NBPH-Treatment-Breast-Asymmetry

No one’s body is entirely symmetrical, but this asymmetry is more obvious in the breasts. When the difference in size and shape is very noticeable it can make you feel self-conscious. 

Uneven breasts can also be caused by a congenital issue such as tuberous breasts or by surgery or trauma. Whatever the cause, our surgical team can offer you a solution.

On this page, we look at:

  • What causes breast asymmetry?
  • How surgery can help
  • Surgical options for correcting breast asymmetry
  • The latest advice on breast implants

What causes breast asymmetry?

Breast asymmetry occurs when the breasts are a different shape or size. This can be developmental, with the difference appearing during puberty. Unfortunately, the difference between the breasts can be significant and therefore, distressing. Many of our patients suffering from congenital breast asymmetry seek help at a relatively early age.

Obvious differences in the appearance of the two breasts can also be the legacy of breast surgery, often for cancer.

How surgery can help

The aim of this surgery is to make the amount of breast tissue and skin the same on both breasts, and to ensure that the shape of the breasts is consistent.

Typically, your surgeon will reduce the size of your larger breast to the size of your smaller breast.

Breast implants are often used on both sides to ensure symmetry in terms of size and shape, and to give you the optimum appearance. This can be achieved in one operation.

Surgical options for correcting breast asymmetry

There are a few surgical techniques and the right one for you will depend on your medical history and the effect that you would like to achieve.

Your surgeon could use your own tissue from elsewhere on your body (fat transfer), a breast implant, a breast expander, or remodel your existing breast tissue.

These options will be discussed in detail at your pre-operative consultations. Together with your surgeon you will decide on the best technique and the size and shape of your new breasts.

The latest advice on breast implants

Since December 2018, regulatory bodies in many countries have made statements about breast implants after some negative publicity about the possible effects of implants on health.

The research data is inconclusive and has been interpreted differently by different countries. No country has advised that women with implants have them removed or replaced as a precautionary measure.

However, breast implants are not designed to be lifelong products and will need to be replaced at some point.

The Breast and Cosmetic Implant register (BCIR) collects breast implant data about patients in England and Scotland. The MHRA has a reporting system to gather and analyse information in the UK and is linked to data compiled by public health organisations in other countries.

The most recent advice from MHRA on BIA-ALCL was updated on the 4th of April 2019.

View the MHRA statement on Allergan

Download the BAAPS statement on ALCL

Frequently asked questions

At North Bristol Private Hospital, the excellence of our surgical team ensures that complications are very rare, however, all surgical procedures carry risks.

Bleeding, bruising, infection, scarring, implant displacement or rupture are all possible after this surgery.

All these risks will be explained thoroughly at your consultations with your surgeon and you will be asked to sign a detailed consent form.

At North Bristol Private Hospital, we know that a stress-free experience with excellent aftercare makes for happy patients and quicker healing. After surgery, you will be cared for by your own dedicated nurse in our luxuriously comfortable inpatient ward. You will be checked by your surgeon before leaving and will receive detailed instructions about how to care for yourself and your breasts at home. You can discuss any issues at your regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon. You can also phone us any time after your discharge if you are concerned or have any questions.

If you have breasts that are significantly different in size and shape and this bothers you then – provided you are in good health – you are a good candidate for this surgery.

Patients need to wear a special support garment 24 hours a day for at least the first month. You will be able to remove it to shower but it is important to wear it consistently to achieve the best results and reduce scarring. Your surgeon will advise you when you can stop wearing this garment.

It is important to rest to give the body time to heal so we suggest that you refrain from any activity at all for the first two days. To avoid straining your body, you should avoid sport and routine activities such as driving, housework and dog walking for at least four weeks.

Your surgeon will advise you when you are ready to resume more strenuous activities at your follow-up appointments.

You can expect your scars to have faded completely after a year, although this varies according to your body’s individual healing response.

We only use the best quality implants available. Our surgeons like to use Mentor Silicone Gel-Filled Breast implants which have silicone elastomer shells. The implants are filled with MemoryGel, Mentor’s own silicone gel. These are used widely in the European Union where 95% of implants are filled with silicone gel and only 5% with saline or other fillers.

You can choose between round or teardrop-shaped implants both of which give excellent results. Your surgeon will advise you on which shape and size are best for your body during your pre-operative consultations.

This type of surgery usually takes between two and three hours but more complex cases may take longer.

Our extensive discussions with you about how surgery can help will ensure that there are no surprises for you after your breast surgery. We will ensure that your expectations are realistic and informed and we are sure that you will be delighted with your results.

Elena does not operate on patients that regularly smoke or vape. To be considered for this procedure you must refrain from smoking or vaping for 3 months before and after your surgery.

Load more

How much does Breast asymmetry cost?

The total cost of the surgery will be confirmed after the first consultation.

The cost includes the hospital, surgeon and anaesthetic fees. It also covers all post-operative visits. The initial consultation fee will be invoiced separately. The prices apply only at the time of publication and are subject to changes without notification.

Initial Consultation

£275

This fee will be invoiced separately.

Surgery costs from

Please enquire

At a glance

See the results for yourself...

Please browse other patients amazing results for this procedure.

View all before & afters

Treatment Downloads

Download more resources specific to this procedure.

Patient Testimonials

Google ReviewsView all Google Reviews

Funding your procedure

Our aim is to provide the best surgical treatments available.

We understand the price of surgical treatments can be a crucial deciding factor for many patients however there is no one price fits all, and we provide prices commensurate with the level of surgical excellence being provided. We offer options of ways to pay including 0% finance.

North Bristol Private Hospital - Funding your procedure