Breasts are usually different shapes or sizes on every woman. Breast tissue grows in response to the hormones that are circulating in the body. Each breast may have a different response to these hormones and therefore grow at a different rate and may even end up a different size or shape. These are examples of different types of breast asymmetries that are very common on women. Since there are no other tissues (like the inframammary fold) restricting the breasts growth these types of asymmetries are called non-restrictive breast asymmetries. When the breast fails to grow because of the tightness of the inframammary fold, this is an example of restrictive breast asymmetry. Whether the asymmetry is restrictive or non-restrictive, the nipple and areolas will usually be positioned at different levels on the woman’s chest.
Asymmetry of the breast caused by tissue restriction occurs primarily when one or both breasts fail to grow symmetrically because of the skin or the surrounding tissues. These tissues are actually preventing the breast from expanding and thus limit its growth. Sometimes the breast will still continue to grow despite this restriction and it is forced to grow or expand through other areas of the breast. The most commonly affected are of the breast is the nipple and areolar tissue. The breast tissue will actually expand the areola and protrude outward. This effected breast will be a different shape and size than a non-restricted breast. This irregularity or condition is called a tuberous breast deformity. There are varying degrees of the tuberous breast deformity, mild to severe forms. Severe tuberous breast deformities will have very tight and constricted lower half breasts. This lower half or lower pole will seem to short for the breast mound and the areolar tissues will be widened and breast will protrude outward. These are the characteristics that give the tuberous breast its distinctive look.
If you read the breast anatomy page then it should be apparent that the inframammary fold contributes to these asymmetries. If these folds are in different positions or have different strengths the breasts will be positioned differently on the chest.
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This web site has been designed and created to assist in providing information about breast implants, and breast enhancement surgeries including breast augmentation. It is not meant to replace an informed consent document, or a visit with your plastic surgeon. This web site is for informational purposes only and not intended to provide medical advice.
