Asymmetric breasts: Causes + Tips

Did you know the majority of breast-owners have breast asymmetry? An estimated 8 out of 10 women live with some degree of unevenness. (After all, they’re sisters, not twins.) If you’re concerned about asymmetry, want to know what causes it, or are looking for methods for evening things out, you’ve come to the right place. 

WHAT IS ASYMMETRY

Asymmetric breasts aren’t just about size; it’s also about the shape of the breasts, size and shape of the nipples, and overall positioning. Asymmetry runs the gamut from slight to extreme, with the majority of breast owners falling somewhere in the low to medium end. 

IS ASYMMETRY NORMAL?

If you think about it, almost nothing on your body that comes in a set of twos is symmetrical: eyes, eyebrows, hands — so why should your breasts be? In most cases, asymmetry is completely normal and nothing to worry about. However, you should always be vigilant of any sudden changes in asymmetry and seek medical attention if they persist.

Additionally, asymmetric breast density has been linked with a four to six times higher risk of breast cancer than low density breasts, which means that asymmetric breast owners should practice regular self checks and get mammograms as early as is recommended by your medical provider. 

CAUSES OF ASYMMETRY

Hormones

Asymmetry can occur at different points in your menstrual cycle, in correlation with menopause, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or as a side-effect of hormonal birth control. Typically, these changes in size linked to hormonal fluctuations will be temporary, which is a good indication that it’s not a sign of a more serious issue. If changes do persist, however, consult with your doctor.

Differing growth rates

For many women, breast asymmetry will occur during puberty. At this stage, breast tissue is growing and changing rapidly, and that can happen at slightly different rates. 

Breastfeeding

If you favor one breast more than the other, either through breastfeeding or when using a breast pump, it will signal to your body to produce more milk on that side. As a result, your breasts can appear asymmetrical. To solve this, do your best to use each breast as evenly as possible. If your baby has a favorite side, you can offset the effects by using a pump on the other side.

Physical trauma, injury, or surgery

If there’s any physical trauma to the breast tissue, it can affect the symmetry of the breasts. For example, a mastectomy is a life-saving breast cancer intervention that can result in permanent asymmetry. 

TIPS FOR BRA FIT

• Always fit to your fuller side to prevent cup spillage. 
• Look for bra cups with stretchy material so that each cup conforms to your body, minimizing gaping.
• Adjust the strap on the smaller side to a tighter length.
• Add an insert to help with volume on the smaller side.

BEST BRAS TO TRY

1. Bras with removable cookies. This gives you the option to add or remove padding as you see fit. You can even double up the pad on the side that’s a bit smaller.
2. Silicone inserts. If your asymmetry is more pronounced, you can purchase a bra insert that matches the size difference between your breasts. This will help with the projection of the bra and will fill in any gaps in volume. 
3. Purchase a bra with alpha sizing. Typically, these bras are designed to flexibly fit a larger range of cup sizes, so a minor asymmetry will be easily accommodated by this type of bra. Honeylove’s wireless bras are a great option. 
4. Mastectomy bras and inserts. If your asymmetry is caused by breast cancer treatment, you’ll likely need a substantial amount of padding to create the appearance of evenness. Luckily, there are many excellent mastectomy bras that can accommodate a wide range of silicone insert sizes. You can even have them custom made for your body. 

FAMOUS FRIENDS

As we said, you’re not alone! We applaud these celebs’ transparency. After all, this is a phenomenon that affects the vast majority of women, so it’s no surprise that these famous figures are also affected. Welcome to the club, you’re in great company. 

Jennifer Lawrence

The Oscar-winning actress revealed,“I was standing with these doctors and they were looking at my lungs and it felt like the elephant in the room. I was like, ‘Are my breasts uneven?’”

Chrissy Tiegen

The social media sensation shared a photo of her uneven cleavage on Instagram with the caption: “View from above. I really should have nursed out of both boobs (when I nursed).”