Plastic Surgery Articles

Disproportionate breast size or shape, otherwise known as breast asymmetry, is a common condition among women. Studies show the majority of women suffer from breast asymmetry at some level; however, women with a noticeable difference in breast shape and size often suffer, not only from physical consequences, but psychological damage such as low self-esteem and depression.

Although breast asymmetry is a common condition, it is not openly discussed, so most women with noticeable irregularities in breast shape and size are too embarrassed to seek professional help. Instead, these women quietly suffer from insecurities with their appearance which can lead to problems with their sexuality and self-esteem.

According to a study presented at the 2006 American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Plastic Surgery conference in San Francisco, surgery can dramatically increase the quality of life and self-esteem for patients with severe cases of breast asymmetry.

Authors of the study measured how breast asymmetry surgery directly impacted the quality of life for 35 patients. According to the findings, all participants showed an increase in self-esteem six months after the procedure.

“Breast asymmetry can be emotionally devastating for women,” said ASPS Member Surgeon and Public Education Committee chair, Walter Erhardt, MD. “Women need to know this condition is extremely common, and there is nothing to be ashamed of in getting help that will improve their quality of life and self-esteem.”

A study released in the November/December, 2007 issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal provides further evidence that there is a direct correlation between breast asymmetry surgery and an improvement in quality of life.

Authors of the 2007 study also used 35 participants to conduct the study. The results were measured with the completion of a quality of life indicator that measures eight dimensions of health status and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale, which measures an individual’s quality of life based on ten self-esteem related questions.

Both tests were conducted before and after the breast asymmetry surgery. All patients showed a dramatic increase in scores measuring emotional factors three months after the procedures and an increase in scores measuring the physical factors six moths after the procedures. All patients showed an increase in self-esteem.

Studies such as these provide evidence that breast asymmetry surgery not only improves physical consequences, but more importantly, raises self-esteem and improves the quality of life for these patients.