Causes of breast asymmetry | Breast Symmetry

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Breast Symmetry

Breast are an important aesthetic characteristic of women. It symbolises feminity. Perfectly shaped breasts make a women feel very womanly and thus improves her confidence. Misshapen or asymmetric breasts is not uncommon and many women suffer from diffidence due to this

Asymmetric breasts are more common than one would think so. In fact, it is said that majority have asymmetry of some extent, no two breasts are simi-lar. The breast asymmetry could be in size of the breasts, shape of the breasts, position of the nipple or ptosis (sagging). The milder asymmetries may not disturb the women much, but when the asym-metries are beyond one cup size of her bra, she fre-quently faces distress. Even finding bras to fit be-comes difficult. Extreme asymmetry is when one breast fails to develop at all ( aplasia)

Causes of breast asymmetry:

Breast asymmetry are usually developmental, but could also be congenital (birth defects). During breast development, one side fails to develop and stays small (hypoplasia). In others, the opposite happens, and one breast develops more causing hyperplasia. Congenital conditions like Polands syndrome can also cause poor development of the affected side breasts and upper limb. Tuberous deformity is another congenital condition where breast is narrow and constricted and breast tissue appears to herniate out through this constriction.

Who should have it done?

Any women or girl who has completed breast de-velopment and is distressed by any asymmetry in the size, shape, level of her nipples or position of her breasts should consider a consultation with an aesthetic Plastic Surgeon at Aesthetics, to consider the options for correction of the asymmetry

How old should you be before you can have a Correction-

dult woman of any age can benefit from procedures for correction of breast symmetry, however it is recommended that breasts be fully developed prior to breast augmentation.

Options for correction of breast asymmetry-

As discussed before, breast asymmetry could be due to a variety of reasons. One breast may be smaller or undeveloped and would benefit by a unilateral breast augmentation. In other cases, one breast may be larger than average and may need a breast reduction to match the normal looking breast. If one breast is sagged more than the other, then that can be lifted up by a procedure called mastopexy. In tuberous breasts a special procedure, which releases the constriction and reshapes the breast, along with an implant or expander has to be used.

Technique-

The technique for the surgery would depend on what has to be done. Details on breast augmentation or reduction can be obtained from the respective pages. What is very important clinically is to assess the breast volume, so that we can match them perfectly. In Aesthetics, we use a special devise called external shell sizers, along with various measurements, to assess the existing breast and normal breast size and plan the size of the breast to be achieved. We have scientific evidence that this technique of assessment gives 85% accuracy in matching breasts. This is not the only way we assess the breast volume, there are many other formulas and techniques, which our surgeons at Aesthetics will be happy to explain to you. If an augmentation is necessary, an implant has to be selected that will fill in the volume difference between the two breasts. Some women want enlargement of both breasts, in that case a differential breast augmentation has to be done. If one breast is larger, then that larger breast has to be reduced to the size of the smaller breast. This is only possible if an estimate of the breast volumes of each breastis available. Sometime, both breasts are larger, although one is larger than the other, in that case a differential breast reduction has to be done.

What should you do if you wish to have breast asymmetry corrected?
It is important for you to seek an appointment of the Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon at Aesthetics. An examination and detailed consultation would educate you as to the best option to correct your breast asymmetry. He would also tell you the operative details and the post operative course and care.

What to expect?
The post operative course would depend on the type of procedure done to correct the asymmetry. The details of the post operative course can be found in the respective articles elsewhere. However, on a general basis, you will experience swelling and bruising after the surgery. These will subside by 3-6 weeks. The breasts might be in higher than expected position and they will settle to a more natural and pleasing location and shape in 3 - 6 months.
After the operation, you may have mild to moderate discomfort, most noticeable only on movement. This is easily controllable with oral medication. In a weeks time most medication can be stopped.
We advise you to refrain from vigorous activity for two weeks and aerobic upper body exercise for six weeks to allow your wounds to heal.
We strongly advice you to wear a firm supportive bra continuously for eight weeks. This helps in fixing the implant in proper position and reduces risk of rotation of implant.
Following your breast surgery, you will enjoy a new more pleasing shape, with better symmetry and in better position to your physique.

Possible risks and complications-
Surgical Risks: some are general risks that are common to many operations and some are specific.
The specific risks are detailed in the respective pages of augmentation and reduction. The risks and complications of tuberous breast correction are similar.

Results and Outlook
The results of procedures to make the breast symmetrical are immediately visible. Final results appear gradually over the next few weeks as swelling resolves and breast size and shape settles. Incision lines typically will continue to fade over the next year. Over time, your breast can change due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors and gravity. However, your new enhanced breast contour and the freedom to wear the clothes you enjoy without the need for padded bras should bring you added self-confidence whether at the beach or boardroom.