Breast Asymmetry Correction

Breast asymmetry, or different sized breasts, is a very common condition that can provoke self-confidence issues. Women may experience a lack of self-esteem or embarrassment from asymmetrical breasts, and will usually attempt to hide their condition with special bras, accessories or well-placed clothing. There is also a permanent solution: breast asymmetry correction. The type of breast surgery to treat uneven breasts will depend on the type of asymmetry and other factors unique to each patient. 

What is breast asymmetry?

Women first notice different sized breasts during the early stages of development, generally in puberty. As a woman’s breasts grow, she may discover slight variations or very noticeable differences. (For example, an extreme case would be of one breast being and A cup and the other, a D cup.) Cup size is not the only variation, however, as discrepancies extend to the shape, height and other aesthetics. Size variations often even out after puberty but, according to industry experts like Massachusetts General Hospital, up to 25% of women report persistent asymmetry. 

One of the most common breast asymmetry causes is “tuberous breast.” A woman with this condition will notice that one or both breasts are narrow and constricted, forming a lesser-than-average distance between the areola and the lower crease of the breast. This can cause breast tissue to bulge through the areola or to take on an unusual shape. Women who have tuberous breast and whose breast sizes vary by at least half a cup may be challenged when trying to camouflage their condition, thus leading to acute problems in self-esteem. 

Breast asymmetry correction methods

There is no conclusive evidence that breast asymmetry poses a health risk, but it’s important not to underestimate the effect on a woman’s self-esteem. Confidence and positive body image are essential to a woman’s wellbeing, and when a permanent condition weighs heavily on her psyche – especially during the difficult teenage years – it may lead to lifelong issues. For this reason, some women opt for breast asymmetry correction not only to improve perceived physical imperfection, but also to improve their quality of life through boosted confidence and self-esteem. 

New York plastic surgeons offer several approaches to breast asymmetry correction: 

• Breast augmentation: Also referred to as breast enhancement, this procedure is one of the most popular ways to correct breast asymmetry. With breast enhancement New York, your cosmetic surgeon will correct for variations by using two differently sized implants.
• Breast lift: This is an excellent option for women with an asymmetry in height rather than size. With a breast lift, or mastopexy, your surgeon will reduce sag/droop, tighten the skin, and lift your breasts to their ideal height.
• Breast reduction: For women with very large breasts, a reduction can be the solution to asymmetry. Your surgeon will remove tissue from each to achieve the symmetry and size you desire.
• Breast sculpting: Breast sculpting involves enhancement or reduction in order to achieve improved balance. If you like the size of your breasts, sculpting will produce minimal change in size while boosting your overall shape and breast height.   

The recovery process

Breast augmentations, reductions and lifts are surgical procedures that require care and comfort for optimal recovery. Following your breast asymmetry correction, you’ll generally be able to go home on the same day. The minimum recommended recovery time – when you shouldn’t work or exert yourself physically – is about seven days. You may experience temporary swelling, bruising, tenderness and other symptoms, but you’ll return to most normal activity about two weeks after breast surgery. The permanent results of a breast augmentation are achieved two months after surgery, while you’ll wait three months to enjoy the final results of a breast lift or breast reduction. 

Surgical risks

Every surgery carries risks. Complications are not common, but may include loss of nipple sensation, breast pain, scarring, bleeding, infection, and imperfect symmetry. 

Expected results of breast asymmetry correction

While it is very difficult to achieve perfect symmetry – including size, shape and height – women are generally thrilled with the results of correction surgery.

Here’s what some women have to say about their breast asymmetry corrections: 

• “Having my breast asymmetry and lift procedure has boosted my self-esteem and given me a confidence that I had not felt for years.”
• “As I approach the one-year anniversary of my breast augmentation and asymmetry correction, I continue to have nothing but the most positive feelings about my “new” self.”
• “I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am with my breast augmentation results. After having two children and breastfeeding for a total of five years, my body was definitely a little worn. I had contemplated having a breast augmentation procedure for quite some time. And now, my breasts look natural and feel natural; I feel like a brand new woman! “
• “I never thought of myself as a “plastic surgery” person but I couldn’t help seeing my body change in ways I just wasn’t happy with. This wasn’t about vanity; it was about seeking peace with myself to enable me to get on with other, more important things in life.”

Consult Dr. Loeb

If asymmetry bothers you and you’re considering having correction surgery, you need to find a cosmetic surgeon who you can trust. Dr. Loeb is a board-certified, New York plastic surgeon with an international reputation for blending artistry with superb surgical skill. To learn more about breast asymmetry correction in NYC, please call Dr. Loeb’s Fifth Avenue office at 212-327-3700 to schedule a private consultation.