The breasts are a symbol of femininity, so it’s no wonder that the vast majority of women are self-conscious about their breasts’ appearance, whether when fully dressed or nude. Among other conditions, uneven breasts are a major aesthetic concern for many women.
However, asymmetric breasts are more common than you think. Are your breasts different in appearance? You are not alone. Here is what you need to know.
How common are asymmetric breasts?
Breast asymmetry is a condition in which one of the breasts is different from the other. It is more common than you may think, as virtually all women have some degree of breast asymmetry because no two breasts are hundred percent identical.
So, in most cases, having breasts of different sizes is perfectly normal. It is estimated that over 80% of all women have some degree of breast unevenness. But the difference in boob sizes is usually so insignificant that it is rarely noticed.
What are the types of breast asymmetry?
Breast asymmetry can take many forms. The most obvious form of breast asymmetry is having one breast smaller than the other. However, other variations are just as common but may not be as obvious to others or even yourself until you start to examine your body more closely.
For example, some women have breasts that don’t match in size and also in shape. One may be rounder at the top, while the other is fuller below the nipple. Breast asymmetry tends to be in the form of volume, positioning, size, or shape.
What are the causes of breast asymmetry?
Since puberty is when the breasts develop, this is when breast asymmetry occurs in most women. During adolescence, the left and right breasts may grow at different paces. They might remain lopsided until they finish developing and then balance up during that period, or they might remain uneven for life. Other causes include:
- Genetics
- Breastfeeding
- Weight gain/loss
- Hormonal changes
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding
- Ageing
- Physical trauma to the breast
- Normal variation in fat and fibrous tissue composition in the breasts
- A cyst in any of the breasts
It could also be due to underlying conditions such as breast hypoplasia, amastia or amazia, Poland syndrome, fibrosis, or even cancer.
Is breast asymmetry linked to breast cancer?
Breast asymmetry neither indicates cancer nor poses a higher risk of it. According to oncologists, the risk of developing breast cancer is roughly the same for women with symmetric and asymmetric boobs. In fact, uneven-sized breasts are seldom indicative of an underlying condition, whether cancer or some other health issue.
However, if you notice a sudden change in the appearance of your breasts, especially if it is accompanied by other unidentified symptoms like pain in the bust or discharge from the nipples, you should schedule a consultation with your doctor immediately to diagnose the underlying cause.
Can lopsided breasts be corrected?
Yes, correcting breast asymmetry is possible, or at least it can be managed, as the case may be. If the cause of your breast asymmetry is due to uneven breast development during puberty, pregnancy (or breastfeeding), or weight loss or gain, you may find that your breasts settle into a more symmetrical position by themselves over time. There is no guarantee that they will balance at all or totally, though.
Many women choose to accept their asymmetric breasts and consider them a part of life, especially if the condition does not seem overly obvious. However, if your breast asymmetry is affecting your self-esteem, mental health, romantic and sex lives, or even overall well-being (for instance, resulting in back pain), then there are both surgical and non-surgical treatment options to consider.
If you’d like to opt for a surgical procedure to balance your breasts, your doctor may recommend any one of the following, or a combination of them:
- Breast lift
- Breast augmentation
- Breast reduction
On the other hand, if you prefer non-surgical and non-invasive options for addressing your breast asymmetry, in this case, the following might be preferable:
- Asymmetrical breast bras
- Foam and gel inserts for an existing bra
- Well-fitted regular bras
- External breast prostheses
Some people claim breast massages and special oils can balance asymmetric boobs. There is as of yet little or no scientific evidence to back this, though.
Conclusion
Breast asymmetry is a common condition that affects millions of women and should not be a cause for concern. But if your condition is causing you physical discomfort or emotional distress, there are several ways to address it, as pointed out above.
Still, regardless of how your breasts look, remember that you are beautiful. Each and every part of you!