Asymmetry/Underdevelopment of the Breast

Breast asymmetry refers to a discrepancy between the size and shape of the breasts. For example, one breast might droop more than the other. Or one breast may be considerably smaller. This asymmetry can be related to a condition known as “tuberous breast".

It may be that only one breast requires surgery to achieve symmetry. In other cases, a breast lift, breast reduction or breast augmentation may be recommended for the opposite breast as well to improve symmetry of the size and position of both breasts.

Breast reconstruction following a mastectomy, prior history of a lumpectomy, partial mastectomy, or radiation therapy can cause asymmetry and sometimes requires altering the opposite breast to match size and shape. You may elect to have a breast lift, breast reduction or breast augmentation on the other breast to achieve breast symmetry.

Is This a Good Option For You?

Surgery to achieve breast symmetry may be a good option for you if:

• You are able to cope well with your diagnosis and treatment
• You do not have additional medical conditions or other illnesses that may impair healing

• You have a positive outlook and realistic goals for restoring your breast and body image

More Information?

If you have further questions, please contact us.

Breast Reconstruction Words To Know

• Areola: Pigmented skin surrounding the nipple.
• Breast augmentation: Also known as augmentation mammaplasty; breast enlargement by surgery.
• Breast lift: Also known as mastopexy; surgery to lift the breasts.
• Breast reduction: Reduction of breast size and breast lift by surgery.
• Capsular contracture: A complication of breast implant surgery which occurs when scar tissue that normally forms around the implant tightens and squeezes the implant and becomes firm.
• DIEP flap: Deep Inferior Epigastric perforator flap which takes tissue from the abdomen.
• Donor site: An area of your body where the surgeon harvests skin, muscle and fat to reconstruct your breast – commonly located in less exposed areas of the body such as the back, abdomen or buttocks.
• Flap techniques: Surgical techniques used to reposition your own skin, muscle and fat to reconstruct or cover your breast.
• General anesthesia: Drugs and/or gases used during an operation to relieve pain and alter consciousness.
• Grafting: A surgical technique to recreate your nipple and areola.
• Intravenous sedation: Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to help you relax.
• Latissimus dorsi flap technique: A surgical technique that uses muscle, fat and skin tunneled under the skin and tissue of a woman’s back to the reconstructed breast and remains attached to its donor site, leaving blood supply intact.
• Local anesthesia: A drug injected directly to the site of an incision during an operation to relieve pain.
• Mastectomy: The removal of the whole breast, typically to rid the body of cancer.
• SGAP flap:Superior Gluteal Artery perforator flap which takes tissue from the buttock.
• Tissue expansion: A surgical technique to stretch your own healthy tissue and create new skin to provide coverage for a breast implant.
• TRAM flap: Also known as transverse rectus abdominus musculocutaneous flap, a surgical technique that uses muscle, fat and skin from your own abdomen to reconstruct the breast.
• Transaxillary incision: An incision made in the underarm area.

Related Procedures

• Breast Reconstructive After Mastectomy
• Breast Implants After A Mastectomy
• DIEP Flap Reconstruction
• TRAM Flap Reconstruction
• LAT Flap Reconstruction
• SGAP Flap Reconstruction
• Asymmetry/Underdevelopment of the Breast
• Breast Reduction
• Breast Augmentation
• Scar Revision
• Frequently Asked Questions