Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Humans are bilaterally symmetrical, meaning that, ideally, they should have matching parts on either side of the body. This symmetry is not only in the body, but in the mind, which is trained to look for and identify symmetries and asymmetries and make judgments about them. In terms of the human body, symmetries are generally considered attractive and normal, whereas asymmetries are considered unattractive and abnormal.

Unfortunately, breast asymmetry is common for both men and women. Normally, the asymmetry is small enough to escape notice, but often it can cause a man or woman serious insecurity about his or her appearance.

There are two main types of breast asymmetry: congenital and degenerative. Congenital breast asymmetry is the result of a birth or developmental condition, including:

• Birth defect
• Uneven development
• Uneven fat deposition
• Asymmetrical virginal hypertrophy
• Uneven gynecomastia or gynecomastia in only one breast for men

Degenerative breast asymmetry is the result of uneven degeneration of the breasts as a result of:

• Mastitis (breast infection)
• Uneven atrophy following pregnancy
• Fat necrosis (death)
• Uneven loss of fat in breasts due to exercise
• Uneven degeneration as a result of aging

Both types of breast asymmetry can be corrected surgically. Congenital breast asymmetry can normally be corrected with breast reduction, breast augmentation, or a combination of both, whereas it is more likely that degenerative asymmetry will be corrected with breast augmentation, with or without a breast lift.

To learn more about breast asymmetry correction, read our breast asymmetry page or contact Dr. Otto Placik today to set up a consultation.