“breast asymmetry is natural, and no two breasts are identical,” reveals dr. jacqueline rose makerewich, plastic and reconstructive surgeon at the toronto cosmetic surgery institute . “every woman has some degree of asymmetry, but the extent of asymmetry varies from person to person, and this is most often related to genetics and normal anatomic variation.”
there is also some evidence that suggests that pregnancy can alter breast shape and size when the body experiences hormonal changes and prepares for breastfeeding. after birth, a nursing baby may favour one breast over the other, which may lead to swelling or stretched breast tissue on one side. other factors , such as injuries to breasts before they have fully developed, radiation, lumps or abnormal cysts may also contribute to breast asymmetry.
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medical conditions such as atypical ductal hyperplasia , which is characterized by excessive growth in breasts’ milk ducts, may also cause uneven breasts. breast hypoplasia and in rare cases, juvenile hypertrophy are linked to hormonal changes in puberty and breast asymmetry.
uneven breasts are usually not problematic, but women whose breast size varies by over 20 per cent may be at an increased risk for breast cancer, according to one study .
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according to research , more than 90 per cent of women who end up having a breast augmentation with implants have natural asymmetries.
but, the results from cosmetic surgery are never typical and vary from patient to patient. those who are dissatisfied with the outcome end up repeating the procedure and can experience depression, social isolation and engage in self-destructive behaviours, according to research by the american psychological association . patients who are satisfied with surgery experience “improvements in body image and quality of life,” according to the same research.
before you decide on corrective surgery, do your research and be sure to consult at least two board certified plastic surgeons. according to the canadian society of plastic surgeons website , there is no foolproof way to guarantee your results, but there are some suggestions that can help you navigate the selection process.
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