Do you have uneven breasts? Here’s what you need to know about this common condition.
Breast Asymmetry Is More Common Than You May Realize
“The Twins” is a common nickname for the breasts, but for most women, these twins are anything but identical. Breast asymmetry is very common, affecting most women to some degree. Much of the time, the differences in size, shape, and position between the two breasts are minimal, but significant asymmetry can occur. If your asymmetry is bothersome, come in for a consultation with Dr. Clinton.
There Are Different Types of Asymmetry- What Type Do You Have?
Breast asymmetry occurs when the breasts are not symmetrical. Size differences are one of the most common types of asymmetry, but certainly not the only one. Differences in shape or position of the breasts can also occur. Many women with significant asymmetry experience differences between the two breasts with all three of these factors: size, shape, and position.
What causes asymmetry between the breasts? This condition can occur as a result of trauma, genetics, congenital defects, cancer, hormonal variation, previous breast surgeries, pregnancy, and many other reasons. Whatever the cause of your breast asymmetry, there are treatment options available.
Perfect Symmetry Isn’t Possible
The goal of plastic surgery for breast asymmetry is to reduce the variation between the two breasts, not entirely eliminate it. Just like in nature, perfectly matched breasts don’t exist in plastic surgery. You’ll experience significant improvement in your breast symmetry, but odds are, one breast will still be slightly different than the other. This isn’t something to worry about; all women have breast asymmetry to some degree. Mild differences between the two breasts aren’t noticeable or aesthetically problematic.
Cosmetic surgery does eliminate the need to wear bra pads and inserts for many of our patients. It boosts confidence both in and out of clothing.
You’ve Got Options
Creating a plan to correct breast asymmetry will be a collaborative effort between you and Dr. Clinton. There are several different ways to even out the breasts, and you’ll work together to find the solution that works best for you. Dr. Clinton will offer advice and his perspective on your options during your consultation. Common options for treating breast asymmetry include:
- Breast Implants- One of the most popular options for treating breast asymmetry is breast augmentation. If you’re happy with the size of your larger breast, we can use a breast implant in only the smaller breast to increase volume. To increase the size of both breasts, a smaller implant is placed in the larger breast and a larger breast implant in the smaller one, until a similar volume is achieved on both sides.
- Breast Reduction- Breast reduction surgery can be performed on one or both breasts to treat asymmetry. Breast reduction can also be paired with implants or a lift, as needed.
- Breast Lift- To improve breast positioning, the breast lift procedure is often used. The breast fold positioning often varies with breast asymmetry; a breast lift is one of the most effective ways to treat position variations.
- Fat Grafting- For minor asymmetry, fat grafting to the breast can be used. Fat is injected into the smaller breast to add volume. To be a good candidate for breast fat grafting, asymmetry should be minimal. Patients must have sufficient excess fat elsewhere on the body for extraction.
Often a combination of approaches is needed to correct size, shape, and positioning irregularities. Come in for your consultation to discuss options with our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Clinton.
Asymmetry May Return After Your Initial Surgery
A woman’s breasts are constantly changing. Throughout the menstrual cycle, they increase and decrease in size and change texture as hormonal levels fluctuate. Breasts change dramatically during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Gravity and aging also take their toll, contributing to breast sagging, deflation, and droopiness.
When one breast has significantly more breast tissue than the other, it is more likely to sag, droop, and change with time. Pregnancy and weight fluctuations are often catalysts for significant breast change, and potentially the return of asymmetry. If asymmetry does reoccur, it can be treated again with additional breast surgery.
Call Reveal Beauty at 205-408-9787 to learn more about treatment options for breast asymmetry in Birmingham, AL.
