Breast asymmetry correction

Almost nobody has symmetrical breasts. Differences in size, shape, position, nipple height and areolar diameter between the two sides are the normal state, not a defect. Most people have some degree of it and never think about it.

Surgery is worth considering where the difference is marked - where bras do not fit both sides, where clothing sits visibly unevenly, or where the difference is a full cup size or more. That is a much smaller group than the number of people who notice an asymmetry in the mirror.

Surgical warning: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Why breasts develop unevenly

Normal developmental variation - by far the most common reason
Differences in chest wall or rib shape, and scoliosis, which tilt the platform the breasts sit on
Tuberous or constricted breast development, which can affect one side more than the other
Poland syndrome - underdevelopment of the chest wall muscle and breast on one side
Pregnancy and breastfeeding, which often change the sides unequally
Weight change
Previous surgery, injury or radiotherapy

Get it assessed first

A new or recently changed asymmetry is different from one you have always had. A change in the size or shape of one breast, a new lump, skin dimpling or puckering, nipple retraction, or nipple discharge should be assessed medically before anyone discusses cosmetic surgery. See your GP.

Long-standing asymmetry that has not changed is a different conversation, and the one this page is about.

The surgical options

There is no single operation. Correction is assembled from the procedures that fit your particular anatomy, and it commonly means doing something different to each side.

Augmenting the smaller breast - implant or fat transfer
Reducing the larger breast - often the better option where the larger side is also causing discomfort
Lifting one or both where the difference is mainly in position rather than volume
Different implant sizes on each side, where both are being augmented
Areolar reduction where the difference is in the areola rather than the breast
A combination, which is the usual answer

Performed by our Specialist Plastic Surgeons (FRACS) under general anaesthetic. Time and recovery depend on which procedures are combined.

What is realistically achievable

The goal is closer, not identical. Perfect symmetry is not achievable, because the chest wall, rib cage and soft tissue underneath are not symmetrical either, and healing differs between the two sides.

Things worth knowing before you decide:

Scars will differ between the sides, because the procedures differ
The two sides may soften, settle and scar at different rates - judge the result at six to twelve months, not at six weeks
Sensation can change, and effects on breastfeeding are possible
If implants are used, they are not lifetime devices - further surgery at some stage is likely
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight change and ageing will affect the sides unequally again
A revision is not unusual in asymmetry work, because it is harder than doing the same thing twice. Ask what a revision would cost you, in writing, before the first operation

Cost and Medicare

Cost varies considerably because the operation is assembled to fit you. You receive a written, itemised quote after consultation - surgeon, anaesthetist, assistant, facility, implants, garments, follow-up and GST.

Correction for cosmetic reasons attracts no Medicare rebate. Where there is a documented clinical indication - developmental abnormalities such as Poland syndrome, or reconstruction after disease - an MBS item number may apply. Ask for the item number and check the rebate with Medicare and your fund yourself. Me Clinic is not a no-gap provider.

Before you book

Since 1 July 2023: a GP referral, screening for underlying psychological conditions, at least two consultations before booking, and a cooling-off period of at least seven days for adults. For anyone under 18, three months and an independent psychological assessment.

That last point matters here. Asymmetry is often most distressing during adolescence, and breast development is frequently still uneven at an age when it has not finished. Waiting until development is complete is usually the right clinical advice, not a brush-off.

Recovery in brief

An adult must drive you home and stay the first night. Desk work usually at one to two weeks; no lifting, overhead reaching or gym for around six weeks. Support garment as instructed. Shape settles over about three months.

Call 000 for chest pain, shortness of breath or calf pain with swelling. Contact the clinic promptly for fever, spreading redness, increasing pain after day three, wound separation, or sudden swelling on one side.

Booking

Specialist Plastic Surgeon consultation $350, including GST, as at September 2024. Me Clinic, 4 Burke Road, Malvern East VIC 3145. Phone 1300 852 050 or (03) 9569 3511, or use the consultation form.

Individual results may vary. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.