It can be frustrating to notice that your breasts have become noticeably uneven, especially after all the work you put in to lose weight and gain your ideal body. Instead of feeling more confident in your body, you become even more self-conscious. But what could be the reason behind the uneven breasts? Is it due to your weight loss? Many women have concerns regarding breast asymmetry and weight loss. But it’s time to put your mind at ease. Here's what you need to know about the relationship between weight loss and breast asymmetry, including the causes, potential health implications, and possible solutions.
Understanding Breast Asymmetry
Breast asymmetry, or uneven breasts, refers to when one breast is a different size or shape than the other. Many females have this, and it is not typically a cause for concern. However, substantial asymmetrical breast size or density may be a sign of a higher risk of breast cancer. Most people’s breasts are slightly different in size, shape, and position. However, uneven breasts or nipples are not usually a cause for concern.
What is Considered Normal?
In most cases, breast asymmetry is typical. The two sides of the whole body might be slightly different, though any asymmetry may be more noticeable in the breasts. However, if a person notices a change in the size or shape of one breast, they need to speak with a doctor to determine the cause. A significant difference in size or shape between the breasts is less common. This does not always cause medical issues, but a doctor can advise on this. Uneven breasts are not usually a cause for concern. However, it is essential to have regular mammograms to ensure healthcare professionals can identify breast abnormalities early.
The Impact of Weight Loss on Breast Tissue
Yes, you will definitely notice some changes in your breasts during your weight loss. The breasts contain high levels of fatty tissue, so they are one of the body areas that is significantly impacted. As you lose weight, you burn fat deposits in your body, including in your breasts. Your skin also has elastin and collagen, which are responsible for its firmness, elasticity, and strength. The collagen and elastin fibers could be damaged due to drastically or significantly lost weight. This, in turn, reduces the elasticity of your skin and ligaments.
Because of the reduced elasticity, the skin and ligaments that support your breast may fail to retract properly following the changes to your breast tissue. So, can these changes cause breast asymmetry? In some women, this is possible, but it’s not true for all women. Due to anatomical differences, we may experience weight loss at varying rates and ratios. In the same way, different parts of your body may be impacted in different ways as you lose weight. One breast may end up with less fatty tissue or have weaker elasticity in the skin and breast ligaments.
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Factors Influencing Asymmetry During Weight Loss
Factors like differences in genetic makeup or body mass index (BMI) may play a more significant role in the chances of you developing breast asymmetry during weight loss. However, there are habits that you might be doing that are speeding the process along. As you run, walk, or even sit around without the right bra support, your breasts are either bouncing around or being pulled down by gravity. This puts a lot of strain on your breast tissue and the skin surrounding it and is a painful experience, especially for larger breasts. Things like excessive smoking or drinking or a poor diet could have negative impacts on the collagen and elastin in your skin. Smoking, for example, breaks down the collagen and elastin fibers that may affect the perkiness and firmness in one or both breasts.
The Role of Hydration
Drinking enough water during your weight loss journey is important, and it’s not only to promote muscle recovery after exercising. Drinking sufficient water provides a lot of benefits for the skin including improved elasticity.
Weight Loss, Breast Density, and Cancer Risk
Aside from fat, the breast tissue is also made up of glandular tissue (milk glands), and fibrous connective tissue. When you lose weight you shed the fatty tissue resulting in more fibroglandular tissue (glandular and fibrous connective tissue) and as a result dense breast tissue. Dense breasts appear as white areas on a mammogram, which is similar to other abnormal breast changes like calcifications. This is unlike fatty tissue that appears as dark areas. So, as you gain more fibroglandular density and less fatty tissue, it’s harder to differentiate normal breast tissue from abnormal and possibly cancerous cells. So, if during or after your weight loss you notice an increased breast density or change in how your breasts feel, schedule another mammogram.
Weight Loss and Breast Cancer Risk
The findings of the relationship between weight and breast cancer risk are complex and not conclusive. Even so, experts seem to believe that weight gain in women after menopause results in an increased risk of developing breast cancer. This logic is linked to the estrogen levels in the body. Since before menopause, most of the estrogen is produced in the ovaries and not fat tissue, gaining weight at this point is not a major concern. Aside from estrogen levels, studies have found the relationship between weight and breast cancer varies based on other factors as well. One such study was done in 2023. According to the American Cancer Society, however, weight loss might reduce the risk of breast cancer in women after menopause. Even so, let’s not forget that drastic and unexplained weight loss is among the breast cancer signs. So, if you’ve been experiencing significant weight loss without trying to, you may want to go for breast cancer screening. Your doctor will advise you on which types of breast imaging or tests are necessary based on your symptoms and breast imaging reporting.
Mammograms and Breast Asymmetry
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast, which can test for abnormalities, including lumps. A mammogram might reveal that the breasts have different densities. Doctors call this breast asymmetry or focal asymmetry. Focal asymmetry does not always mean that breasts look or feel any different. Although dense breast tissue is generally as healthy as less dense breast tissue, a mammogram result may suggest a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer.
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If breast asymmetry is new or changes, healthcare professionals refer to it as developing asymmetry. If a mammogram screening identifies developing asymmetry, there is a 12% risk that the person will develop breast cancer. Other possible causes for an asymmetrical breast density mammogram result include:
- A typical variation in the composition of fats and fibrous tissue in the breasts
- A cyst in one breast
- Fibrosis, or a large amount of fibrous tissue
According to the American Cancer Society, neither fibrosis nor cysts affect a person’s subsequent risk of breast cancer.
When to Consult a Doctor
Any unusual changes in the breast should undergo an examination by a doctor. Changes to look out for include:
- A lump in or around the breast
- A lump under the arm
- Tissue that feels thick or firm near the breast or under the arm
- A change in the size or shape of a breast
- Changes to the nipple, such as it starts to point inward
- Fluid or discharge from the nipple
- Red or discolored, itchy, or scaly skin around the breast
- Dimpled or puckered skin
Anyone who experiences developing asymmetry needs to speak with the doctor for further tests. Tests will likely include another mammogram to check both breasts thoroughly. Ultrasound testing is an additional test to check for any signs of breast cancer. A doctor may wish to follow up these tests with a biopsy. Tissue from the breast will be sent to a laboratory to check if it contains cancer cells. A healthcare professional will usually take a tissue sample using a fine needle.
Can You Lose Weight Without Developing Asymmetrical Breasts?
Yes, it is possible to lose weight without developing asymmetrical breasts. As we mentioned before, due to anatomical differences, women experience weight loss differently, and therefore not every woman will get uneven breasts from losing weight. We know you can’t wait to get to your ideal weight. But remember that drastic weight changes could impact your skin’s elasticity and overall breast change negatively.
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Tips to Minimize Breast Asymmetry During Weight Loss
- Focus on Gradual Weight Loss: Remember that drastic weight changes could impact your skin’s elasticity and overall breast change negatively.
- Incorporate Chest Exercises: As you work out, focus as much attention on your chest muscles as well. There are several chest exercises you can try to prevent uneven breasts.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Shedding weight isn’t about limiting your diet but eating the right foods. With that said fruits and vegetables should be a staple in your diet. They are rich in antioxidants which help boost overall skin health.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water keeps your skin hydrated. That means the skin around your breasts will remain supple and elastic so it can easily retract as you lose the fat in your breast tissue.
- Moisturize Regularly: Moisturizing regularly is also a great way to maintain hydrated skin.
- Wear Supportive Bras: As you run, walk, or even sit around without the right bra support, your breasts are either bouncing around or being pulled down by gravity. This puts a lot of strain on your breast tissue and the skin surrounding it.
Solutions for Addressing Breast Asymmetry
The permanent solution to fixing uneven breasts is through surgery. There are several cosmetic surgery procedures you can try including, a breast lift and breast augmentation (implant or fat transfer). However, according to experts on the American Society of Plastic Surgeons forum, you’re advised to first reach your ideal weight before going for surgery.
Surgical Options
At NuBody Concepts, there are three main surgical procedures to achieve more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing breasts. These procedures are:
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy): This is a surgical procedure performed under general anaesthetic. The excess skin resulting from weight loss is removed, and the breast and nipple are repositioned into a flattering and lifted position. A breast lift is a surgical procedure that lifts and reshapes sagging breasts. By removing excess skin and tightening the tissue, this procedure can help improve breast symmetry. This is most suited to patients who are happy with their smaller breast size after weight loss, as there is no extra size achieved.
- Breast Augmentation: Breast Augmentation, also known as Breast Enlargement, or a Boob Job, is a surgical procedure which increases the size of the breasts and enhances their shape using breast implants. The breast implants fill the space in the breast left by the excess skin, caused by weight loss, resulting in a smoother, firmer appearance. Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure in which breast implants (silicone or saline) are used to increase the size and improve the shape of the breasts. This procedure can help improve breast symmetry by adding volume to one or both breasts.
- Fat Transfer to Breast (Natural Breast Augmentation): For patients who do not wish to use breast implants to increase the size and enhance the tone of their breasts, Fat Transfer to Breast is a popular alternative that uses the body’s own fat, extracted with Liposuction, to fill the space within the breast pocket. It is not usually possible to gain the same size increase as breast implants can provide, but for patients looking for a natural and subtle result, Natural Breast Augmentation is a good option.
- Augmented Mastopexy (Breast Lift with Implants): Patients who are looking for the lift of a Mastopexy and the added volume of a Breast Augmentation can consider an Augmented Mastopexy (also known as a Breast Lift with Implants). This surgical procedure involves the implants being placed into your breasts before your surgeon removes the excess skin and repositions the breast and the implant into the most flattering position.
- Breast Reduction: Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue and skin to reduce the size of the breasts. This procedure can help improve breast symmetry by reducing the size of one or both breasts. Lastly, if one of your breasts is significantly larger than the other and you would prefer that both of your breasts be more the size of your smaller breast, breast reduction surgery will be the best solution for you. Breast reduction surgery will require anesthesia and one or several incisions. Like breast augmentation surgery, breast reduction can be quite a significant procedure that require substantial downtime and recovery.
All these surgical breast procedures have recovery periods of 6-8 weeks. You will have to wear a surgical bra for this recovery time to support your breasts, prevent swelling and maintain your surgical result.
Non-Surgical Options
Alternatively, there are other remedies like a good diet and chest exercises that could help you fix uneven breasts. But this works well if there isn’t a significant difference between your breasts. So, your best non-surgical solution would be to invest in a well-fitted asymmetric bra. At Symmetrista we’ve mastered the art of creating a comfortable asymmetric bra that provides a custom fit for each breast and an overall perfect silhouette.
- Maintaining a stable weight: Fluctuating weight is more likely to cause the skin and ligaments around the breasts to permanently stretch.
- A good posture: Although keeping a good posture won’t fully correct sagging breasts, it will make your breasts appear to be more lifted.
It is important to remember that non-surgical and lifestyle options may not provide the same dramatic effects as surgery.
The Importance of Regular Breast Cancer Screening
Asymmetric breast tissue has been found to be correlated with breast cancer. That doesn’t mean that every woman with breast volume asymmetry has breast cancer. But there is a correlation between those with higher asymmetry and breast cancer. There is a higher rate of developing breast cancer and cancer risk if you have a larger asymmetry between your breasts. It is important for all woman to regularly screen for breast cancer.
According to 2021 research, women with asymmetrical breast density have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. In fact, their lifetime risk of developing the disease is four to six times higher compared with women of the same age with low breast density.
As of 2023, the Preventive Services Task Force recommends that people should start speaking with their doctor about breast cancer screening from 40 years of age. This is instead of the previously recommended starting age of 50 years old. They encourage those with an average risk to have routine screening from the age of 40-74 years, but screening may start earlier for those with a higher risk.
Risk factors include:
- Having genetic changes in relevant genes, such as the BRCA genes
- Having a previous history of breast lesions or breast cancer
- Having a history of childhood exposure to radiation in the chest area
Understanding Mammogram Results After Weight Loss
Weight loss inevitably leads to changes in the body shape. Generally, weight loss helps improve health and shed fat, leading to positive lifestyle changes. However, there is one thing to consider if you are losing a substantial amount of weight. If you are losing weight and shedding some of the fatty tissue in your breasts, the breast’s composition begins to change. Since weight loss can be responsible for changes in the breast’s composition, you may want to consider scheduling another mammogram to make sure nothing has changed. Gaining a substantial amount of weight can also have a similar effect. Weight gain can cause abnormal mammogram results and the amount of fat in your breasts to increase and change the overall composition. If you think you have had any change in how your breasts feel, it is best to see a physician. Mammograms can diagnose breast cancer in its early stages before any lump can be felt and detected through self-examination. In this stage, the cancer is easier to treat.
If a screening mammogram shows changes to your breast or if you display breast cancer symptoms, you may need a diagnostic mammogram.
Common findings in mammograms include:
- Calcifications: Small white spots are known as calcium deposits that occur within the breast tissue. These calcifications may or may not be cancerous. The shape and layout of these deposits help a physician determine whether the change is due to cancer. There are two types of calcifications, including microcalcifications and macrocalcifications. Macrocalcifications are a larger type of calcium deposit that occurs due to age.
- Masses: These are areas of dense breast tissue with a shape and edges that make them appear abnormal from the rest of the breast tissue. Like calcifications, masses may or may not be cancerous. Solid masses are more concerning because fluid-filled masses are likely to be cysts. The size, shape and margins of a mass can help decide whether it is cancerous.
- Breast density: This report shows how fibrous and glandular tissues are distributed in your breast compared to your fatty tissues. Breast density is directly affected by weight loss. If you are losing fatty tissue in your breasts, you will have increased breast density since there is less fatty tissue compared to glandular tissues. Women whose mammogram shows extremely dense breasts can get a mammogram call-back after weight loss. Dense breasts make it more difficult to detect cancer since dense breast tissue looks white, and masses or tumors would also appear white in a mammogram image. The lack of contrast with dense breasts makes it difficult to properly determine normal versus abnormal breast growths and may require more testing to detect if cancer is present. It also makes it easier for cancerous growth to hide behind the normal breast tissue.
If you have lost weight, you may wonder when you should schedule a mammogram. If you lose a pound here and there, this shouldn’t be enough to change the composition of your breasts. Your mammogram will only be affected if you have experienced significant weight loss since your last mammogram.