Asymmetrical Breasts: Surgical Correction Options

What Does Asymmetrical Breast Tissue Mean?

In most cases asymmetrical breast tissue is perfectly normal. In fact, there are usually some differences between the left and right side of the body. In rare incidences, certain medical conditions such as juvenile hypertrophy of the breast, may cause one breast to develop significantly more than the other.

If your breast asymmetry has developed rapidly, you should see your doctor for an evaluation. While many cases of breast asymmetry are harmless, there are certain medical conditions that can cause asymmetrical breast development and follow up testing should occur.

Is Asymmetric Breast Tissue a Sign of Malignancy?

In general, uneven breasts are rarely a cause for medical concern. However, a noticeable change in breast size, a palpable lump, nipple changes or unusual symptoms certainly warrant further medical evaluation. Your doctor may recommend a mammogram or other tests to further study your symptoms.

What is Asymmetric Density in Breast?

A mammogram may reveal that the breasts have asymmetric density. In many cases this is just a normal finding due to body composition variations. In other cases, asymmetrical density may be due to a cyst or fibrosis of the breast. Asymmetric density of the breast does not necessarily indicate that the breasts look or feel different from one another.

How Common is Asymmetrical Breast Tissue?

Slight asymmetry between the breasts is common and affects most women to some degree. Often these cases do not require treatment unless a woman feels bothered by the asymmetry. Sometimes, even when asymmetry is more noticeable, a woman may choose a custom bra with different padding to even out her breast appearance. In general, if a woman feels self-conscious or dissatisfied with the asymmetry of her breast, there are surgical interventions that can address the aesthetics effectively.

How to Correct Asymmetrical Breasts

There are many options available to correct asymmetrical breasts. In cases of breast asymmetry, your plastic surgeon may combine some of the following procedures:

• Nipple Repositioning
• Breast Lift
• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Reduction
• Fat Transfer

The specific procedure for your case will depend on your actual appearance and personalized goals. Your plastic surgeon may recommend implants, surgical reshaping, or other interventions to optimize your results, keeping your preferences in mind.

For instance, a woman may desire both breasts to be smaller, so a breast reduction could remove more breast tissue from one side, yielding a symmetrical result. If a woman desires larger breasts, different implant sizes could augment the breast size and even out the final cosmetic result.

A woman might want her smaller breast augmented or lifted to match her larger breast. Conversely, she may desire a unilateral breast reduction. Breast lift or nipple repositioning may further enhance symmetrical outcomes.

In general, it is important that you choose a plastic surgeon with a thorough attention to detail and keen aesthetic eye, who will work with you to achieve your specific goals for your body.