Breast asymmetry
Breast asymmetry is common. Within certain limits, it is considered normal. In most cases, such differences are not noticeable and do not interfere. But when breast asymmetry is too obvious, it can affect social life, cause psychological complexes and problems in relationships. In such situations, plastic surgery is necessary to correct the problem.
Types of breast asymmetry:
Several types of breast asymmetry are mentioned in the medical literature:
- volume asymmetry: there can be a noticeable difference in volume between the two breasts;
- asymmetric position: the breasts may be the same size, but the location of the mammary glands on the chest, including the areola, may not be at the same level;
- asymmetry of position and volume: we are talking about the difference both in the volume of the breasts and in their location;
- asymmetry due to deformities of the chest;
- asymmetry of areolas only.
The causes of breast asymmetry can be different:
- Congenital (Poland’s syndrome);
- Hypoplasia of the mammary glands (too small breasts as a result of development);
- Breast hypertrophy (too large, asymmetrical breasts) after breastfeeding;
- Hypertrophy of the mammary glands due to hormonal imbalance;
- Breast asymmetry after certain procedures.
Preoperative examination includes an assessment of the condition of the breast, chest, upper limbs. Congenital problems such as Poland’s syndrome must be ruled out. The level of the submammary fold, the position and diameter of the nipple-areolar complex are assessed. The thickness of the glandular tissue is assessed using the pinch test.
Operation conditions:
The plastic surgeon is the one who recommends the best intervention for each individual case. There are several conditions that patients must meet:
- not have health problems;
- breastfeeding must have been completed at least a year ago;
- the patient must be emotionally stable enough to understand the reasons why she wants the intervention, as well as how the operation is going;
- the patient must have realistic expectations in order to understand that absolute breast symmetry is not possible;
Since breast asymmetry manifests itself in various forms, the methods for their correction are just as diverse. The doctor decides to perform individual or combined operations together with the patient during the consultation, and which the optimal method of surgical intervention will be chosen. Depending on the nature and degree of asymmetry, there are several procedures that can reduce these differences: mastopexy surgery, sometimes in combination with breast augmentation surgery, or reduction mammoplasty, depending on the type of breast asymmetry.
Mastopexy is a desirable solution when there are differences in shape between the two breasts and the shape and even position of the nipples may change as a result.
If the breasts are of different sizes but similar in shape, you can opt for breast augmentation with an implant. If necessary, choose bilateral breast augmentation using implants of different sizes.
When there is a large difference in volume between the two breasts, mammoplasty is the best option to reduce the larger breast. With extreme asymmetry, a correction option may be a reduction in too large breasts and an increase in too small breasts.
Sometimes intervention on only one breast is enough to achieve acceptable symmetry.
Thus, breast asymmetry manifests itself in various forms, and the methods for its correction are just as diverse. Although achieving an absolutely perfect result is problematic, an experienced surgeon will select the optimal solution to achieve breast symmetry to such an extent as to bring maximum comfort to the patient.