Breast asymmetry is the asymmetry in the size, shape, and position of the breasts or the nipple.
Breast asymmetry may be minimal or reach very large differences between the breasts, causing psychological effects on the patient, such as low self-esteem or even depression.
It is estimated that more than half of the female population exhibits morphological differences in the breasts, but without significant aesthetic impact. This condition is obvious and in need of a surgical correction when the difference is equal to or greater than 1 bra size. It is estimated that 5.2% of all aesthetic breast surgeries are performed in order to treat breast asymmetry.
The causes of the phenomenon may be either congenital or acquired. Some rare but important conditions such as Poland’s syndrome must be promptly diagnosed by the plastic surgeon as they appear as breast asymmetry while they’ re not, because at the same time might exist subcutaneous fat shortage, lack of a part of pectoralis major muscle, hypoplastic ribs or upper limb.
The modern classification of breast asymmetry is morphological, focuses on the appearance of the breasts and the appropriate treatment.
Breast asymmetry types
There are three types of asymmetry:
1) Developmental breast asymmetry
Developmental breast asymmetry is the most common type of asymmetry, where both breasts are regular in shape but different in size. A common type of asymmetry that falls into this group is the existence of a small and larger conical shape that protrudes from the breast while it is accompanied by a breast ptosis.
2) Tuberous Breast
It is an abnormality in the shape of the breast. In these cases, the breast has a tubular shape, its parenchyma is mainly encapsulated and confined behind the nipple, with a very small base, a higher submammary fold than the normal and usually very small size, accompanied by a breast ptosis and a disproportionately large nipple.
3) Poland syndrome
This occurs when there is an absence of the underlying muscles and in some cases absence of the ribs.
Breast asymmetry treatment
The chosen method of treating the disorder will depend on the size, shape of the breasts and whether you want to correct one or both of the breasts. If the problem is just a matter of size, there are three options:
- Increase of the smaller breast with the addition of a silicone implant (Non Touch – No Pain breast augmentation technique). This surgery is an excellent option for correcting asymmetry, especially when there is no fall of the breasts.
- Decrease on the size of the larger breast with breast reduction.
- The final choice is to apply the same technique on both breasts (whether breast augmentation or breast reduction) but with a different percentage on each side, in order to achieve symmetry.
Post-operative recovery
Recovery will depend on the method of the operation you have decided to undertake.
Possible Complications
The risks of this surgery are not high, but will depend on the precise method of surgery to be applied.
With countless global awards and awards in the field of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Kosmesis’ plastic surgeons can offer the most specialized treatment for breast asymmetry. Book your appointment now!
