Although some measure of breast asymmetry is the norm, larger than average size or shape disparities can be both physically uncomfortable and emotionally trying. Many patients can have great difficulty dressing themselves properly and some with breast asymmetry may even shun physical intimacy because of embarrassment.
Whether
breast asymmetry demands a
surgical solution will, as always, be based upon the degree to which
the problem impacts the patient's life and a sober consideration
of the side effects one must accept if surgery is undertaken.
It is also important to give consideration to the age of the patient. Some asymmetries seen during the teen years will improve as breast development nears completion. Also, if a decision is taken that surgery is the best plan, allowing the patient to largely complete her development will tend to make any surgical remedy a more accurate and lasting one. However, these things being said, it cannot by forgotten that the teen years are a time of great emotional turmoil for virtually all young people, and therefore, requiring a young lady to endure gross asymmetry during this fragile time may be misguided and cruel. If patient and parent understand and accept that surgery performed at such an early time is more likely to require future revision, it may be quite reasonable to proceed.
Breast Asymmetry: Learn More
Treatment planning for breast asymmetry begins with an assessment of the anatomy of each chest wall and gland. Is either or both normal, (though different), and is either to the patient's liking? When a patient feels that one of her breasts is aesthetically acceptable, every effort should be made to develop a plan involving unilateral surgery for the opposite side. However, there are situations in which this will be not possible if a reasonable outcome is to be achieved. When this is the surgeon's judgment, or when the patient finds herself unsatisfied with both of her breasts, a bilateral surgical undertaking becomes necessary.
Whether surgery will involve only restructuring of the existing tissues or the use of implants will depend upon the circumstances of the individual patient, (her anatomy and aesthetic sense and goals).
 
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