Asymmetry is considered a cornerstone of beauty in our society, whether we are talking about the face or the chest. But if you have asymmetrical breasts, you’re not alone. Nonetheless, you may still want to do something about it. Dr. Thomas Liszka is owner and founder of Ballantyne Plastic Surgery in Charlotte, North Carolina, and talks here about how to correct this very common problem.
Having asymmetrical breasts is common. Most women have subtle asymmetry. Nobody has perfect breasts that are exactly the same. Sometimes the difference is subtle, and sometimes it is quite dramatic.
Asymmetry in breasts can come about for several reasons, usually as the result of genetics, pregnancy or weight loss, or simply a random event, when one begins to grow bigger than the other. Estrogen triggers off the development in breasts in puberty, and sometimes one reaches a larger size than its mate. Unfortunately, if the sizes are disparate, the results can be embarrassment and create a loss of self-esteem.
Corrective Surgery
When you are talking about surgery to correct uneven breasts, sometimes that means that one side will require a lift while the other side doesn’t, if it has too much droop to it. Other issues with uneven breasts may mean that the smaller breast has a larger implant, and the larger has a smaller implant to even it out.
When you have saline implants and the asymmetry is mild, it may mean you have the same base volume, but filled to different volume to even things out. In some cases, we can do a breast reduction to make one side smaller than the other.
Age is Important
Most surgeons will not perform breast operations to correct asymmetry until the patient is 18 years of age, at which time the breasts should have reached their mature size. The recovery period will fluctuate, depending on whether you had a reduction or augmentation. If you have implants, you will probably need them removed and replaced at some stage, so be prepared for this eventuality.
Asymmetrical breasts, especially if the asymmetry is pronounced, can profoundly effect the way a woman perceives herself, and can also result in difficulty finding clothes that fit. We can easily perform surgery to correct the problem and make asymmetry a thing of the past.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
