Asymmetric (Un-Even) Breasts By Patrick Mallucci

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Breast asymmetry – Uneven breasts

Breast asymmetry is very common, indeed a woman’s breasts are never perfectly symmetrical. However, in some women the difference is more obvious, and there is a whole spectrum of ‘unevenness’ from a mild discrepancy in size between the two breasts, to full development on one side and none on the other.

Breast asymmetry can be a cause of great distress, deeply affecting personal and social life. It is very common to hear about hampered relationships, lack of self confidence, social inhibition and simply the difficulty and embarrassment in choosing clothes and swimwear in particular.

It is also something which many find difficult to talk about with friends and family, it is not uncommon to come across girls in their late teens and early twenties whose families have been totally unaware of their predicament simply because it was something that had always been covered up and not talked about. Most women are unaware that breast asymmetry is actually very common and as aesthetic breast surgeons it is something that we see a lot of.

In general, once a significant difference has been established between two breasts by the early/mid teens it is a myth to think that the other side will ‘catch up’ – because it never does. This is the point at which it is advisable to start to seek medical advice and help. Many leave it until later and of course this is not a problem.

There are many options for the treatment of asymmetric (uneven) breasts depending on the nature and degree of the problem.

The aim of surgery is to create two breasts which are as similar to each other as possible. It is however, important that expectations are set at the right level, because naturally, two breasts which start off being completely different cannot be identical but they can be much more similar than they were.

The principles of the treatment are not only to adjust volume but also shape and dimension. Often it is not just that one side is smaller than the other but there, will also be a difference in the nipple height, the nipple areola diameter, the width of the breasts and the overall appearance. All of these issues need to be addressed.

Surgery usually consists of a combination of the use of implants with lifting and ‘evening-up’ procedures. The most common scenario is when the smaller breast requires an implant to ‘catch-up’ with the bigger breast, but the bigger breast will need a small lift and adjustment to make it look more like the enlarged smaller breast. Alternatively, if both breasts are small and uneven then sometimes different volume implants will be required to enlarge them by the same amount. Where both breasts are large but uneven, the larger of the two can be reduced and lifted to match the smaller one. Usually, surgery is a combination of these techniques depending on the situation and each case needs to be treated on an individual basis.

It is advisable to speak to your surgeon at Mybreast about your specific problem and he/she will set out the most appropriate treatment for you explaining the aims, the options and the possible outcomes. Occasionally it will take more than one procedure to get things right. But this will be discussed at the time of your consultation.

The important message is that whilst breast asymmetry is relatively common it is something which can be dealt with by surgery and is generally a very gratifying procedure. As specialists in aesthetic breast surgery, The Firm's surgeons will be delighted to advise on the best possible solution for you.

Find out more about Breast Asymmetry at Mybreast

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Your comments

May 28th 2009 at 00:12:38

Iluba said ...

I just just had my 2nd BA. first was 2 years ago, had tear drop 300cc, these turned, unfortunately i wasn't aware it was a problem until i went for a screening. I have now had 2nd op exactly 4 days ago. Round, textured 325cc. Unfortunately I am noticing a ripple across my right one. Should I have request to have this changed? Is there anything I can do to fix this now before it gets worse? Will it get worse? Many Thanks

July 7th 2009 at 17:36:56

Kristina said ...

Is the bio dynamics a good way to determine how breasts will look after surgery? I already have over high profile, round implants which are 400cc. The make is Nagor. My natural bra size was 34A, I am now a D/DD. However, the gap between my boobs is at least two and a half inches wide. Woild another procedure involving biogger implants improve this? Woul the bio dynamics help to aid this problem in terms of practicality? Thanks.

July 7th 2009 at 17:37:12

Kristina said ...

July 21st 2009 at 01:30:01

Georgina said ...

Hello I underwent breast augmentation 5 weeks ago i have notice for the past 2 weeks my right breast is about and inch lower than the left one and the nipple seems to be much higher on my right breast than my left i am very happy with the look of my left breast but the right one is very different to the left please can you tell me whats happen and whats going on and i have done everying my ps told me to and have worn my sports bra 24/7 please help!

July 23rd 2009 at 23:44:36

julie said ...

I've been thinking about having my breasts enlarged for a few years.I'm a 34aaa if that, and find it very hard to get bra's in my size.I find it embarrassing/depressing, when i have to walk into a children's shop do see if they do my size,most of the time they don't have so i end up buying the next size up, my question is? I've lost weight the top half of my body, and u can see/feel my ribs,and around my chest,i aslo suffer with panic attacks and they are under control , and a mussel/bone problem.My friend said this may pose a problem. And would like to find out, if i'm wasting my time considering the op.thanks and would be grateful for a response,before making any phone calls.

August 2nd 2009 at 16:07:27

Amy said ...

Hi, I have been thinking about having something done about the asymmetry of my breats for a while. I only have a small difference of about half a cup size, my left side is a large B and my right a large C, however the right side is about one inch lower and my nipple on this side is larger and in a lower position. I don't think I will be happy with the result of having implants as you rarely see 'fake boobs' that look natural or very attractive and from what I can tell it's not a very effective way of correcting asymmetry issues. Also am I happy with the shape and size of my left breast so am relcutant to change a breast I am happy with. I have had a few consultations with regards to having my right breast uplifted but am worried as this a unnecessary and risky procedure and am concerned about the effect it will have once I have children and breast feed. If anyone has any advise or if anyone has had an uplift on one side I would be very grateful to hear your opinion.

August 12th 2009 at 17:44:00

Orlagh said ...

I am 19 years old and I have had asymmetric breasts since before I can remember, and it is noticable, my left breast is at least two cup sizes smaller than my right. I have thought about every form of breast augmentation from surgery to the macrolane breast injection. I want to how risky it would be to undergo surgery, because the thought of it scares me. Please tell me the truth, all you usually here about cosmetic surgery is the upside so you never get the full story.

September 8th 2009 at 14:11:15

Tracey said ...

I had large breast implants ten years ago when I was 9 stone, taking me from a 32D to a 32G, for the last five years I have been 10stone 7lbs and a 36GG my breats now give me problems with neck & back pain and the added discomfort of unwanted attention and not being able to buy clothes that fit. I want to have the implants removed and have reconstruction surgery i.e uplift to remove the excess skin that the implants would have caused and be reduced to a cup size C or smaller. Is this type of surgery possible? And what would the cost be?

September 13th 2009 at 09:02:48

Anon said ...

I have inverted nipples, i was wondering the approximate cost of surgery for both breasts, and the length of time between a consultation and possible surgery. Also is scarring likely for this type of surgery. Thank you

January 3rd 2010 at 22:47:12

Grace said ...

I have had uneven breast since i was about 11, there is about 2cup sizes difference, i have never spoken to anyone about this as i am always to embrrassed, i have recently been looking online and want to see if i can have the plastic surgery change this, there is so much information and i just don't no what to do, i have no self confidence, and i feel at 23 my life needs to change, thank you for your response.

May 13th 2009 at 19:15:36

CATRINA JONES said ...

I underwent breast augmentation 3 weeks ago, whilst my left breast seemed to drop down in the first couple of days, the right is still fairly high. I seemed to have alot more pain in this one and more swelling. However, I am actually happier with the right breast and its higher position as the left seems to have dropped too much with alot of the implant on the lower side of my nipple. I had to travel quite far for the operation and on my way back I had to carry a bag. It wasn't very heavy but I used my left hand to carry it when I had to as it was the side with the least amout of pain. I am wondering whether this could have caused my implant to bottom out on the left. I have a slightly curved spine which may also be the cause for this assymmetry as I notice that the right incision is a good centimetre higher than the right. This doesn't seem to be the case when I lie down. I guess I should give it more time before all this worrying. Would be grateful for your opinion.

May 15th 2009 at 13:21:51

lucy james said ...

3 yrs ago i had breast implants and uplift on the right side as they were very uneven.im not happy at all with the results they are still very uneven,i also wanted them alot bigger than they are. and when the nurse was taking out my stitches she took inside stiches out by mistake which has caused my scaring to be larger.i didnt want to go back as i was worried something else would go wrong.now i cant even have a relationship because of the way i look im still as self concious as before i had the op.please help im very down about this.thank you.

May 16th 2009 at 03:15:33

Anon said ...

I want to ask a question that will sound stupid but would like someone to answer. I have differance of 3 sizes (B and a DD) since I was 11 . I did seek medical help and was told I'd have to wait until I was at least 18 to have sugery but when the time came I am sad to say that I was given very bad advice and told to wait a bit longer and then a bit longer still and then when the time came when I really could not cope anymore, I was told my PCT No longer funded this type of op and as I really do not have any way of funded this privately, I have been in a battle with my GPs and such to get this done as the psychological damage has been extreme. I got as far as seeing a consultant who agreed that I was an exceptional case and was going to put in a request but so far I have not heard a yes or no (I am expecting a no but will appeal) but I wanted to ask something that made me wonder if they would try to use this as a reason not to give me the funding. I am at least 6 stone overweight (H

May 22nd 2009 at 01:14:11

A Evans said ...

Over a period of 17years I have had three augmentations/revisions. The last revision 12years ago was carried out using the existing implants (which are now 16yrs. old. I've not had problems re; encapsulation or pain but I feel they are too low and large for my small frame (250cc's) As I'm now much older I feel frumpy. In spite of all this surgery I've never really liked the look when undressed, they don't seem to "sit" evenly and the nipple balance is way out, I have to do adjustments when getting dressed. The first implants were behind the muscle, the next proceedures were in front. I must have "pockets" all over the place! I don't want further surgery if I can't improve on things. I think I'm due for a routine screening very soon, I would like to get an Ultra Sound to check for leakage etc. From what I've explained I wonder what your thoughts are. Regards Avril Evans

May 22nd 2009 at 20:07:14

Rebekah said ...

I January 09 I had a breast reduction performed I was a 32h prior to surgery I discussed at lenght the size i wished to achieve 32b/c Now I have ended up a 32d/dd on one size and a 32f on the other I am very disappointed with the outcome I discussed it with the doctor and he said he cant do anything for 9 months I am so embarassed with the suitation I feel depressed any advice

February 3rd 2010 at 15:22:17

Nat said ...

I am just over 3 months post-op following surgery to correct my asymmetry. I had a left breast reduction and bilateral implants with a reputable surgeon. I had a good understanding that perfection was never going to be achieved, but I am really disappointed with the outcome. My left breast is still somewhat larger, as is the areola. Both nipples are not in-line with eachother, and I have a section of skin between the breasts that looks stretched. I saw my surgeon about 6 weeks after my operation, at the time I didn't mention my worries because it was so early on. However, when I asked if I should come back for any more check-ups she said she was reluctant to see me again because of a accounts discrepancy. Should I wait a bit longer to see if things look any better, or should I go back to my surgeon as soon as I can? I would love to get a second opinion but I'm not in a suitable financial situation following my last op. Is there anyone I could go to for some much needed advice? My GP Perhaps?

March 23rd 2010 at 22:03:39

michelle said ...

i just had a uplift 2 weeks ago and and both my boobs look a diffrent shape will they stay like or is this normal even my nipples look uneven michelle

March 30th 2010 at 20:20:25

Sonia said ...

Hi, I had breast enlargement in 2000, incision through the areola. Just weeks after i had the operation, i had a type of blister on one of my breasts were the incision was. My breast started leaking fluid and i thought my implant had burst. It hadn't it was just excess fluid. I went to my local hospital, were my surgeon also worked for the NHS, i was given antibiotics and sent home. Days later, the area were the incision was made began to open, and i had a green leakage. I went back to the NHS hospital again and the surgeon gave me more antibiotics to take home and dressings. I went to the hospital for at least 4 weeks getting more and more antibiotics and dressings. At this time my incision cut was wide open and i could see my implant. I couldn't take any more of going back and forth to the hospital so the surgeon allocated a bed for me to administer intravenous antibiotics. I was in hospital for over a week on these antibiotics. Not long after this i had the implants removed as the infection would not clear up. I am left with sagging breasts, one slightly bigger than the other, one areola and nipple higher than the other, and they were symmetrical before i had the procedure. I have waited many years to get the courage to have my breasts done again. I now feel i need more than just implants to get the breasts i want. I am very scared in case the same thing happens again, but i can't bare looking at my breasts any more the way they are. I did not get any explanation from the surgeon as to why this happened, and also why he waited so long to remove them. I did go private for the procedure, in a private hospital, yet all my after care was done in an NHS hospital. What i would like to know is, will it be possible to correct some other surgeons work? What is the likelihood the same thing will happen again? Thank you. ST

April 15th 2010 at 21:35:07

kelly said ...

i am extremely unhappy with the surgery i have had. what a complete waste of money. I want a full refund or for my breasts to be corrected by a surgeon that specialises in this kind of procedure.

April 30th 2010 at 16:21:49

donna said ...

ive had a breast augmentment 3 months ago now im not happy with results.my left side was smaller than the right to start with.so the surgeon put 370cc in the left high profile and 320cc in the right mod both anatomicals.the left is higher than right and the shape is different aswell,they look odd.dont look good in bra or bikini.what should i do they dont look there going to even out at all.

July 12th 2010 at 22:56:25

maria said ...

hi, I had a breast enlargement in jan of last year my surgeon told me that one was bigger and the other was slightly lower , a few months after I went to see him as i was very surprised at how different they looked ,one sits higher than the other and my nipples point in completly different directions, he said that to make them more even he would need to do a breast lift on the one that was lower ,he didnt mention that as a possibility before the operation he just said they may not be perfectly even,I assumed that they would be more similar but their more noticably different than before ,in my opinion, the size of my breasts is why i had the surgery not the difference between them but i now feel unhappy with it . Do you think a lift would make much difference ? are their other procedures that may help ?

May 19th 2009 at 12:54:10

Patrick Mallucci replied @ Anon...

Dear reader, Thank you very much for your contribution to our blog regarding your long standing breast asymmetry. i would like to start by saying that i have much sympathy for your situation, and for someone who sees a lot of breast asymmetry the tale you tell is a very familiar one. It is very unfortunate when young women are advised to wait for years through difficult times in their development when in reality change never occurs naturally. i advise young women and GPs to seek specialst advice early on what can be done rather than delay. I think it is very positive that you have managed to see a specialist for advice and many PCTs will fund surgery for breast asymmetry. however, weight is an important issue when it comes to surgery for many reasons. If you are currently more than 6 stone overweight i would suggest that it is highly likely that your surgeon will encourage you to lose a significant amount of weight prior to your surgery. Being overweight increases many of the risks associated with surgery both in general terms and specific to the operation itself. For example risks of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are much higher, respiratory problems are also more common as are difficulties with would healing, nipple problems and infection of the breasts themselves. It is very important that the risks of going through the surgery do not outweigh the benefits, and it is vital to get you as 'fit' for surgery as possible in order to get the best and safest outcome. Being asked to lose weight should be seen seen as a positive step rather than a delay - with the ultimate 'carrot' as the surgery at the end of it.

May 26th 2009 at 11:32:45

Patrick Mallucci replied @ A Evans...

Dear Ms Evans, Thank you for your communication about your previous surgeries. I understand how frustrating it must be to have gone through so much surgery and still not find you are happy with the outcome. Breast asymmetry is often very difficult to correct and it is fair to say that 2 breasts that started off very differently will rarely be the same even after surgery - they will often be better that they were prior to intervention. That said, if you are unhappy and are wondering what can be done further then it is probably sensible to seek another opinion. Your nearest mybreast surgeon will be very happy to see you and advise. Patrick Mallucci

May 26th 2009 at 11:33:56

Patrick Mallucci replied @ Rebekah...

Dear Rebekah, thank you for your correspondence regarding your recent breast reduction. It sounds like you have a relatively large size discrepancy between your two breasts following the surgery. It is often the case that it takes time for things to settle and your surgeon may feel it is too early to decide. It may take up to 6 months for tissues to settle from the swelling and for healing to progress before being able to fully assess the outcome. If you are not happy, you must air your views with your surgeon or seek another opinion. One of our mybreast surgeons close to you would be happy to see you and offer advice. Patrick Mallucci

January 20th 2010 at 15:09:32

Patrick Mallucci replied @ Iluba...

Thank you for your enquiry lluba. The first thing i would say is that at just 4 days post op it is probably difficult to know how things will turn out. I think you need to keep it under observation until things settle over the next while before looking at any revision. Naturally without seeing you it is difficult to say for sure what the problem might be. please feel free to contact us should you want an opinion.

January 20th 2010 at 15:10:08

Patrick Mallucci replied @ Kristina...

The biodynamic system is designed to help in the selection process of the implant - it does not show you what you might look like. As regards the gap between your breasts, i suspect this has always been present but is nnow more evident with your implants in place. I do not think a larger implant will solve this - if you were a 34A, then 400cc is a big implant for you. Biodynamic would not be helpful in this situation.

January 20th 2010 at 15:11:17

Patrick Mallucci replied @ Georgina...

Hi georgina, it is difficult to say without seeing you, but occasionally implants can slip out of position. The best thing to do is to see your surgeon to discuss the issue and your concerns and he will be able to assess if anything untoward has happened. we would of course be delighted to see you if you so wish - feel free to contact us at any time.

January 20th 2010 at 15:12:57

Patrick Mallucci replied @ julie...

If you have been considering breast augmentation for a while it is probably worth seeing a surgeon for advice - implants come in all different shapes and sizes - very much tailored for each individual. if you are very thin in your upper body smaller implants (often tear drop in your situation) can be selected to blend in with your body shape and breast size. My advice is to see one of our surgeons to get some first hand advice.

January 20th 2010 at 15:13:40

Patrick Mallucci replied @ Amy...

Breast asymmetry is very common and something which we deal with often. i agree that it is always simpler and easier to establish better symmetry when implants are not used in certain cases. if you are happy with the smaller breast then the most straightforward action would be to lift/reduce the larger breast to match this, the areola size can also be adjusted. Your desire to have this done depends entirely on how unhappy you are with your situation at present - and only you can decide that!

January 20th 2010 at 15:14:16

Patrick Mallucci replied @ Orlagh...

Surgery for breast asymmetry is very common and with the size discrepancy you have most often an implant/implants would be necessary to even you out. Whilst it is important to understand that all surgery carries risks - something your surgeon will talk to you about in depth - it is also worth noting that this surgery is very common and is generally very safe. My advice for you is to arrange a consulation with one of our surgeons who will be able to explain things in much greater depth having assessed your situation.

January 20th 2010 at 15:14:57

Patrick Mallucci replied @ Tracey...

Hi tracey, thank you for your enquiry. Your situation is not a unique one and it is not uncommon for people to want to 'down-size' after a period of time. As you mention this would usually involve removing the implants and lifting or tightening the breasts accordingly. Heavy implants have the effect of stretching the skin of the breast, making it droopier and less elastic. Any of our surgeons would be delighted to see you to advise on the best way forward. please feel free to contact the office if you require further information with regards to pricing.

January 20th 2010 at 15:18:02

Patrick Mallucci replied @ Anon...

Thank you for your enquiry about inverted nipples. the scarring for this is usually minimal and not visible - it is normally carried out as a day case under local anaesthesia as a walk-in-walk-out procedure with minimal down time. for costs it is best to contact one of our patient advisers by telephone (on the website) for them to give you a quote.

January 20th 2010 at 15:42:09

Patrick Mallucci replied @ Grace...

Thank you for your enquiry grace. Your story is a very typical one, ie of having breast asymmetry and not being able to speak about it. i would like to start be reassuring you that this is an extremely common phenomenon for which plastic surgery can go a long way to improve the symmetry between the 2 breasts. there are various ways that this can be done depending on your individual situation - breast size, discrepancy, over all body shape and size etc. I would strongly advise you to get in touch with the office to a book a consultaion with one of our surgeons who will be able to advise you on the various options for you.

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