Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Have surgery
• Method 2 of 3: Balance breasts if you are breastfeeding
• Method 3 of 3: Hide uneven breasts
• Tips
• Warnings

Having breasts of two different sizes is very normal and most women experience at least a little bit of asymmetry at some point in their lives. If uneven breasts make you feel particularly confident or keep you from doing the things you enjoy doing, there are a few options that can help you. You can try different types of bras or clothing, consider a different breastfeeding technique, or talk to your doctor about possible breast surgery options.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Have surgery

1. Weigh the pros and cons of breast surgery. Breast surgery is a permanent way to restore unbalanced breasts, but of course there are always risks involved. Surgery is an effective solution for breasts that differ by more than one cup size.
   • Consult your healthcare provider about breast surgery. He or she can guide you through the different options and help you make an informed choice. You will need to talk about your medical history and why you want surgery, as well as possible procedures.
   • Scarring is an unavoidable risk associated with breast surgery.
   • Other risks include nipple sensitivity and reduced blood flow to the nipples.
   • If you plan to breastfeed in the future, discuss with the surgeon how the surgery will affect breastfeeding in the future. This depends on whether or not the mammary glands are removed during surgery and how much breast milk you can produce.
   • The recovery time for surgery takes about six weeks.
2. Go for a breast reduction if you are happy with the size of the smaller breast. The plastic surgeon will reduce the size of the larger breast so that it is in proper proportion to the smaller breast. This works especially well if your breasts are even but different in size.
   • A breast reduction usually takes two to five hours, and you can often go home the same day, provided you have someone at home who can lend a hand. Women usually take one to two weeks off from work or school.
   • The most common immediate side effects of breast reduction are fatigue, breast pain, and scarring. The fatigue and pain will be less in a few weeks. The scars will never disappear completely, but they will fade over time.
   • A breast lift is an extra option if you have a breast reduction. If your breasts are different in both size and shape, this surgery will turn the natural tissue into a shape that you will find more aesthetically pleasing.
3. Opt for an enlargement through fat transfer for a natural look. This surgery involves adding fat from another part of your body to the smaller breast to make it the same size as the other breast. This will make your breasts look and feel more alike.
   • Fat transfer augmentation usually takes about three hours to complete, and you can go home the same day, provided you have someone home to lend a hand. Women usually take up to one week off after this operation.
   • The risks associated with an increase in fat transfer are the formation of lumps and cysts, or that the fat implant may not survive. The surgeon will guide you through all the possible risks of the surgery to provide you with the best possible information.
   • Fat transfer enhancement is considered a more natural option because it does not use implants or silicone, but rather your own fat tissue, making your breasts look more "normal".
4. Go for a breast implant if you want your breasts to be bigger and more balanced. Breast implant surgery, also called breast augmentation, is done by inserting an implant behind the chest wall of each breast. Implants generally last for about 20 years, and sometimes further surgery is required to maintain the implants.
   • Breast implants are filled with silicone gel or saline solution.
   • Most breast augmentations take 90 minutes and you can usually go home the same day to recover.
   • The risks associated with breast augmentation are implants that rupture, require further surgery because the implants do not hold up, and that the breast area hardens around the implant. Your surgeon will tell you all the associated risks and benefits to help you make an informed choice.

Method 2 of 3: Balance breasts if you are breastfeeding

1. Breastfeed more often with the smaller breast. The more stimulation a breast receives, the more milk it will produce and the larger it will grow. Uneven breasts are common if your baby prefers one breast to the other, or if you tend to use the same breast every time you breastfeed.
   • Start each breastfeed with the smaller breast, if you can. You should notice that your breasts start to lose balance after a few days. This is because the smaller breast starts to produce more milk.
   • Imbalanced and uneven breasts are very common in the first few weeks after giving birth, and especially if you are breastfeeding. This is completely normal and usually nothing to worry about, but if you have any concerns, see your doctor.
2. After breastfeeding, use a breast pump on the smaller breast. Breast pumps are known for increasing the milk supply, which will make the smaller breast bigger. Make sure to also express the larger breast from time to time to maintain the milk supply.
   • Pumping can also be useful if your baby prefers the smaller breast and doesn't want to feed on the other side.
3. Alternate between each breast for feeding once they are even in size. Use each breast during the same time as the other, otherwise the larger one could end up becoming the smaller one. This will make your breasts produce a similar amount of milk and stay as even as possible.
   • Remembering which breast to start with each time you breastfeed is a good way to remember to switch them.
4. Help feed your baby with the less preferred breast. Breastfeeding with both breasts the same will help them grow to the same size, but only if your baby agrees too! Try out a few different positions. A more comfortable position for your baby will help him or her feed.
   • Another option to breastfeed with the less preferred baby breast is to offer it when your baby is tired. This is because babies will be less aware of their environment and hopefully more willing to try the other way.

Method 3 of 3: Hide uneven breasts

1. Put on a sports bra to compress your breasts. Sports bras provide comfort and support for many activities and also compress your breasts. Binding your breasts in this way will minimize any imperfections.
2. Wear a padded, full cup bra for a more even shape. When buying a bra, make sure you choose bras that fit well and are comfortable for your larger breast, rather than the smaller one. Because these bras are molded, they will keep their shape, which in turn will help hide the difference in cup size.
   • Let a consultant advise you on choosing the right bra size, so that you get the best possible fit. The consultant can also make good recommendations on what type of bras are best for you.
3. Buy a bra with removable padding as a simple solution. Many bras in smaller cup sizes have padding that can be removed from the side. Simply take out the filling for the larger breast, leave it in for your smaller breast, and this will balance your breasts.
4. Buy a mastectomy bra for post-surgery comfort. Some women have uneven breasts after breast surgery as a result of procedures such as a mastectomy. Wearing a mastectomy bra will help you feel comfortable and will help your breasts look even more even.
   • The fabric of these bras is smooth for sensitive skin, and you can get full coverage without a binding or constricting feeling.
   • Mastectomy bras also have pockets where you can place padding or a prosthetic breast, which also gives you support and balance.
5. Wear shirts with non-repeating patterns to cover up your chest. Random and busy patterns that are not geometric, such as flowers or animal prints, are good for hiding any asymmetry. An asymmetrical pattern will trick the brain into focusing on the pattern, rather than the uneven breasts.
   • Patterned scarves and wraps are other great options for draping across your chest.
6. Make a statement outfit with fun earrings and short necklaces. Find some fun accessories that are bold and radiant. Not only will these make you feel your best, but they will also draw attention away from blemishes. Shorter necklaces above your collarbone and quirky earrings help create a striking outfit without making you feel self-conscious.
   • Shiny, feathered, or large geometric earrings are all excellent options as they draw attention to the top of your bust.

Tips

• Try to hide your breast imperfections before opting for surgery as this can be a much easier and certainly less risky solution for you.

Warnings

• Uneven breasts are rarely a medical problem that you should be concerned about, but always consult your doctor if you are concerned. He or she will check that you are healthy and give you peace of mind.