Breast Asymmetry (Anisomastia)
Mild cases of breast asymmetry — that is, small differences between the two breasts — are quite common, while clinically obvious asymmetries are rarer. With the help of plastic surgeon Dr. Karmiris, your breasts can acquire a symmetrical shape.
What is Breast Asymmetry?
Breast asymmetry refers to the disparity that the two breasts show. Women with breast asymmetry have breasts that differ in shape, position, or size. In fact, the large majority of women have mild breast asymmetry. However, when it is significant, it can negatively affect a woman’s body image, self‑esteem, and confidence.
Breast asymmetry can be classified into three types:
– Anisomastia: significant difference in volume and size of the breasts
– Anisothilia: difference between the nipples
– Combined asymmetry: both anisomastia and anisothilia
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of breast asymmetry are essentially aesthetic, manifesting as a difference in, for example, shape, size, developmental stage or fat percentage. In the most serious cases, there may even be a difference in osteomuscular structure or the breasts are completely different.
Causes of Breast Asymmetry
Uneven breasts are caused by several different factors. For example, developmental (“they just developed that way”). This often becomes obvious only after puberty or following hormonal changes as a result of ovulation and pregnancy.
Having a noticeable difference in the appearance, size or shape of one breast compared to another can also occur as a result of underdevelopment or overdevelopment of the breast due to a condition called juvenile hypertrophy.
Other causes can include:
- Using contraceptives
- Breastfeeding
- Trauma to the breast
- Poland syndrome
- Breast cancer
Can it be prevented?
Breast asymmetry appears while the breasts are developing during puberty. It cannot be prevented, except if it occurs as a secondary effect of a growth disorder that is diagnosed early. There are no measures you can take to prevent breast asymmetry.
Want to know more ?
Contact the doctor
What is the treatment / how is it addressed?
The only effective solution for breast asymmetry is surgical correction by an experienced plastic surgeon. The surgical techniques used depend on the surgeon and on the patient’s characteristics. In many cases, it may require breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift (mastopexy), or — more often — a combination of methods.
How is it carried out?
The surgical procedure for correcting breast asymmetry is a process that improves the differences between the breasts if they are noticeable. Depending on how big the difference is, and the anatomical characteristics, different options are available. Possibilities include:
– Enlarging the smaller breast
– Reducing the larger breast
– Making both breasts larger (with different implants or using fat)
– Making both breasts smaller
– Or doing a lift (mastopexy) of a sagging breast to a more normal position
The ideal technique for your particular case will be discussed in detail with Dr. Karmiris.
What is the best age for the operation?
In the case where your right or left breast is larger and you wish to undergo an indicated procedure, you can do so once you have turned 18, so that breast development is fully completed. After adulthood, there is no restriction or ideal age to perform the operation.
What happens at the clinic visit?
During the visit:
– You will discuss exactly what concerns you about your breast appearance and which procedure is appropriate for you
– Your medical history will be reviewed (medications, allergies, prior surgeries)
– Whether and how much you smoke
– If there is a family history of breast cancer
– Results of mammograms or prior biopsies
Then Dr. Karmiris will:
– Evaluate your general health and any risk factors
– Examine and take detailed measurements of your breast size, shape, skin quality, and nipple positioning
– Take preoperative photographs
Also:
– You will discuss the possible surgical options for your case
– Possible outcomes, risks, and complications (as noted in international literature)
– The use of anesthesia
What happens before the surgery?
Before surgery, a detailed preoperative evaluation is done, including:
– Blood tests
– Chest X‑ray
– Electrocardiogram (ECG)
– Mammography
– Specialized tests if needed
Additionally, the following must be stopped:
– Smoking
– Taking aspirin / anti‑inflammatory medications (increased bleeding risk)
Want to know more ?
Contact the doctor
After the surgery
Generally, the patient returns home the same day. Full return to daily life typically takes 3–4 weeks, depending on recovery rate. The surgeon will provide instructions on dressings, bandages and their removal, the special bra you will wear, medications, and the next appointments.
How long does the result last?
The result of the operation for asymmetry is permanent. However, if implants are involved, there is a possibility they might need replacement after several decades.
Risks and safety information
In general, asymmetry correction is a safe procedure, performed with great success. However, like all surgeries, it has some risks and potential complications, which each patient needs to understand fully beforehand.
Main possible complications:
– Hemorrhage or hematoma (~1%)
– Wound infection
– Fat necrosis
– Poor wound healing
– Nipple numbness (temporary or permanent in ~5–10%)
– Under‑correction (remaining asymmetry)
– Capsular contracture (if an implant is used)
– Wrinkling of skin
– Implant leakage, rupture, or exposure
– Partial or total loss of the nipple (rare)
– Effect on breastfeeding ability (depending on technique)
– General risks from anesthesia (deep vein thrombosis, cardiac or pulmonary complications)
What is the next step?
Dr. Nikolaos Karmiris awaits to explain in full detail every step — causes, expectations, before and after, pricing, etc. — and answer all your questions.
Want to know more ?
Contact the doctor
Breast Aesthetic Surgery
