Breasts Asymmetry Causes Numerous Problems

29.08.2010 | By: I. M.

This is a completely natural phenomenon, but it makes many women miserable. What is it actually and how do you treat it?

Breast asymmetry affects self-image and intimate moments and makes the purchase of a bra very difficult. (Photoxpress)

What’s breast asymmetry?

Breast asymmetry refers to a significant difference in size or shape of between the left and right breast. It’s therefore aesthetic asymmetry of the breasts, which is a completely natural phenomenon to some extent, but it can still affect strongly the self-image of a woman. Some women show obvious asymmetry, while it’s hardly noticeable in other women. Experts distinguish among three types of asymmetry: type I refers to mild asymmetry where there’s no need for cosmetic surgery, type II means that one breast is smaller for a third from the other breast, and type III refers to the breasts that are different almost for half the size and the large one is sagging more than the small one. In types II and III, cosmetic surgery is often performed as the only way to correct asymmetry.

What causes breast asymmetry?

Breast asymmetry is attributed to genetic changes and the influence of hormones in puberty. The development of the breasts depends on estrogen in young women, while during the development itself, breast asymmetry is a completely natural and normal phenomenon that is later corrected and the breasts become more or less the same in size. The two occurrences in a woman’s life that also change the shape and size of her breasts are childbirth and the menopause. In some women, breast asymmetry after childbirth or the menopause is corrected, while other women experienced it at that very time. Asymmetry can also cause breast cancer or Poland syndrome, which is a congenital deformity and inhibits a symmetrical development of the organs, tissue or muscles of the chest.

Problems caused by breast asymmetry

Asymmetrical breasts can cause real psychological problems for women. Not only do they have an influence on their self-image, but they can also make women feel very uncomfortable in intimate moments with their partner. They don’t feel attractive, particularly in cases of very obvious asymmetry. If there’s a difference of more than one size, it’s also very difficult for women to buy bras and upper body clothing with which they try to hide their ‘defect’. Women with severe breast asymmetry often also don’t want to wear a swimsuit and can’t freely enjoy sunbathing on a beach.

Surgery as the only possible solution

In correcting asymmetry, there are three possible surgical procedures, that is, the reduction of the large breast, the augmentation of the small breast or the correction of asymmetry by inserting implants in both breasts. If necessary, your surgeon will also suggest lifting of your breasts. The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia and, in some exceptions, under local anaesthesia. The procedure depends on the type of asymmetry. After the operation, 24-hour hospitalisation and professional medical care are necessary. For 2 months, a woman has to wear a special medical bra that provides support to her breasts. Stitches are removed after ten days. The greatest disappointment a woman can feel after her cosmetic surgery is dissatisfaction with the appearance of her new breasts.

The same problems as with the penis

When a woman decides to correct her breast asymmetry, the hardest step is to see specialists and honestly discuss her problem with them. She’s very vulnerable at that time because she feels that all the attention is focused on her physical ‘defect’, although experts are well familiarised with any kind of problems relating to the breasts and, in any case, they can offer good advice. Women’s problems with the breasts can be equated to men’s problems regarding the penis because it involves a very delicate area that denotes a woman as a woman and a man as a man.