Should I worry if one breast is bigger than the other? – Many things come in matching pairs, shoes, earrings, Identical twins, but breasts aren’t usually one of them.
Breast asymmetry – when breasts vary in size, shape, or position is very common and even considered normal. The difference in breast size is most likely due to genetics. That means if your mother or grandmother had asymmetrical breasts, the chances are that you may, too. Other factors can affect breast sizes, such as trauma, hormones, and position of sleeping.
Breast asymmetry may be noticed as early as puberty. During adolescence, when breasts begin to develop, one breast may grow faster than the other. There are several reasons for this. For example, some girls have more breast tissue cells on one breast than the other, or one breast can be more sensitive to the increase in oestrogen, which is the female hormone that causes breasts to grow, than the other. Though it might take a while, usually the other breast begins to grow too and eventually, the breasts even out. When females are in their early to mid-teens, breast growth can be encouraged, so asymmetrical breasts are less of a concern.
Asymmetrical breasts can also be common in post-adolescence, with a 15-20% disparity between breasts, which is hardly noticeable. However, a 30% or higher difference in breast size is challenging to conceal.
Asymmetrical breasts may cause psychological distress and be a source of worry as it affects a woman’s self-esteem and can make her feel self-conscious, both in clothes and naked. She may experience difficulty in her relationships, her social inhibitions and may even feel embarrassed choosing clothing and bras in particular.
Many procedures can be done by specialists to even out the breasts. These procedures aim to not only adjust volume but shape and dimension too.
Asymmetrical breasts aren’t only a difference in size but also a difference in width, nipple placement, and areola diameter. Different types of surgeries will be required depending on the type of correction needed. The most common procedure requires the smaller breast to be fitted with an implant and the larger breast slightly lifted and adjusted to match the implanted one. If both the breasts are small, they would both be filled with implants, although they may require different sized implants to look even. Each case is different and will require different treatments. It is essential to consult with your doctor and be clear about the issues you’re having so they can decide on the correct treatment and discuss options and outcomes with you.
Whilst asymmetrical breasts are relatively common, there are simple procedures to correct them, and even breasts are a minor correction with a considerable impact.
Poppy Watt