Emotional and physical effects
There is huge public awareness about breast cancer reconstruction, but when I see patients in my clinic, there is very little information on other breast deformities and the transformative effects corrective surgery can have- not only physically but emotionally.
Most of my patients tell me a very similar story. Becoming evident during the early phases of puberty and breast development, a critical time in anyone’s emotional and physical development, breast anomalies can have a profound effect on self-perception and esteem. The varying severity means that most do not share it with their parents or friends, neither a partner as they are very uncomfortable being undressed. Their quality of life and personal happiness are severely affected.
The differences
Congenital breast asymmetry and tubular breasts are two of the most common abnormalities I encounter in my practice. Congenital breast asymmetry means that you have developed two breasts of different size and shape. Tubular breasts indicate an incorrect shape which has a very narrow base and excessively large areola. It is so called tubular because it’s similar to a tube shape instead of the normal teardrop breast shape- this is because the crease beneath the breast is not placed correctly.
Breast asymmetry correction: The operation
Asymmetrical breasts can be corrected with a single operation. I always explain to the patient that the most important thing is to make them equal in terms of breast tissue volume and skin. Once I have created a good match, the shape can be improved with breast tissue remodelling techniques or implants of the same size, all in one operation.