Anisomastia

Why opt for a surgical correction of anisomastia (breast asymmetry)

Breast asymmetry or anisomastia is defined as a difference in form, position, or volume of the breast. It is normal for women to have different-sized breasts. However, for some women, the difference in both size and shape of each breast is much greater. It may also cause a woman to feel embarrassed in her sex life and have difficulty exercising and finding clothes/underwear.

There are several options for correcting anisomastia. Our clinic is highly specialized in this field, as we treat very important and difficult cases of patients with anisomastia. To do this, many different techniques are applied depending on the patient, having as a basis a combination of breast reduction techniques, breast augmentation (mastopexy), breast augmentation with silicone implants, autologous fat transfer, and breast reconstruction through the use of tissue expanders and silicone implants.

Types of anisomastia

There are three types of anisomastia:

Developmental breast asymmetry – Anisomastia

This is the most common type of anisomastia, where the two breasts have a normal shape and a different size. Another common type of breast asymmetry that falls into this category is the existence of a small, conical, prominent breast and a larger, not so conical, sagging breast.

“Tubular” breast

It is an abnormality that affects the shape of the breast. In these cases, breasts are tubular in shape, the parenchyma is mainly trapped and constricted behind the nipple with a very small base, there is a higher inframammary fold than usual and in most cases a very small size, with a sagging appearance and disproportionately big areola.

Poland Syndrome

This occurs when there is an absence of underlying muscles and in some cases of ribs.

Treatment

The method of treatment will depend on the size and shape of your breasts, as well as on whether the patient wishes to correct one or both breasts. If the problem is only related to size, there are three options:

• The first option is to enlarge the smaller breast by adding a silicone implant (read more on breast augmentation including recovery here) or by fat transfer. Breast augmentation surgery leaves minimal scars in the breast area and is an excellent choice for correcting asymmetry, especially when the patient does not have sagging breasts.
• The second option is to reduce the larger breast with a breast reduction surgery (read more on breast reduction including recovery here). This surgery will leave scars on the breast, however, it usually gives a better long-term solution compared to the placement of silicone implants.
• The final option is to apply the same technique to both breasts (whether it is a breast reduction or breast augmentation), but with a different percentage on each side to achieve the ideal symmetry.

The most suitable solution for your specific case will be jointly decided between yourselves and your doctors following a thorough clinical examination and discussion.

Recovery after the breast asymmetry correction surgery

Your recovery will depend on the type of surgery and can be further discussed with the doctors during your visit.

Possible complications from the Breast asymmetry correction surgery

The risks of this surgery are not high, but they depend on the exact surgical method used. For more details, refer to the corresponding sections on Breast Augmentation / Reduction.