Breast Asymmetry Correction
The majority of women have some level of breast asymmetry, but it is often minor and not very noticeable. However, sometimes one breast will vary by a cup size or more in volume, causing a marked difference in volume.
Breast asymmetry surgery benefits:
Breast Asymmetry Correction Surgery: What To Expect
Patients usually feel more confident and comfortable with their breast volume, shape, projection, and position after their breast asymmetry correction procedure. We’ll tailor your procedure to your unique anatomy and goals. First, we’ll meet you during a consultation to talk about your medical history, take measurements, and discuss treatment options based on your desired outcomes. We’ll also talk about procedural approaches, anesthesia, recovery and aftercare instructions, potential risks and complications, and expected benefits.
There are several different surgical approaches that we can take to correct breast asymmetry:
The entire procedure usually takes approximately two to three hours, and you can go home afterward. You will need somebody to drive you home, as you will not be able to operate a vehicle after anesthesia. We perform breast asymmetry corrections as outpatient procedures at our accredited Northern Arizona SurgiCenter in Flagstaff.
Common Causes of Breast Asymmetry
Breast asymmetry can have many causes, including changes in how the breast tissue forms during puberty to congenital conditions. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can sometimes exaggerate breast asymmetry. Here are some of the most common causes of breast asymmetry:
Breast Underdevelopment: Throughout the lifespan, a woman’s breasts naturally change. Sometimes one breast naturally develops more than the other, causing differences in breast bud tissue, milk-duct systems, lobes, or mammary glands.
Breast Hypertrophy: Also known as gigantomastia, breast hypertrophy is a rare condition that can affect just one breast, causing it to grow excessively.
Non-Uniform Gain or Loss of Weight in Breasts: Weight loss or gain can directly affect breast density, causing uneven changes in breast appearance.
Tuberous Breasts or Ptosis: Tuberous breasts are narrow, long, and have protruding areolas. In some cases, one breast is more tuberous than the other, resulting in asymmetry.
Prior Breast Augmentation Complication: Poor placement of the implant, implant migration, implant rupture, aged implants, and capsular contracture can all cause augmented breasts to look uneven. In some cases, a breast revision can restore symmetry by removing or replacing the implants.
Non-Uniform Breast Changes Due to Aging: The mammary glands naturally begin to shrink around age 35. Sometimes one breast will shrink more than the other, causing a noticeable difference in volume, shape, or projection. Ptosis, or sagging, is also common with aging and may disproportionately affect one breast.
Lumpectomy or Mastectomy: When breast tissue is removed as part of an oncological treatment, it can cause one breast to look or feel smaller or misshapen.
Poland Syndrome: This genetic condition usually causes one side of the patient’s chest muscle, ribs, breast, and upper extremity to be underdeveloped, causing a sunken appearance.
Pectus Excavatum: This genetic condition causes the patient’s breastbone to appear sunken or dented.
Medical Review: This procedural information has been medically reviewed by plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Brian A. Cripe, M.D.
Book Your Breast Revision Appointment
Our experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons would love to bring you in for a consultation to discuss your goals and treatment options. Fill out this form to receive a call-back shortly, or give us a call at 928-774-2300.