Unequal breast sizes and shape (Breast Asymmetry)
Most women have some differences in the size of each breast. However, this is usually less than 10% difference. A number of women have marked differences during breast development persisting throughout life. These variations can result in differences in both size and shape of the breast. This can make a woman feel very self-conscious, as well as giving her difficulties with bra and clothes fitment.
Types of breast asymmetry
Most commonly both breasts are normal shape but simply different sizes. This is true developmental breast asymmetry. Another common pattern in this group is one small conical (pert) breast and another larger breast but with droop. Both in themselves are acceptable shapes but different in the same patient.
The next group have abnormal breast shape. The breast is often very constricted with a very narrow base but a small droopy breast and large nipple. These are the tuberous breast deformities.
The third group of patients are associated with absence of underlying muscles and sometimes rib-cage and is called Polands Syndrome.
What can be done? This depends whether the patient considers the problem to be isolated to just one or both breasts.
The use of breast implants, breast reduction and breast lifts can be used alone or in combination to achieve the required results.
When the smaller breast is preferred a simple breast reduction of the larger breast can be considered. When the larger breast is preferred but both are of good shape breast implants on one or both sides are used. If there is no breast development at all (as with Polands syndrome) then a tissue expander (stretching device) may be used first.
When one or both breasts are drooping or of a poor shape then some form of breast lift or reduction are used on one or both sides, sometimes with implants.
In summary a lot can be done to improve unequal breast size and shape. The techniques can be a combination of breast reduction, mastopexy (breast lift), breast enlargement and reconstruction with a tissue expander and breast implants.
The options appropriate to each patient will be presented at consultation and a decision made as to which is the most appropriate method for that individual.
