How many times have you looked in the mirror and wondered why one breast is bigger than the other? Breast asymmetry is a difference of form, position or volume of the breast, and it affects millions of women. So, we asked our experts: Does breast augmentation correct asymmetrical breasts?
“Asymmetry can be more complicated in that it may have to do with the way the chest wall is built so that the ribs may be more prominent on one side than the other,” explains New York plastic surgeon David Rapaport, MD. According to Dr. Rapaport, the majority of people aren’t even aware of it, but what if you do notice a difference—what options are out there if it bothers you?
“There are cases when breast augmentation alone can dramatically improve asymmetry,” says Dr. Rapaport. San Diego plastic surgeon Joseph Grzeskiewicz, MD, agrees. “As long as it is relatively mild and can be camouflaged by volume or dimension of the implant, the asymmetry can usually be corrected with augmentation using differing implants between the two breasts,” he adds.
However, Dr. Grzeskiewicz cautions that some cases of breast asymmetry are easier to correct than others. The fix isn’t always as simple as a volume adjustment or correction of breast dimension. Nipple symmetry and the shape of the breast mound also need to be taken into consideration, and an additional procedure, like a breast lift, may be needed.
Breast asymmetry is a highly individualized concern, and Dr. Grzeskiewicz says that not every asymmetry needs to be corrected. “Even though implants are manufactured in different ‘profile types,’ and we can get differing widths and projections for the same volume, this is often not sufficient to address all asymmetries. Thus, the correction of asymmetry with implants alone requires a keen artistic eye and good analytic judgment on the part of the surgeon,” he explains. Dr. Rapaport adds, “Asymmetry can be greatly reduced using different sized plants, but what is important for patients to realize, is that we are reducing the asymmetry, not perfecting it.”
