Blog Article
Breast Asymmetry: Causes and Solutions
Breast asymmetry is a lot more common than many people realize. Whether there’s a difference in breast size, lift, position, projection, or shape, any asymmetry can make women feel self-conscious (especially if it’s obvious!). Here we hope to shed some light on the causes of breast asymmetry and what can be done to correct it.
Causes of Breast Asymmetry
1. Genetics
In many cases, breast asymmetry can be attributed to genetic factors. Differences in breast size, shape, or position may be inherited from a parent. Genetic variations can affect the development of breast tissue, leading to noticeable differences between the breasts.
2. Hormonal Factors
Hormonal imbalances during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause can contribute to breast asymmetry. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels may affect breast development differently, leading to unevenness between them.
3. Weight Loss/Gain
Significant weight loss or gain can impact breast size and shape. While in some cases the breasts can be equally affected by weight fluctuations, sometimes the breasts respond differently to changes in body composition, resulting in noticeable differences in size or position.
4. Developmental Factors
Breast asymmetry can develop early on, during the developmental stages of breast growth in puberty. Asymmetrical breast tissue development during puberty may correct itself over time, or it may result in long-term differences in size or shape.
Solutions for Correcting Breast Asymmetry
If your breasts are asymmetrical, there are procedures that can help. But before you seek surgical correction, the following must be considered:
- Hormonal imbalances: If you have hormonal imbalances, you should get help with that before getting breast surgery. Left unaddressed, this issue could continue to affect your breasts even after surgery. Have your doctor evaluate your hormone levels before you pursue surgery to ensure the best and longest lasting results.
- Weight fluctuations: If you are not at a stable body weight, chances are you may still see some issues with the appearance of your breasts even after surgery. Before undergoing breast surgery, candidates must achieve and maintain a stable body weight, and they should not be actively trying to lose or gain weight.
- Age and breast development: Teenagers, or young women whose breasts are still developing, are not good candidates for breast surgery. Because breast development continues into young adulthood, it is usually best to wait until then to get breast surgery.
- Pregnancy and nursing: It is unsafe for both the pregnant or breastfeeding mother and baby to get breast surgery. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should postpone breast surgery until after they are through these stages.
The following surgical procedures can help to correct breast asymmetry and give you a more balanced appearance.
1. Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation involves using implants to increase the size of one or both breasts, creating a more symmetrical bustline. Implants can be customized to match your desired size and shape to give you a more balanced and proportionate look.
2. Breast Lift
A breast lift is ideal for individuals with sagging or drooping breasts, especially if one breast sags more than the other. This procedure involves removing excess skin and reshaping the breast tissue to lift and reposition the breasts, thereby improving symmetry and restoring a more youthful contour.
3. Breast Reduction
For those with one breast significantly larger than the other, a breast reduction can help achieve symmetry by removing excess tissue from the larger breast. The procedure can resize and reshape one or both breasts to create a more balanced appearance and also alleviate physical discomfort associated with larger breasts.
Breast asymmetry can be caused by various factors, but there are effective solutions. Whether through breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction, a skilled plastic surgeon can help you achieve a more balanced and proportionate bustline. Take the first step towards addressing your concerns by booking a consultation with a plastic surgeon who can guide you through the available options and help you make an informed decision. Remember, you deserve to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin!
To book a consultation with Dr. Richard Mouchantat, call (303) 232-8585 or contact us online today.
