You may call them “the twins,” but very few women have identical breasts. Some variation between the breasts is typical – a condition known as breast asymmetry. Most of the time, asymmetry is mild and barely noticeable. Some women may have more prominent, potentially bothersome asymmetry.
What Causes Breast Asymmetry?
There are many potential causes for breast asymmetry, but this condition has a strong genetic link. If your mother, grandmother, or other close relative has breast asymmetry, you may develop the condition too.
Common causes of breast asymmetry include the following.
Adolescence: Sometimes one breast starts to grow sooner than the other during early puberty. The reason for this early-onset asymmetry isn’t clear, but it may be due to more breast tissue cells in one breast or a greater hormone sensitivity. The smaller breast will often catch up to the larger side, but it can take time and patience.
Pregnancy: Breasts often appear asymmetrical during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Hormonal changes during pregnancy may impact one breast more than the other. During breastfeeding, a baby may prefer to feed more on one side than the other, creating the appearance of asymmetry.
Atypical ductal hyperplasia: This condition causes abnormal growth of the breasts’ milk ducts. It has links to breast lumps and an increased risk of breast cancer. It can also create differences in breast size and appearance.
Hypoplastic breasts: Hypoplastic breasts are underdeveloped. This condition can result from injury to the breasts, some medical conditions, hormones, or unknown reasons.
Juvenile hypertrophy: Juvenile hypertrophy is extreme breast development, usually occurring on only one breast. Doctors have yet to pinpoint this rare condition’s cause, but it may be linked to hormone sensitivity.
Breast asymmetry can be temporary or long-lasting. For temporary issues like pregnancy or breastfeeding, time is usually the best option for correcting the size discrepancy. Breast surgery can resolve permanent breast asymmetry.
When Should I Be Concerned About Uneven Breasts?
Minor differences in breast size or shape are almost always normal. However, if you notice a sudden or significant change in one breast, such as a lump, swelling, skin dimpling, or nipple discharge, you should contact your doctor to rule out any underlying health conditions, including breast cancer.
How Is Breast Asymmetry Diagnosed?
If you are concerned about breast asymmetry, a physical exam and medical history review will help determine whether your condition is normal or if further evaluation is needed. Your doctor may recommend imaging tests, such as a mammogram or ultrasound, especially if the change is recent or accompanied by other symptoms.
Should I Worry If One Breast Is Bigger Than the Other?
In most cases, no. Slight breast asymmetry is incredibly common and not typically a cause for concern. Many women discover that one breast is slightly fuller, sits a bit higher, or has a different shape than the other. This variation is often due to natural differences in development and body structure. However, if the change is sudden or paired with unusual symptoms (such as pain, lumps, or nipple discharge), it’s important to seek medical evaluation.
Can I Correct My Uneven Breasts Without Surgery?
Some women prefer to explore nonsurgical solutions. These include:
Supportive Bras and Inserts: Padded or custom bras can create the appearance of symmetry under clothing.
Posture and Strength Training: Building chest and shoulder muscles may enhance breast symmetry in some cases, especially when mild asymmetry is posture-related.
Hormonal Management: In rare cases where hormonal imbalances affect breast size, treating the underlying issue may help.
Although nonsurgical methods don’t change breast tissue itself, they can improve your appearance and confidence without the need for an operation.
Surgical Options for Correcting Breast Asymmetry
While nonsurgical options may show some improvement, surgery provides the most lasting and precise corrections. If you have breast asymmetry, treatment options may be available. Dr. Landis may perform breast surgery to even out the appearance of your breasts.
Breast lift: A breast lift removes excess skin and lifts the breasts into a more youthful position.
Breast augmentation: Breast augmentation places implants into the breasts to increase their size. Saline breast implants are a helpful tool for treating asymmetry, as Dr. Landis fills the implants after placing them inside the breasts, allowing him to adjust volume to create symmetry.
Breast reduction: In breast reduction, Dr. Landis removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to reduce the size of the breasts.
Often, a combination of breast surgery techniques is the recommended approach for correcting breast asymmetry. If you have a troublesome size difference between your breasts, come see Dr. George Landis to explore your options. To ensure more natural-looking, balanced results, Dr. Landis typically operates on both breasts.
Contact Dr. Landis by calling (952) 562-5940 or reaching out via our simple online form.