients can see results immediately,
but it can take several weeks to
a month to see final results
Procedure typically takes
2 - 4 hours
Varies
Breast Asymmetry Correction Surgery
Breast augmentations, breast reductions, and breast lifts are the three most common cosmetic surgeries used to treat breast asymmetry. Some of these methods are often done together to contour and raise one or both breasts for a more balanced result.
Breast Augmentation via Fat Transfer or Implants
Breast augmentations can either be done through fat transfer or implants. Fat grafting involves removing fat from one part of the body and transferring it to the breasts whereas implants made of silicone or saline are surgically placed to alter the size and shape of the breast.
Breast Reduction
When one breast is significantly larger than the other, reduction surgery may be an option instead of augmentation. Breast reduction is a surgical procedure involving removing breast tissue (including fat, skin, and glandular tissue).
Breast Lift
If your asymmetry presents itself as drooping on one side, you may find that breast lift surgery or mastopexy is the most effective treatment. The surgical removal of excess skin and sagging can often improve the appearance of one breast relative to the other.
Plastic Surgery Reviews
Patient Reviews
Examples of Breast Asymmetry
While every woman’s experience with breast asymmetry is different, there are a few distinct types that are shared by many. The following are common examples of breast asymmetry:
Each breast has a different size.
There are differences in size, a protrusion, or a bulge between the areolas or the nipples.
One breast is sagging more than the other.
One breast sits higher on the chest than the other.
There are irregularities in breast structure.
Finding, Vetting, and Consulting with a Breast Asymmetry Surgeon
With so many factors to consider, including facilities, surgeon qualifications, expertise, and past work, you’ll want to do some research when finding a surgeon for breast asymmetry correction.
Why Choose an ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon?
Checking whether a plastic surgeon has received board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) should be a high priority. This credential means that they have completed at least six years of accredited surgical training and a residency in plastic surgery. The surgeon must have also demonstrated mastery in the field by passing rigorous written and oral examinations.
Recovery and Aftercare for Breast Asymmetry Surgery
Aftercare will be different for each patient and will be based on the kind and extent of your operation.
In general, you should:
- Keep your wound clean, dry, and covered correctly.
- Wear supportive garments to limit excessive movement.
- Take the prescribed antibiotics and pain relief medication.
- Avoid strenuous activities, which could delay wound healing or cause bleeding.
- Appear for follow-up appointments so your surgeon can monitor wound healing.
You’ll need anything from two weeks to two months to fully heal after leaving the hospital. Your breasts will recover more quickly if you use the supplies provided and follow the aftercare instructions.
Breast Asymmetry Frequently Asked Questions
How much breast asymmetry is normal?
In most cases, the size difference between asymmetrical breasts is between 15% and 20%. Many women see a 10–15% disparity and might not realize it until they put on a bra and see that the cups aren’t evenly spaced.
Is breast asymmetry common?
Over half of all women experience some degree of breast asymmetry. There will always be a slight variation between the left and right sides of the body. Some women have hardly noticeable asymmetry, while others have differences of one, two, or even three cup sizes on either side.
Can breast asymmetry be temporary?
Uneven breasts can be a short-term condition or a permanent one. The right and left breast may mature at slightly varying rates during puberty. A person’s breasts can look asymmetrical until they’re done developing, or they might stay that way forever.
What are costs, financing, payment options, and insurance coverage?
There is no one standard cost for Breast asymmetry surgery, as each procedure is different. Several factors, such as the severity of your asymmetry, the method you choose to address it, your surgeon’s experience and skill, and the location of your procedure, will determine the final cost of your treatment. These can be discussed with your surgeon during your first consult, after he or she has had a chance to evaluate your situation, understand your goals and determine the best treatment options for you.
Regarding payment, many healthcare providers offer financing plans for breast asymmetry correction.
If you’re wondering, “Will insurance cover breast augmentation for asymmetry?” it may be possible. You will need to consult your insurance provider and can learn more about your surgery’s potential insurance coverage during your consultation with a doctor.
What are the risks and complications of breast asymmetry surgery?
Breast asymmetry correction, like other surgical procedures, is not without its share of potential risks, such as infection, bleeding, and reactions to anesthesia. In addition, breast operations can leave permanent scars, despite best efforts to conceal them. Furthermore, in some rare cases patients may lose sensation in their breasts or nipples after undergoing the surgery.
