There’s lots of attention on making breasts bigger with augmentation or making them smaller with a reduction, but there’s many women who’d settle for just having their breasts the same size. Whether it’s because of breast feeding, or they might have always been lopsided, having uneven breasts can be a cause of embarrassment and have many side effects such as insecurity in the bedroom. Dr Jeremy Hunt, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon based in Edgecliff NSW performs loads of breast procedures each year to even up asymmetrical breasts and talks to us about what’s involved.
Why are some boobs and nipples different sizes?
Firstly, it is estimated that over half the women around the world have asymmetrical or uneven boobs or nipples. So, you’re in good company! It’s perfectly normal and most humans have some sort of body asymmetry whether it’s unmatching fingers, toes, boobs or anything else. So most of the time the cause of asymmetry is just nature. Sometimes it may become more pronounced or obvious with hormonal changes during puberty, breastfeeding, because of benign lumps or even breast cancer. Don’t be alarmed by this last one though, as the majority of women just have uneven boobs and nipples because of what they were given to begin with. It can be differences in size, shape, position, volume, nipple size or anything else.
There are some women who have it worse than others though. It can cause several issues such as:
- Problems fitting bras – one boob might fit perfectly but the other one doesn’t fill the cup properly, or depending on which boob you fit the bra to, the other might be spilling out of it like a water balloon in a shot glass.
- Inability to wear tight clothes – not only is it hard to find a little black dress that hugs your contours without highlighting the mismatched boobs, but every time you want to show some cleavage it can be an issue. That goes for tank tops, t-shirts, low cut shirts, basically most clothing that exists for women unless it’s a sack. And even then it’s noticeable. Unless you pad the smaller boob’s bra cup. Forget about swimmers!!
- Self consciousness and paranoia – you know, they know, the whole world knows. This is not usually the case and most of the time you’re the only one who notices, but when they’re really different, it can be hard to imagine that not everyone else sees it.
- Insecurity in the bedroom – getting naked in front of a man or your partner can give you more worry than what it’s worth. The fact is, they’ll probably care less than you do, but when you’re that worried about it, reason doesn’t come into play. It can even stop you from becoming intimate with someone.
- Physical strain and pain – If one boob is particularly bigger or heavier than the other it can cause you to hold yourself differently and cause back, shoulder or neck pain.
Dr Hunt says, “Although everyone accepts that two breast are rarely the same size, there are times when the difference is so large it can become an embarrassment, as well as a functional problem simply fitting closes- in these cases surgical correction of the asymmetry can be life changing. I have performed hundreds and hundreds of breast augmentations over my 15 years as a plastic surgeon, including many on women with asymmetrical or tuberous breasts. As you will see from my gallery (below), the effects are profound. Having lovely, even, well-shaped breasts can give you a huge boost to your confidence and self esteem.”
What breast procedures fix breast asymmetry?
Each woman is different and the approach for each woman will be different. Some women might need a breast lift, some might need a breast augmentation with different sized implants. Some might benefit from a breast reduction on one breast, or some may require a combination of any of the above.
Dr Hunt says nipple position, skin elasticity and chest width is considered. “On your first visit I will evaluate where you are starting from with regard to your breast size and shape, and what you want the end result to be. I can explain which surgical techniques are appropriate, based on the condition of your breast and skin tone. During this consultation, I will evaluate your general health and take measurements of your breasts. I will describe alternatives and the potential risks and limitations of each procedure, as well as review the recommended pre- and post-operative course with you. At the end of the consultation, you will have pictures taken for your medical record to assist me in achieving the optimal result.”
As mentioned above, breast asymmetry is something over half of us have. For many of us, it’s not a big deal, but if it’s bothering you, you are not alone. It is suggested that around half to three quarters of women who have breast augmentations have asymmetrical boobs. Having breast surgery to correct it can change your life and give you back your self confidence.
It’s a decision that is only yours to make.
Further Reading Related to Breast Asymmetry
- Augmentation Mastopexy (Breast Lift With Implants) – Dr Jake Lim – Plastic Surgeon
- Uneven Breast Surgery by Dr Kernohan in Sydney
- Breast Revision Surgery Melbourne – Dr Carmen Munteanu – Specialist
- Breast DIEP – Dr Soliman Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery by Bish Soliman
- Breast Asymmetry Correction Perth – Dr. Guy Watts