What are the causes of asymmetrical breasts?

There are various factors which can cause asymmetrical breasts, including genetics, hormonal changes, trauma and puberty. Breast tissue can change during ovulation, leaving the breasts feeling fuller and more sensitive. It is not unusual for breasts to look bigger during this stage in a woman’s menstrual cycle because of water retention and blood flow. They return to normal size during menstruation.

A condition called juvenile hypertrophy of the breast can cause one breast to grow significantly larger than the other. This is a rare condition which can often have a negative impact on a woman’s mental health. This can be corrected with surgery.

What does asymmetry in breasts mean?

Breast asymmetry means one breast has a different size, volume, position, or form from the other. Breast asymmetry is very common and this condition affects more than half of all women.

Some studies have indicated that women with breast cancer have a greater breast asymmetry than healthy women. However there are plenty of other risk factors involved and more research into the subject is needed.

What if one breast is lower than the other?

It is completely normal - and pretty common - for a woman to have one breast hanging lower than the other one. This is not usually a cause for concern. However if the size of your breasts change or the density variation becomes larger over time, it would be a good idea to speak to a medical professional.

Is asymmetric breast tissue a sign of malignancy?

Some studies have shown women with breast cancer had a greater breast asymmetry than women who were healthy. But other risk factors, including age and genetics, also play a major role.

More studies are being carried out into the possible link between asymmetric breasts and breast cancer.

Breast asymmetry is a common outcome following invasive surgery to excise a tumour.

What procedures can restore breast symmetry?

It is perfectly normal to have asymmetric breasts. However, breast uplift surgery can help to make breasts symmetrical again.

Here at the Cadogan Clinic, one of our expert surgeons will assess how best to correct the variances during your procedure.

Breast uplifts can be carried out without the need for implants, resulting in a more youthful breast shape by raising the nipple and removing excess skin. This procedure can help to improve shape and symmetry, with minimal changes in breast volume. This type of breast uplift is also known as a mastopexy.

Lipofilling or fat grafting to the breast will lift the breasts in a similar way to using implants but has the added advantage that the shape can be adjusted by the placement of the fat.

To ensure the best possible results, the surgeon may also recommend a breast enlargement or reduction, to be performed alongside the breast lift procedure.

Here at the Cadogan Clinic, we use virtual imaging software to help patients visualize potential outcomes to their individual case via Crisalix Imaging software. Our expert surgeons also help to guide patients to manage their own expectations and increase the chances of achieving their goals.