Breast Asymmetry Correction Improves Mental Health, Study Finds

Breast asymmetry correction may help teens and young adults develop a higher self-esteem and emotional well-being, a new study has found. Researchers from Boston Children’s Hospital discovered that asymmetrical breasts could take a physical, emotional and social toll on girls, beginning in the teen years. These findings suggest breast asymmetry may be more than a cosmetic issue and that early treatment of the condition may lead to a myriad of mental health benefits.

The study, which was published in the December issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, looked at a variety of quality-of-life factors in girls and women between the ages of 12-21 with breast asymmetry. All of the subjects in the study had a difference of at least one-cup size between the two breasts. About 40 percent of the females in the study also had a congenital condition known as tuberous breast deformity, which is characterized by abnormally developed breasts that are often asymmetrical.

Teens benefit from breast correction surgery

After adjusting results for body weight differences, researchers learned that females with asymmetrical breasts had lower scores in both self-esteem and emotional wellbeing. The condition was also linked to certain “borderline” issues like eating disorders, social functioning and attitudes. The findings are comparable to the impact seen on girls with macromastia, or excessively large breasts.

“The observed impaired psychological well-being of adolescents with breast asymmetry may indicate the need for early intervention to minimize negative outcomes,” Dr. Brian Labow, author of the study, was quoted as saying to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Labow and his colleagues that worked with him on the study are all from Boston Children’s Hospital.

Breast asymmetry is a relatively common problem among women, but not all have significant differences that directly affect their quality of life. Tuberous breast deformity makes up a large portion of breast asymmetry cases, which is a congenital defect that presents during the adolescent years. Other causes of asymmetry may never be known.

This study points to the fact that early intervention for girls with significant breast asymmetry may have positive effects on their emotional health and social development. This condition should not be regarded as strictly a cosmetic issue, since its impact on sufferers can be profound and far-reaching. The good news is there are surgical techniques that can reduce asymmetry in the breasts and give girls a more balanced body profile.

Benefits of breast asymmetry correction in NYC

Dr. B. Aviva Preminger provides a variety of breast procedures to patients at her New York City clinic. Through breast augmentation and other procedures, Dr. Preminger is able to bring symmetry and balance to the chest area. Procedures can often be performed on an outpatient basis and require less recovery time than patients might think. Most are back to regular activities within 1-2 weeks.

If you or your teen is suffering the physical and emotional effects of asymmetrical breasts, help is available. Dr. Preminger will customize a surgical solution to meet your specific needs and desired outcome.

To learn more, contact Preminger Plastic Surgery at 212-706-1900 to schedule your private consultation with leading Manhattan plastic surgeon Dr. Preminger.