Asymmetrical Breasts: Is There a Reason to Be Concerned?

Asymmetrical breasts are a common concern among adolescents but also among adult women. It is quite common for each breast to have a slightly different size than one another. Breasts are known as asymmetric when their shape, size and position are different. Breast asymmetry affects more than half of all women.

Breast asymmetry is measured through mammogram or even with 3D – Scan.

Anatomy of the Breast

The breasts are made of specialized glandular tissue as well as fatty tissue, located within the front wall of the chests. This specialized glandular tissue produces the milk, necessary for breastfeeding after childbirth. The amount of fat tissue determines the size of the breasts. An average breast weighs between 7 – 10 ounces and is usually made of 12-20 lobes, which spread from the nipple. Each lobe, which has a triangular form, has a central duct that opens at the breast nipple. Through these central ducts the milk produced in these lobes is excreted for breastfeeding. The dark area which surrounds the nipple is known as areola.

Every woman should know that the breast tissue changes with the menstrual cycle. It is normal to have full and bigger asymmetrical breasts, which are also more sensitive during the ovulation period, while during menstruation period the breasts shrink again.

What Causes Asymmetrical Breasts?

The real cause why breasts develop differently from one another is not known. However, some of the known causes of breast asymmetry include:

Traumatic injuries of the chest wall,
Hormonal changes,
Juvenile hypertrophy of the breasts – This medical condition is very rare, affecting the breasts, which is characterized by a growth of one breast, significantly larger than the other. It is normal that having asymmetrical breasts leads to psychological and physical problems for the young woman. Juvenile hypertrophy of the breasts is typically treated with surgery.
Non – cancerous breast tumors – These tumors are usually fibroids, and in these cases a sudden difference in breast size and shape is noticed. A total check up by a breast surgeon is necessary in this case.
Scoliosis,

Deformities of the chest wall,
Curvature of the spine, etc.

What Does It Mean

In general, a slight asymmetry of the breasts is of no concern. However, if the difference between each breast is greater than one size of a bra, physical and psychological problems may arise. If a woman does not feel well with her body and her asymmetrical breasts, breast implants or even breast reduction is possible. Talking to a breast surgeon is recommended, when considering this option.

Page Updated on Jun 22, 2022 by Dr. Bronfman ( OB-GYN) of Professional Gynecological Services

Dr. Dmitriy Bronfman, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist with over 25 years of experience providing complete gynecological care. He is an expert in many aspects of modern women's health, including preventative medicine, pelvic pain, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, and general, adolescent, and menopausal gynecology.

Dr. Bronfman graduated magna cum laude from New York University and received his medical degree from Mt. Sinai School of Medicine before completing his residency at Brooklyn Hospital Medical Center. He currently practices at Professional Gynecological Services and is affiliated with Lutheran Medical Center, New York Methodist Hospital, and The Brooklyn Hospital Center. Dr. Bronfman, together with the core physicians of Professional Gynecological Services, implements state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, the most tested treatments, and the latest surgical technology, all while establishing a welcoming atmosphere in which your questions and concerns will be addressed with the utmost attention.

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