Breast Asymmetry

In general, most women have some degree of asymmetry (difference) between their two breasts. This difference can be seen as a difference in, shape, size or nipple height on the breast itself. In some women the inframammary creases may also be at different heights with one breast lower than the other. For patients with scoliosis there may be a difference in their chest wall causing one breast to protrude outward more than the other. Usually, the average breast differences are so minimal as to cause little or no concern for the patient pre operatively. Even if there are subtle breast asymmetries, Dr. Corbin likes to inform the patient prior to breast surgery. Sometimes a small difference in breast shape or size is magnified once the breasts are made larger.

In more obvious cases the difference between two breasts can be quite substantial, causing both physical imbalance and emotional distress for the patient.

In cases of breast asymmetry, each woman's situation is unique. The goal of corrective breast surgery is to create two breasts that match each other as closely as possible in both size and shape. This may be best achieved with corrective breast surgery on one breast or both breasts. Corrective breast surgery may include augmenting one breast and lifting or reducing the other breast. Dr. Corbin custom tailors the surgery to each individual patients needs.

Usually, following corrective breast surgery, women have a greater sense of physical balance, more self confidence, a better body image, and greater self esteem. Physical harmony can often create emotional harmony.

Types of Breast Asymmetries

• One breast is noticeably larger than the other.
• One or both breasts are different shapes.
• One or both breasts may have nipples that are at different heights, with one side higher or lower than the other.
• On one or both breasts the nipple is at or below the level of the breast fold. Sometimes most of the breast tissue is sagging low on the breast or at the bottom of the breast.
• One or both breasts may not have much breast tissue up top and there is a need for more upper breast fullness.
• One or both breasts may have large or misshapen nipple areolars that are not in proportion to the rest of the breast.

In cases of breast asymmetry, each woman's situation is unique and there are many differences that can occur with breast shapes and sizes.

In some of the more severe breast asymmetry patients no guarantee can be given that the breasts will ever be perfect or identical. However the ultimate surgical goal is to get both breasts as even in shape and size as surgically possible. Usually, following corrective breast surgery, women have a greater sense of physical balance, more self confidence, a better body image, and greater self esteem.