Dr. Dirk Lazarus

Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon

MBChB (UCT)
FCS (SA) Plast & Recon Surg

Breast Asymmetry

If you are uncertain as to which breast procedure(s) might be right for you then have a look at my page on breasts.

Breast asymmetry, to a lesser or greater degree, is present in almost all women. Usually the left breast is a little wider and squatter, while the right breast tends to be long and thin. Sometimes however, the two breasts can be markedly asymmetrical. Loss of a breast as a consequence of mastectomy or asymmetry arising out of treatment for breast cancer requires breast reconstruction.

Some of the more common causes of asymmetrical breasts include:

Tuberous breasts are characterised by (1) the breast(s) having a narrow or constricted base on the chest wall and (2) herniation of breast tissue into the nipple and areola enlarging the areola. Further, the breasts are typically small and may be different from each other. Treatment needs to be individualised according to the shape of the breast. Treatment options include a breast augmentation with unfurling of the breast tissue, mastopexy, to reduce the areolar size or a combination of both.

Poland’s syndrome is a condition where the breast on one side fails to develop. This may be associated with absence of development of the other tissues of the chest wall, for example muscles and bones, as well as hand and forearm problems. Correction entails reconstructing the breast often with tissue expanders or implants.

Tumours or masses can cause gross enlargement of one breast although this rarely presents as asymmetrical breasts, rather more commonly as a lump.

Treatment varies according to the individual case. This usually involves treating the cause and equalising the breasts. Correction of the asymmetry is frequently an opportunity to attain better breasts with the shape and size that you want. Depending on which breast you prefer, the other could be reduced, enlarged or lifted to your preference. Sometimes it is better to operate on both breasts so as to achieve a greater degree of symmetry. Complete symmetry, however is elusive, although it is usually possible to achieve a marked improvement and a result with which you will be happy.

Testimonials

From a cleft patient who had secondary surgery to help her speech:
It is one year ago that i was blessed to meet and know you. Thank you very much for the support you rendered to me while I was in South Africa. I will never forget your acts of kindness. I am fine now and my speech has greatly improved! I think I don’t need another operation. Even though I don’t communicate that often, you are always at heart.

Cleft

Dear Dr. Lazarus, you performed a breast surgery on my very tubular [tuberous] breast last November and all in all I am very content. …

10827 Berlin Deutschland