Help for Teenager with Uneven Breast Development

Question

my daughter is almost 14 and has started her periods. her left breast is an 'a' cup where as her right breast is almost a 'd' cup. she has been refused nhs treatment for her condition until she is 18. is there any private clinics in the uk that would be willing to do corrective surgery on someone so young? also, i have been given no self help infomation with regards to exercise that may enhance the growth of the smaller breast and no infomation was offered of where specialist bra's and swimwear can be purchased. can you help?

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Breast asymmetry is an extremely common problem amongst women. In most cases, this is relatively minor and women aren't bothered by it. Occasionally, it can be severe and treatment is necessary.It's virtually impossible to correct breast asymmetry while the breasts are still growing. Under these circumstances, it's appropriate to delay surgery until breast growth has stabilized. In many patients, breast growth may continue until patients are 18 to 19 years of age.A multitude of options can be used to treat the problem. These may include breast reduction, breast lift, breast augmentation or various combinations of these procedures. In most cases, the goal of symmetry is most easily accomplished with a bilateral procedure.A unilateral breast reduction is usually always necessary when a severe discrepancy in breast size is present. Under these circumstances, it's usually necessary to perform a procedure on the opposite breast for symmetry. These might include a lesser breast reduction, breast lift, breast augmentation or a breast lift in combination with breast augmentation.Every patient needs to be considered individually. The treatment plan should be appropriate for their anatomy, age and aesthetic goals. It's, therefore, important to consult a board certified plastic surgeon who can help determine which option is best for you.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  If you are looking to decrease the asymmetry from one breast to another, then you have several options once your daughter's breast are fully developed.
1)  You can reduce the larger breast with liposuction
2)  You can enlarge the smaller one with fat grafting or an implant
3)  You can enlarge both but use different size implants
I would visit with a board certified plastic surgeon after her breasts are fully developed to discuss your options in more detail.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

The breasts continue to develop until about 19-20 years old. Although she has significant breast asymmetry right now, this may change as she grows older. I would recommend she wait until she's older before considering surgery. Your daughter can consider going to a seamstress or bra maker to create a custom bra that will fit her breasts. She can also stuff her bra with a silicone insert that will balance her out, and her asymmetry will be undetectable under clothing.

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

I would tend to agree with the other experts in that breast asymmetry should really be addressed once breast development is complete. With the degree of asymmetry that your daughter has, it would be unfortunate to put her through a big surgery only to have the results change over the next few years. As for exercises, don't waste your time. Exercise will only affect the muscle and this is not the problem here.

	I hope that helps.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

SEE VIDEO FOR BREAST ASYMMETRY TREATMENT:
You have been provided with wise advice.
Performing surgery too early could result in needing more surgery later due to ongoing changes in breast development.

Help for Teenager with Uneven Breast Development

Answers (5)