What can cause breast asymmetry?

There are a number of causes of uneven breasts. They could include hormonal changes, breast cancer treatment, injury to the chest wall, weight fluctuations, genetics or an underlying medical condition.

With an understanding of what may be to blame for your asymmetry, you’ll be able to move forward with the right restoration solution.

How old do I need to be for corrective surgery?

In some women the breasts can develop at different rates. A type of catch up in growth may take place during development. Treatment is best deferred until breast development has been completed, unless the asymmetry is glaringly obvious. For some women, the changes are so obvious or dramatic that treatment can commence at an earlier stage.

What are the treatment options?

The first step in determining the right treatment plan is to decide which shape and size of breast is the most desirable. Determining which breast looks the most natural will help to determine whether you go bigger or go smaller. Some patients may require treatment for both breasts.

Surgery for breast asymmetry could involve enlarging the smaller breast with an implant. A reduction or lift of a larger breast frequently involves complex surgery on both breasts.

The breast augmentation, or implant procedure, can be performed on just one breast. The size of the breast can be increased with an implant. This will allow it to better match the size of the other breast. The breast reduction procedure can be the direction to go in, in order to reduce the larger of the two breasts. This surgery involves the removal of excess breast tissue and skin.

The goal of the procedure, regardless of the one you opt for, will result in breasts that are more uniform in size.

What are the benefits of treatment?

The correction of asymmetrical breasts can offer great aesthetic benefits. It can also offer a boost to the self-confidence of the patient. The decision about which procedure you should opt for in order to correct your breast asymmetry is something that A/Prof Magnusson will discuss with you during your initial consultation.

Is breast asymmetry surgery right for me?

The decision to undergo any elective surgery is a personal decision. It might not be the right choice for every patient. There are some things that you should keep in mind before making a decision.

• Surgery can correct asymmetry concerns, but further changes to the breasts may occur with time and gravity.
• Breast implants can last for many years. They are not designed to last a lifetime. Future surgery may need to be considered in order to replace one or both of the implants.
• Breasts can be lifted during corrective surgery. Results may not be long-lasting in women who have heavier breasts.

Surgery may be a good option for you to consider if you are in good physical health and have realistic expectations from your surgeon and the procedure itself.

Is there assistance from my health fund or medicine?

Surgery correcting significant asymmetry is typically considered to be reconstructive rather than strictly cosmetic. What this means for you is that both Medicare and your health fund will very likely contribute to the associated costs.

A health fund may contribute to the costs of a private hospital theatre and accommodation. Medicare and your health fund can contribute to some of the costs that accompany the surgery. This could include the costs for the anaesthetist, assistant surgeon, pathologist and the surgeon. The cost of the implant may be covered by your health fund if the goal is to repair asymmetry.

There are out of pocket expenses for this operation. For further information about your own policy you should contact your health fund.