Breast asymmetry, or uneven breasts, is a common condition affecting most women, though the degree varies significantly. When the difference in size, shape, or position is noticeable and causes aesthetic or physical discomfort, a customized surgical approach is often the most effective solution for achieving symmetry.
Understanding the Types of Breast Asymmetry
Successful correction of uneven breasts requires a precise diagnosis of the underlying cause, which dictates the appropriate surgical strategy. Asymmetry is rarely limited to just volume and often involves multiple factors that must be addressed for an optimal aesthetic outcome.
- Volume Asymmetry: One breast is larger or smaller than the other due to differences in glandular tissue or fat content.
- Position Asymmetry: The location of the breast fold, nipple, or areola is higher or lower on one side compared to the other.
- Shape Asymmetry: One breast is rounder or more tubular than the other, often requiring different techniques on each side for correction.
- Pectoral Muscle Asymmetry: Differences in the underlying chest wall or muscle can contribute to the appearance of unevenness, especially noticeable after breast augmentation.
Primary Surgical Strategies for Correction
Achieving symmetry requires performing two different procedures on the two breasts, or utilizing a combination of techniques on one breast alone. A “one-size-fits-all” approach is never used for this complex condition.
1. Correcting Volume Disparity
Volume differences are corrected by either increasing the size of the smaller breast or reducing the size of the larger breast, or sometimes both procedures are required.
- Augmentation (Smaller Breast): Using a breast implant (saline or silicone) of the appropriate size to match the volume of the larger side.
- Reduction (Larger Breast): Removing excess breast tissue and skin from the larger side to bring its size down to match the smaller side.
- Fat Grafting: Injecting the patient’s own fat into the smaller breast to subtly increase volume and improve contour without using an implant.
2. Correcting Position and Shape Disparity
When the nipples or breast folds are unevenly placed, or if one breast droops more than the other, lifting and reshaping techniques are necessary.
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Performed on one or both breasts to reposition the nipple-areola complex and elevate sagging tissue, ensuring the breasts sit at a matching height.
- Internal Tissue Repositioning: Adjusting and tightening the internal glandular tissue to correct shape deformities, especially common in cases of tubular breasts.
Choosing the Right Implant for Asymmetry
If augmentation is the chosen method to correct volume asymmetry, the surgeon must be meticulous in selecting the right implant size and shape for each breast to ensure true long-term symmetry.
- Different Volume Implants: It is common practice to use implants of different CC volumes, with the larger volume placed in the naturally smaller breast.
- Different Profile Implants: The surgeon may use implants with different projections (high vs. moderate profile) to counteract natural differences in the patient’s chest wall or breast base width.
Tps Clinic Expert Warning
Correction of breast asymmetry is considered one of the most challenging procedures in aesthetic surgery because achieving true symmetry is difficult, and results are only as permanent as the patient’s natural anatomy allows; patients must be prepared for the potential need for a minor secondary ‘touch-up’ procedure to fine-tune the final, desired result.
Quick Guide to Asymmetry Correction Procedures
The table below summarizes the most common corrective action based on the primary type of breast asymmetry encountered.
| Asymmetry Type | Primary Goal | Most Common Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Volume Difference | Achieve Equal Size | Asymmetric Augmentation (Different implant sizes) or Reduction |
| Ptosis (Drooping) Difference | Achieve Equal Position | Unilateral or Bilateral Breast Lift (Mastopexy) |
| Minor Volume/Contour Difference | Achieve Softness and Smoothness | Targeted Fat Grafting to the smaller or deficient side |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is breast asymmetry considered normal?
Yes, most women have some degree of asymmetry, but surgical intervention is sought when the difference is significantly noticeable.
Can exercise fix uneven breasts?
No, because asymmetry is primarily caused by differences in glandular tissue or bone structure, exercise cannot correct it.
Can a primary breast augmentation cause new asymmetry?
It is possible, especially if pre-existing, subtle asymmetry was not fully accounted for during the initial surgery planning.
Does insurance cover correction of uneven breasts?
Insurance may cover part of the cost if the asymmetry is severe enough to cause physical symptoms or is classified as a congenital deformity.
What is “symmeterization”?
Symmeterization is the term used for surgically bringing the two breasts into a harmonious and balanced appearance.
How long does the correction procedure take?
The surgery typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on whether it requires a lift, augmentation, reduction, or a combination of techniques.
Is it possible to achieve perfect symmetry?
It is the goal, but due to the body’s natural processes, surgeons aim for an excellent visual balance, not always perfect mirror images.
How long after the surgery will I see the final results?
Final, stable results are typically seen within three to six months once all swelling has fully resolved.
Can I breastfeed after an asymmetry correction?
The ability to breastfeed depends heavily on the specific techniques used, particularly if a reduction or lift was performed.
Is an asymmetric implant selection safe?
Yes, using implants of different sizes is a standard, safe practice in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery to correct volume differences.