How to correct uniboob not caused by implants? (photos)

Question

My boobs are one boob and have been this way since puberty. Ive never had breast implants. Can this even be corrected?

Steven Teitelbaum, MD · Answer

I am sorry to tell you this, but I am fairly confident there is not a good solution.  I treat a lot of implant-caused "uniboobs" (should be called symmastia), and so i am referred a lot of patients like you.  I have tried everything, presented the cases to others, and no plastic surgeon I know who i trust is reporting good results.The fundamental problem is that there is a layer of fat overlying the breast bone which prevents the skin in front of the breast bone from adhering down to it.  Even in overweight women that skin should be right on top of the bone.People have tried liposuction of that area but even if done aggressively the skin never sticks down to the bone.Others have put little metal things in the breast bone and sewn it to the skin, but this creates dents and irregularities oftentimes more deforming than what they had before.In my opinion, those who wrote on this section that you could have a reduction are partially correct.  By virtue of reducing the size it may be less apparent to you.  But fundamentally the underlying problem is that the skin is not stuck to the breast bone. I can't see how a lighter and smaller breast will correct the problem.By the way, what you have is relatively mild.  I know it bugs you, but please recognize that what you have is not a severe case.thanks

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

Because the appearance is caused by the relatively large size of each breast, reduction of breast volume would improve this. This could be accomplished with breast reduction surgery. An alternative, if the breasts have a large fat component would be liposuction breast reduction.  The result would not be as predictable as breast reduction surgery. You would have to discuss your exact goals and trade-offs such as the breast reduction scars with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

Often a breast reduction with a lift will give considerable relief to your problem.  To a certain extent, you will likely always have a close cleavage given how your breasts are formed, but a lift with reduction would likely give you considerable improvement.

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

You appear to have macromastia or large breasts that typically are treated with a breast reduction and lift procedure. That will alleviate much of the issue that you have. You will still have somewhat of a tight cleavage but if you desire smaller breasts that could be an excellent way to proceed.

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD · Answer

First of all, your term uni-boob is not applicable to your situation. It is probably not important what you call your breasts. The important issue is to define what exactly bothers you (size, shape, cleavage, sagging, symmetry???) and even more importantly, what will make you happy. Once this is understood by your surgeon, and after a complete physical exam, treatment recommendations can be suggested. The fact that you had this since puberty, and assuming you are not obese, you might have juvenile macromastia. Consult with your gynecologist or family doctor about other causes of mammary hypertrophy. A breast reduction might be contemplated if medical causes have been ruled out.Robin T.W. Yuan, M.D.

Jonathan Kaplan, MD, MPH · Answer

I understand your concerns and while your breasts are close together, you do not have a uniboob. You actually have the type of cleavage that some women beg for when having a breast augmentation! I would not recommend correcting this because I think you would find the solution is worse that the "problem."

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your photos and question though a full examination is really needed to see what would be the best treatment for youDr Corbin

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You have macromastia which is accentuating the closeness of your breasts.  A bilateral reduction mammoplasty will be your best option.  Please consult a board certified plastic surgeon.

How to correct uniboob not caused by implants? (photos)

Answers (8)

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