Abnormal breast development is relatively common in teenage girls, ranging from minor differences between the breasts, to major shape abnormalities. It is most common and natural to have some asymmetry of the breasts, and this can be related to:
1/size of breasts,
2/dimension of breasts,
3/chest wall (i.e.ribs and muscle),
4/degree and location of laxity or sagging,
5\position of nipple relative to breast and relative to your chest,
6/presence of scoliosis or other skeletal abnormalities, etc.
Developmental breast disorders are relatively common, but often not recognised, and may be very embarrassing for young women going through breast development as teenagers. Differences in breast size are common and acceptable if only minor, but major size or shape differences between the two breasts is more problematic. These conditions may be embarrassing and socially difficult for women, and reconstructive surgery may be justified early, if severe. These conditions are not usually inherited.
How is breast asymmetry corrected?
Dramatic improvements in the shape, size and symmetry of the breasts are usually possible. We will carefully analyse the deformity, and with detailed discussions devise a surgical plan to give the best possible and desired outcome. This will depend on the desired final breast size, and the pre-existing breast size, shape and asymmetry.
With asymmetric breast, there are often significant differences between the two breasts, and a major aim of surgery is to achieve better symmetry. This usually requires different surgery on each breast, and may involve combinations of various procedures, including:
- Asymmetrical breast enlargement – breast augmentation on one side only, or both sides using different sized breast implants
- Breast reduction to make the bigger breast smaller to match the smaller breast
- Breast lift (“mastopexy”) to correct droopy breasts and place the nipples at the correct position
- Areolar size reduction
We will discuss your options and recommend the best procedure for you to correct your breast asymmetry during your preoperative consultations. Careful planning is always necessary.
What about asymmetry after any other breast cosmetic surgery?
This condition can be named asymmetry after breast surgery or postoperative asymmetry. Post-operative asymmetry is dependent on many things, most importantly, the presence and nature of asymmetry before surgery.
It is also very common for breast implants to sit asymmetrically once implanted by the very nature of the anatomical dissection and the unknown and uncontrollable factors of tissue relaxation, capsular contractures, and gravity.
Some asymmetries can be improved, some will be worsened, and some will require trade-off (for example, making breast mounds symmetric in size and location at the price of asymmetry in nipple position.
In any case, it would pay to wait until the tissue accommodate the implant possibly 3-6 months before contemplating any revision. Someone with previous asymmetry should suppect that she will always have to fight some asymmetry.