Why Are My Breasts Uneven?
Having breasts that differ in size or shape is common for more than half of all women. While there are several reasons women may develop uneven breasts, most of the time the contrast is usually not a cause for concern. Below, our highly experienced Fall River plastic surgeon, Dr. Russell Babbitt, explains why breasts can be uneven, ways to improve asymmetries with cosmetic breast surgery options, and when differences in breasts may be a concern for breast health.
Overall, the main causes of uneven breasts can generally be attributed to:
- Hormonal changes – Beginning as early as puberty, hormonal changes can result in uneven breasts throughout various stages of life, including ovulation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause. The use of birth control or hormone replacement therapy can also contribute to changes in shape or size.
- Hypoplastic breasts – For individuals with underdeveloped breasts, in which their breast tissue did not fully mature, breasts can appear uneven. Hypoplastic breasts can be a congenital condition (from birth) or caused by breast injury and trauma, or a previous breast surgery.
- Juvenile hypertrophy – Recognized as a rare congenital condition, juvenile hypertrophy causes extreme growth in one or both breasts that typically lasts for six months, followed by slower, continuous breast growth. The disorder may begin as early as the start of breast growth, or breast budding.
- Atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) – When abnormal breast tissue cells build up in the milk ducts from atypical ductal hyperplasia, some of the cells may become irregular in shape and size, leading to a breast appearance that can be asymmetrical. ADH can also lead to a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Breasts that look uneven may cause women to feel embarrassed or self-conscious, especially in intimate settings. If you feel uncomfortable about this asymmetry, there are cosmetic enhancement procedures that can help to improve the appearance of the breasts, including breast augmentation or a breast lift. Breast augmentation using high-quality silicone or saline breast implants can restore a more balanced size and volume for a better proportion of the breasts. If the projection of breasts are uneven, a breast lift may be able to elevate both breasts to a more aligned position and shape on the chest wall.
Fortunately, in most cases, an uneven breast appearance is usually just a cosmetic issue. However, there are situations that can be a sign of a more significant health concern, such as breast cancer or lymphoma. If you notice changes in breast size or tissue density either suddenly or over time without an apparent reason, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your doctor for further evaluation. Breast imaging through mammograms and ultrasounds can help determine the cause of the abnormality, such as a breast mass.
To learn more about plastic surgery options to correct cosmetic breast asymmetry concerns, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Babbitt, contact us today!
