Can One Breast Stop Developing While the Other Continues to Grow?

I have always had slightly asymmetrical breasts but as I approached adolescence my breasts have become more different in size and shape. Though asymmetry is common, it looks like one breast simply stopped developing, because the nipple is smaller and the portion of breast tissue under the nipple is significantly not as large/developed as the other. Is this something natural or does it look like a health concern is the cause? Are There Non-invasive Treatments Available?

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13 Doctor Answers | Asked by treehugging in Poughkeepsie, NY

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Breast augmentation

The situation that you are describing can either be tubular breast deformity or a variation of Poland syndrome. Both conditions are treatable with surgery.

Options for correcting asymmetrical breast development

There are a number of options for creating a breast shape in a situation where one doesn't develop, but the key is to use some of the same techniques as with breast reconstruction. One option that I have found very useful is an expander-implant called Spectrum, made by Mentor. It is a saline implant that can be expanded slowly over a period of months to stretch out the skin enveope and fine-tune the volume. These procedures may not be covered by insurance but there is a grant... more

Breasts Growing Differently

What you are describing sounds like Poland Syndrome, a developmental condition in which one breast doesn't develop properly, This must be accompanied by some growth alteration in the pectoralis muscle, and may also affect arm growth. There are different degrees in presentation. Your case sounds fairly straightforward. Often, placement of a breast implant will rectify the situation. On occasion, breast reduction must be done on the other side. if your other breast is not significantly... more

Having some difference between you two breast is normal

Having some difference between you two breast is normal provided the difference is not dramatic. Lots of growth changes happen during adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause. You should soon find the difference stable as you approach the end of adolescence. Now might be a good time to seek out an experienced plastic surgeon to have his opinion on management. Non surgical interventions on breast assymetries generally do not exist or do not work. Good luck. more

Breast asymmetry

It is normal to have some breast asymmetry. Some women will have more than others and it can become more noticeable with time.

Asymmetrical breasts can be normal

Most women have asymmetry when it come to their breast. Some have a greater difference between them than others. Even extremely uneven breasts can be in the realm on normal. If the difference in size in significant enough for you to consider have it corrected, there are several possible approaches. Reduction of the larger side, implant placement of the smaller side, or fat grafting to the smaller side to enlarge it. The last option tends to have the least... more

Asymmetric Breasts

Most breasts are in fact asymmetric. It is unusual to find a woman that has perfectly symmetric breasts. However, when the discrepancy is quite significant it can be an issue of self esteem, self confidence, ability to fit in clothes properly, etc. Usually breasts asymmetry does not represent health risk in terms of breast cancer, or anything life threatening. However, you should be examined by your primary care doctor to rule out any abnormal growth on the fast growing... more

Can One Breast Stop Developing While the Other Continues to Grow?

Yes there are variations in breast development. Rarely, Breast Agenesis or failure to grow vs the opposite side can occur. seek in person evaluations with a boarded PS in your area. Only treatment is surgery.

Considerable asymmetries of breasts is not a medical concern but is an aesthetic issue

The situation that you describe may represent asymmetrical growth of the breasts which is quite common. If there is little growth on one side and "normal" growth on the other, this could also represent either a form of tuberous breasts or Poland's syndrome (which other plastic surgeons have mentioned). The appropriate treatment for you would depend on exactly which of the above represents your situation. Keep in mind that your issue presents no health concern though it is an... more

Asymmetric Breast Development.

Yes, one breast can stop growing while the other continues. There are no health concerns. It is thought to be congenital (you were born with the problem, it just did not manifest until your breasts started growing). It is a form of what is known as Poland’s Syndrome. While what you describe is the most common presentation, it can have under-development of the pectoralis muscle (the chest muscle) and hand anomalies. Once both breasts have stopped growing, it is treatable with surgery... more

Asymmetrical breast development

Once the breast develops in an asymmetrical way, the smaller breast will not continue to grow and catch up with its mate. What you describe, one nipple slightly smaller, less breast underneath on the smaller side, is the typical appearance to varying degrees. Your development is still normal and the breast will work in the normal way, breast feeding to boot. You should not be concerned about health consequences, and surgery is an option, breast implant, lift ,or both if needed. Nonsurgical... more

Breast asymmetry

All women have breast asymmery. As for your particular issue, it is hard to sya what to do without an exam. There are no non-invasive ways to really correct asymmetry.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Asymmetric breasts

Breast development can certainly be asymmetric, but what you are describing sounds like Poland syndrome or tubular breast syndrome. Both can potentially be fixed in one stage with breast augmentation, although sometimes these syndromes require a staged process of 2 operations to stretch the breast and release tight areas of the skin and soft tissue before committing to the permanent implant. Also, depending on breast growth on the other side, a lift or reduction might be required on the... more