Asymmetry Correction
Some difference between the breasts is entirely normal. However, more noticeable asymmetry in size, shape or nipple position can affect clothing choices, confidence and body image. Breast asymmetry correction aims to create a more balanced appearance using an individually selected combination of surgical techniques.
Why does breast asymmetry occur?
Breast asymmetry may become apparent during breast development or develop later because of:
- Differences in natural breast development
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Weight loss or changes in weight
- Ageing and loss of skin elasticity
- Previous breast surgery
- Differences in the underlying chest wall or rib cage
- Conditions such as tubular breasts or Poland syndrome
- Changes in breast shape or position caused by implants
Asymmetry can involve breast volume, width, projection, skin envelope, breast crease, nipple position or areolar size. More than one of these differences is often present.
A detailed, personalised assessment
Correcting breast asymmetry is not simply a matter of making one breast larger or smaller. During your consultation, I will assess both breasts as well as the underlying chest wall, breast creases, skin quality and nipple position.
We will discuss which breast you prefer and whether your priority is to be larger, smaller, lifted or simply more evenly proportioned. The surgical plan is then designed around your anatomy and goals.
What techniques can be used?
The treatment may involve operating on one or both breasts and can include:
- Breast augmentation: An implant can increase the size and projection of the smaller breast. Different implant sizes or profiles may be used on each side when both breasts require augmentation.
- Fat grafting: Your own fat can be transferred to the smaller breast or to selected areas requiring additional fullness. More than one session may be needed.
- Breast reduction: The larger breast can be reduced and reshaped to match the smaller side more closely.
- Mastopexy: One or both breasts can be lifted to improve shape and nipple position.
- Auto-augmentation: Existing breast tissue can be redistributed to improve projection and shape without an implant.
- Nipple and areola correction: The position or size of the nipples and areolae can be adjusted when these contribute to the asymmetry.
- Combination surgery: Different procedures may be used on each breast—for example, reducing and lifting one side while augmenting or fat grafting the other.
Fat grafting for breast asymmetry
Fat grafting is particularly helpful for correcting smaller differences in volume or contour. Fat is collected by liposuction from areas such as the abdomen, flanks or thighs, carefully prepared and then injected into the breast.
The transferred fat feels natural and can be placed precisely, but some will be reabsorbed by the body. The final volume cannot be predicted with complete accuracy, and staged fat-grafting procedures may occasionally be required.
What results can be achieved?
The aim is meaningful improvement and a more balanced appearance rather than perfect symmetry. Natural differences in the chest wall, breast footprint and tissue quality cannot always be completely corrected. Breasts also continue to change with ageing, pregnancy and fluctuations in weight.
I will explain the likely scars, benefits and limitations of each option and recommend the combination of techniques most likely to produce a natural result that suits your body.
Who is it for?
Because asymmetry varies so much from patient to patient, the right technique is only clear after a thorough assessment. During your consultation, I will examine your anatomy and discuss your goals to agree the combination of techniques best suited to you. You may be a good candidate if you:
Have noticeable differences in breast size, shape or nipple position that affect your confidence or clothing fit
Have had asymmetry since puberty, or it has developed after pregnancy, weight change or previous surgery
Understand correction usually means treating one or both breasts differently to bring them closer to matching
Have realistic expectations, as a perfectly identical match is rarely achievable
Are in good general health and do not smoke, or are willing to stop well before and after surgery
Before & After
Coming soon
Before-and-after photographs are shared only with each patient’s consent. Examples will be added here in due course — in the meantime, Dr Borges is happy to discuss expected results at your consultation.
Scarring depends entirely on which techniques are used for each breast — a discreet crease-line scar for augmentation, or an anchor-pattern scar where a lift or reduction is needed. Because the two breasts may be treated differently, scars are not always symmetrical, which I discuss with you in detail during planning. Scars soften and fade over roughly 12–18 months.
What to expect
Recovery reflects whichever techniques have been combined for your individual plan. You'll have 24-hour access to advice from my team throughout, with progress checked at each follow-up.
First few days
Expect swelling, bruising and tightness, which can differ between the two breasts depending on what was done to each; most patients are mobile within a day or two.
Week 1–2
You'll wear your supportive bra day and night, and most patients feel ready to return to desk-based work within this window.
Week 2–3
Driving typically resumes once movement is comfortable and symmetrical enough to react quickly and safely.
From week 6–8
A gradual return to full exercise can begin as advised at your review, once healing is well established on both sides.
Why choose this procedure
Advantages of Asymmetry Correction
A more balanced, proportionate silhouette
Bringing the breasts closer in size, shape and position often makes a marked difference to how clothing and swimwear fit and sit.
Tailored to your specific pattern
Rather than a one-size approach, treatment is planned around exactly how your breasts differ.
Can address multiple concerns at once
Volume, shape and nipple position can all be addressed together in a single operation where appropriate.
Improved comfort in fitted clothing
Many patients find bras and fitted tops sit far more evenly after correction.
Long-lasting results
Results are generally long-lasting, though breasts will continue to change naturally with age, weight change or pregnancy.
Improved confidence
Many women describe feeling far more at ease, particularly when undressed or in fitted clothing, after correction.
Risks
As with any surgical procedure, it's essential we discuss the risks together so you're fully informed. While most patients experience no significant complications, potential risks include:
Residual asymmetry
A perfectly identical match is rarely achievable, and some difference may remain even after correction.
Change in nipple or breast sensation
Temporary or, occasionally, permanent numbness or increased sensitivity can occur on one or both sides.
Capsular contracture or implant-related risks
Where an implant is used to correct the smaller breast, standard implant risks such as capsular contracture or rupture apply to that side.
Scarring
Scars can occasionally become thickened or widened, and may differ in appearance between the two breasts.
Infection
Uncommon, but may occasionally require antibiotics.
Delayed wound healing
Particularly where more extensive tissue rearrangement is needed on one side.
Need for further surgery
Achieving the closest possible match occasionally requires a planned second, smaller procedure to fine-tune results.
Asymmetry correction for purely cosmetic reasons is not routinely funded by the NHS or private medical insurance, though where asymmetry is due to a congenital or developmental condition, some insurers may consider funding — do check your policy or ask me about this at consultation. Every plan is different, so an exact quote follows your consultation, and a price guide is available on request.
Book a ConsultationLocations
Consultations and surgery take place at accredited hospitals and clinics across Kent and London, with consultations available in English, Portuguese and Spanish.
Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital
Kingswood Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 4UL
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Wells Health, Fordcombe Hospital
Fordcombe Road, Fordcombe, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 0RD
Google Map →Wells Health, Tunbridge Wells Hospital
Tonbridge Road, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 4QJ
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