Breast asymmetry at a glance
- Frequency77% of patients
- Volume asymmetry26.5%
- Nipples at different heights34.5%
- Nipple correctionAbove 2 cm
- VolumeDifferent implants or fat transfer
- Price€5,000 to €10,000
Small asymmetries of the breasts and chest are the rule before breast augmentation: in the series of 200 patients in Dr Médard de Chardon’s thesis, 77% had at least one. Often unnoticed, they become apparent after the operation, because the implant acts like a magnifying glass. They are therefore identified during the consultation: a difference in volume is corrected with two different implants or with fat transfer (lipofilling), a difference in the height of the inframammary fold can be corrected, and a difference in the height of the nipples requires additional scars.
Price: breast augmentation from €5,000 to €10,000, implants included, on a written quote after consultation (€100).
Why does asymmetry show after breast augmentation?
In most cases, patients do not notice these asymmetries before the operation. Breast augmentation with implants, without a breast lift (mastopexy), does not correct them, or only very slightly. On the contrary, it creates a magnifying effect on the breast: the larger the implants, the more a small asymmetry may be revealed after the operation. This is why they are measured and shown to the patient during the consultation.
Are minor asymmetries common?
Yes. In the series of 200 operated patients analysed in Dr Médard de Chardon’s thesis, 77% had at least one asymmetry of the breasts or chest. The table compares these figures with two other published series (as % of patients).
| Asymmetry | Brown et al. 1999 60 patients | Rohrich et al. 2003 100 patients | Médard de Chardon et al. 2008 200 patients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume | – | 44 | 26.5 |
| Position of the areola | – | 53 | 36.5 |
| of which nipple height | 30 | – | 34.5 |
| of which nipple spacing | 32 | – | 3 |
| Inframammary fold | 20 to 42 | 30 | 25.5 |
| Lower breast (segment III) | – | – | 20.5 |
| Breast base | – | 29 | 19 |
| Ptosis (sagging) | 25 | – | 29.5 |
| Position of the breast on the chest | – | – | 12.5 |
| Areola diameter | 28 | 24 | 21.5 |
| Total shape asymmetries | – | – | 62.5 |
| Chest | – | 9 | 17 |
| Total | – | 88 | 77 |
Which asymmetries can be corrected?
| Asymmetry | Possible correction |
|---|---|
| Height of the inframammary fold, nipples at the same height | Complete correction during the breast augmentation |
| Height of the nipples | No correction without additional scars: offered only for a difference of more than 2 cm |
| Volume | Two implants of different volumes, or breast fat transfer (lipofilling) on the smaller breast |
| Chest (minor asymmetry, scoliosis) | Different implants or combined fat transfer |
As every patient is unique, the plan for correcting a minor asymmetry is explained to her at the pre-operative consultation. Major asymmetries call for other approaches: tuberous breasts, Poland syndrome.
Volume: one breast smaller (26.5% of patients). Corrected with two implants of different volumes or with fat transfer (lipofilling) to the smaller breast. (default state).
How is asymmetry taken into account?
At the first consultation (€100), Dr Médard de Chardon measures the breasts and chest, identifies any asymmetries and shows them to the patient on the photographs. The choice of implants (shape, profile and volume, possibly different on each side), additional fat transfer or additional scars are discussed and finalised at the second consultation; a statutory 15-day cooling-off period separates the handing over of the written quote from the operation. The operation takes about 1 hour, at Clinique Oxford in Cannes. The procedure, recovery and risks are described in detail on the breast augmentation page.
Dr Médard de Chardon’s experience
- MD thesis on breast augmentation with implants (Nice Faculty of Medicine, 2008): the figures on this page are drawn from it.
- Publication on minor breast asymmetries before breast augmentation in the Annales de Chirurgie Plastique Esthétique (2009).
- More than 3,000 breast implants placed; qualified plastic surgeon in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, former Chef de Clinique (university hospital senior registrar), Nice Faculty of Medicine; member of SOFCEP (French Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery), SOFCPRE (French Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery) and ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery).
Before and after photos
Composite breast augmentation (implants + fat transfer)
Breast augmentation with implants and fat transfer (composite technique) to better conceal the edges of the implant and correct a minor pre-operative volume asymmetry.
Right mastopexy with a periareolar scar and a large-volume breast implant, and left mastopexy with T-shaped scars and a small-volume breast implant
Tuberous breasts with left breast ptosis and right breast hypoplasia, causing major breast asymmetry
Unruptured PIP breast implants
Replacement of unruptured PIP breast implants with correction of breast asymmetry through an inframammary incision. Result at 6 months
See all breast augmentation before and after photos
Frequently asked questions about breast asymmetry
Is it normal to have breasts that are different?
Yes. In the series of 200 patients in Dr Médard de Chardon’s thesis, 77% had at least one asymmetry of the breasts or chest before their breast augmentation. Most had not noticed it.
Does breast augmentation correct asymmetry?
Not always. Asymmetry of volume or of the height of the fold can be corrected during the operation; a difference in nipple height can only be corrected with additional scars. Without correction, the implant can even accentuate a small asymmetry (magnifying effect).
Can two breast implants of different sizes be used?
Yes, it is the simplest way to correct a volume asymmetry. Fat transfer to the smaller breast is another solution, alone or combined.
Nipples at different heights: what can be done during breast augmentation?
This asymmetry cannot be corrected without additional scars. Dr Médard de Chardon offers it only for a difference of more than 2 cm.
Is major breast asymmetry treated in the same way?
No. Major asymmetries, such as tuberous breasts or Poland syndrome, require specific management, often in several stages.
Is breast asymmetry covered by French national health insurance (Assurance Maladie)?
No, a minor asymmetry corrected during a cosmetic breast augmentation is not reimbursed.
References
- Médard de Chardon V. et al. Les petites asymétries mammaires avant augmentation mammaire [Minor breast asymmetries before breast augmentation]. Annales de Chirurgie Plastique Esthétique, 2009.
- Médard de Chardon V. MD thesis on breast augmentation with implants. Nice Faculty of Medicine, 2008.
- Rohrich RJ, Hartley W, Brown S. Incidence of breast and chest wall asymmetry in breast augmentation: a retrospective analysis of 100 patients. Plast Reconstr Surg 2003; 111: 1513-1519.
- Brown TPL et al., 1999: series of 60 patients.