Breast Asymmetry
Quincy Plastic Surgery Specialist - Dr. Moss
Breast asymmetry is commonly seen in Dr. Moss' practice since most women are not perfectly even. If a woman has breast fed and has favored one breast over the other, the favored breast may sag more than the other, or be more deflated.
If the difference in size is less than 20 to 25 cc, and the patient wants bilateral breast augmentation, Dr. Moss will often use implants of the same size. This is because the difference is diminished with larger breasts to the point that it is barely noticeable.
However, there are also women who have significantly different size or shape breasts, e.g., one breast is often an A cup and the other a C cup or the contour may also be significantly different. The shape of the two breasts may also be significantly different. It is not unusual for women in this situation to feel very self conscious about their appearance. Dr. Moss' comment will always be: "We see a lot more of this than you might think."
Breast Asymmetry is something that can be improved or corrected. The degree of symmetry than can be achieved is to a large degree dependent on the patient's existing condition. It is usually possible to achieve symmetry in size although symmetry in shape can be more challenging. While you can (1) place an implant in a breast (breast augmentation) to increase size of a breast, (2) lift a breast (mastopexy) to reduce sag, or (3) remove some of the breast tissue (breast reduction) to reduce the size of a breast, you cannot change the actual width of a breast. Therefore, if the pre-existing width of one breast is significantly different from the other, the patient should not expect perfect symmetry. However, a significant improvement can usually be achieved.
First the patient needs to decide what she wants to change. Obviously, all patients want their final result to be breasts of the same size. However, ultimately it is the patient's choice to decide:
- Does she want both breasts made smaller (bilateral breast reduction)?
One breast could have more breast tissue removed than the other side, to achieve symmetry. - Does she want both breasts made larger (bilateral breast augmentation)?
The smaller breast would have a larger implant, to achieve symmetry. Please note, that one or both sides may require a subsequent mastopexy at a later date to improve differences in shape and sag. - Does she want one side only made smaller: (unilateral breast reduction)?
Please note that she may need the smaller size lifted (mastopexy) at the same time to achieve symmetry in shape and sag. - Does she want one side only made larger: (unilateral breast augmentation)?
Please note that she may need the existing larger side lifted (mastopexy) at the same time to achieve symmetry in shape and sag. - Does she want one side made smaller (unilateral breast reduction) and one side made larger (breast augmentation)?
This is less common and would involve a situation of greater asymmetry. Please note that the side that is augmented may need a subsequent mastopexy to achieve symmetry in shape and sag.
Dr. Moss helps a patient decide what procedures will help achieve symmetry concerning shape and sag. However, he wants the patient to identify what she is trying to achieve as far as size is concerned. It is not uncommon for an asymmetrical breast patient to say, "If it weren't for the asymmetry, I would not be here." Obviously however, if both breasts are different sizes, some decision has to be made about going larger or going smaller. Dr. Moss feels that ultimately, a patient will be happier with her end result if she knows what she would like to achieve. Dr. Moss will explain a patient's options during her consultation and then she can review these options before making a decision.
Patients should also be aware that if a single breast is going to require both an implant and a breast lift (mastopexy), Dr. Moss would usually perform these surgeries staged, at least six months apart. However, he can simultaneously implant one breast and lift (mastopexy) the other breast. Patients should also be aware that when a patient is having a breast reduction, this procedure also lifts the breast at the same time.
During the consultation, Dr. Moss will show you before and after pictures so that you might see what can be realistically achieved. He has found that patients who have come to him for treatment of breast asymmetry are very grateful.
Health insurance companies do not usually cover surgery for breast asymmetry unless it is due to a mastectomy for breast cancer or the amount of tissue to be removed would qualify the patient for a medical breast reduction (usually a DD cup size or larger). Dr. Moss performs surgery to correct breast asymmetry only on a cosmetic basis and is not a provider for any medical insurance carrier.
This patient had a breast reduction to correct breast asymmetry. Dr. Moss removed a larger amount of breast tissue from the larger breast to provide for more symmetrical breasts.
More Breast Plastic Surgery Information:
Read breast cosmetic surgery articles written by Carla and Dr. Moss in our breast surgery blog.
Return to the main Procedures page or click on a link below to learn about other Breast Enhancement plastic surgery procedures:
Call us at 508.747.1322 or 781.337.2421
