How Common Is Breast Asymmetry?

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Although breast asymmetry is relatively common, it can come with some unwanted side effects, including increased self-consciousness and difficulty finding clothing or bras that fit comfortably. 

Individuals who experience emotional or physical discomfort as a result of breast asymmetry may wish to request a consultation with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. An experienced plastic surgeon can surgically correct breast asymmetry and assist patients in achieving their desired aesthetic. 

What is breast asymmetry?

Breast asymmetry is a difference in either the shape or volume of breasts, nipples, or areolas. Many people experience minor breast asymmetry, but others exhibit more noticeable differences due to their natural anatomy, hormonal changes, or as the result of certain conditions.

Three anatomical areas can cause asymmetrical breasts:

• The term breast conus refers to the physical tissue and glands in the breast. Differences in breast conus size can cause breasts to have different volumes.

• The breast footprint is where the inner breast tissue attaches to the chest wall. Differences in breast footprint size or shape can cause breasts to have different shapes.

• The breast envelope is the skin surrounding the breast, including the areolas and nipples. The breast envelope does not impact breast size, but it can make the nipples or areolas appear asymmetrical.

Every person has minor differences in each of these areas, but for those unhappy with the appearance of their breasts, identifying the cause of breast asymmetry is the first step toward choosing a surgical plan to achieve breast symmetry.

Types of Breast Asymmetry

If you are considering surgery to correct breast asymmetry, your plastic surgeon may diagnose you with one of three different types.

• A diagnosis of anisomastia indicates the volume, size, or shape of your breasts is uneven. 

• A diagnosis of anisothelia refers to significant differences in the size or shape of the areolas, nipples, or both. 

• If your doctor diagnoses you with combined asymmetry, it means your breasts exhibit both types of asymmetry.

How common is breast asymmetry?

Over 90 percent of women experience some degree of breast asymmetry, but unless the difference in breast size is 1 cup size or more, asymmetrical breasts might not be noticeable. However, even if breast asymmetry is not immediately visible, it can still cause significant insecurity or discomfort for some people. 

It is not uncommon for patients to feel self-conscious about the appearance of their areolas or nipples, for example, even though these areas are not frequently visible. Fortunately, several surgical procedures are available to help these patients feel more comfortable and confident in their appearance.

Does age play a role in breast symmetry?

While some people may notice breast asymmetry more as they age, breast asymmetry is not a typical change that occurs during aging.  

Many people first experience breast asymmetry when their breasts develop during puberty, but others with naturally symmetrical breasts may develop asymmetry due to hormonal changes during menopause, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. These changes are temporary for some people, but others may find that breast asymmetry persists even after hormone levels have reached a balanced level.

Breast Asymmetry and Breast Cancer

Breast asymmetry is not a sign of breast cancer, but severe breast asymmetry is more commonly found in those who later develop cancer. If you are concerned about your breast cancer risk, seek medical advice from a physician. They will probably schedule you for a mammogram to measure your breast symmetry and look for abnormalities in your breast tissue.

What To Do About Breast Asymmetry

There are several surgical options available for those wishing to improve breast asymmetry. In many cases, breast asymmetry can be corrected in combination with other plastic surgery procedures for those wishing for smaller or larger breasts.

Breast augmentation refers to the procedure performed to place breast implants. Individuals with different breast conus sizes may elect to have a breast augmentation procedure to increase the size of one or both breasts.

Similarly, a breast reduction procedure can be performed to reduce the size of one or both breasts while correcting uneven breasts.

Some individuals have different breast conus and breast envelope sizes. In those cases, breast reduction and breast lift procedures can help to make breasts more symmetrical; however, the outcome will be smaller breasts than before. 

A plastic surgeon can help craft a unique treatment plan to correct asymmetrical breasts while achieving a final appearance you will feel comfortable with.

The best place to start is a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon.

Whether you have been looking for a way to create your desired silhouette for some time or are just now considering treatment for breast asymmetry, a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best place to start. Your plastic surgeon can guide you through your options, help you choose the right plan to meet your goals, and support you with personalized attention during your aftercare.