Congenital mammary asymmetry

In the last decades Western society has emphasized the necessity to have or obtain an appearance in conformity with the aesthetic canons commonly imposed. Female breast has great importance, from both a functional and an aesthetic point of view. This implies that every deviation from canons of breast size and shape, nowadays considered “normal”, can be the cause of some dissatisfaction for women. Mammary symmetry is an essential element in female as it conditions breast beauty and harmony. Not always do mammary glands look perfectly symmetric. Minor differences in shape, volume or position between the two breasts are usual in most women. From a clinical point of view, we can speak of real mammary asymmetry only when these variations between the breasts are sufficiently evident. Of course asymmetry is not only a cosmetic problem but can also cause psychological dysfunctions impairing interpersonal relationships and bringing to dysmorphophobic thoughts. Breast asymmetry is most of the times congenital but its etiopathogenesis is often unknown. Data concerning its prevalence are few in literature. Authors’ purpose is to consider the types of breast asymmetry, in order to adopt an operative classification which can ease the choice of the most indicated surgical option for the best aesthetic result in the specific case.