How to Fix Imbalanced Breast Sizes

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Having breasts of two different sizes is very common, and most women experience at least a bit of asymmetry at some point in their lives. If uneven breasts are making you feel particularly self conscious or stopping you from doing the things you want, there are a few options that can help. You could try out different bra or clothing types, consider a different breastfeeding technique, or talk to your doctor about your options for breast surgery.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Having Surgery

PDF download Download Article
  1. Getting a form of breast surgery is a permanent way to fix imbalanced breasts, but it does come with its share of risks. Surgery is an effective fix for breasts that are more than one cup size different.
    • Talk to your healthcare professional about breast surgery, as they will be able to guide you through your options, and help you to make an informed choice. You will talk about your medical history, your reasons for wanting surgery, and the possible procedures. [1]
    • Make sure your doctor is certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has plenty of experience with the surgery you'd like done. [2]
    • Scarring is an unavoidable risk that is involved with breast surgery.
    • Other risks include nipple sensitivity and a lower blood supply to the nipples.
    • If you are planning on breastfeeding in the future, talk to your surgeon about how the surgery will affect breastfeeding in the future. This will depend on if your milk ducts are cut during surgery, and how much breast milk you will be able to produce. [3]
    • The recovery time for surgery is approximately 6 weeks.
  2. The plastic surgeon will reduce the size of your larger breast, to make it proportionate with your smaller breast. This works especially well if your breasts are evenly shaped, but differently sized. [4]
    • Breast reduction surgery usually takes 2-5 hours, and you can often go home on the same day provided that you have someone to support you. Women usually take 1-2 weeks off from work or school. [5]
    • The most common immediate side effects of breast reduction surgery are feeling tired, breast pain, and scarring.Tiredness and pain will ease over the following weeks, and while the scarring will never fully disappear, it will slowly fade over time.
    • A breast lift is an additional option if you are getting a breast reduction. If your breasts are different in both size and shape, this surgery will modify your natural tissue into a shape that you find more aesthetically pleasing.
  3. This surgery is when fat from a different area of your body is added to the smaller breast, to make it the same size as the other. This will help your breasts to look and feel more alike. [6]
    • A fat transfer augmentation usually takes around 3 hours to complete, and you can go home on the same day provided that you have a support person. Women usually take up to 1 week off work after this surgery. [7]
    • The risks associated with a fat transfer augmentation are the formation of lumps and cysts, or the fat graft not surviving. Your surgeon will run you through all of the possible risks of the surgery to give you the best information possible. [8]
    • A fat transfer augmentation is considered a more natural option because it doesn’t use implants or silicone, but rather your own fat tissue, which will make your breasts feel more “normal”.
  4. Breast implant surgery is also called breast augmentation, and is done by inserting an implant behind the chest wall of each breast. [9] Implants tend to last for approximately 20 years, and sometimes further surgery is required to maintain the implants. [10]
    • Breast implants are either silicone gel-filled or saline-filled.
    • Most breast implant surgeries take 90 minutes, and usually you can go home to recover on the same day.
    • The risks associated with breast implant surgery are the implants rupturing, having to undergo further surgeries because the implants don't last, and the breast area hardening around the implant. Your surgeon will talk you through all of the associated risks and benefits, to help you make an informed choice.
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Balancing Breasts if You're Breastfeeding

PDF download Download Article
  1. The more stimulation that a breast gets, the more milk it will produce, and the larger it will grow. Uneven breasts commonly occur if you baby prefers to feed on one breast over the other, or if you tend to stick to one breast for nursing. [11]
    • Begin every nursing with the smaller breast if possible. You should notice your breasts starting to balance out after a few days, as the smaller breast begins to produce more milk.
    • Imbalanced and uneven breasts are very common in the first couple of weeks after you give birth, and especially if you are breastfeeding. This is very normal and usually nothing to worry about, but if you are particularly concerned, consult your healthcare professional.
  2. Breast pumps are known for increasing breast milk supply, which will make your smaller breast larger. Make sure that you pump the larger breast from time to time too, in order to keep up its milk supply. [12]
    • Pumping can also be useful if your baby has a preference for the smaller breast, and won’t feed on the other side.
  3. Try and use each breast the same amount as the other, otherwise the larger one might ended up becoming the smaller one. This will help your breasts to produce similar amounts of milk, and to stay as even as possible. [13]
    • Remembering which breast you start with during each breastfeeding session is a good way to remember to switch it up.
  4. Nursing with both breasts equally will help them to even out, but only if your baby agrees as well! Try out a few different nursing positions, as a more comfortable position for your baby could help them to nurse.
    • Another option for breastfeeding with the baby’s less preferred breast is to offer it to them when they are tired. This is because they will be less aware of their surroundings, and hopefully more willing to try out the other side.
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Hiding Uneven Breasts

PDF download Download Article
  1. Sports bras provide comfort and support for many activities, and they also press your breasts together. Binding your breasts in this way will minimise any unevenness. [14]
  2. When bra shopping, make sure that you pick out bras that fit and are comfortable for your larger breast rather than the smaller one. Because these bras are moulded, they will keep their shape, which will help to hide the difference in cup size.
    • Get a proper bra fitting to make sure that you get the best fit possible. The consultant will also be able to give good recommendations as to what bras will work best for you.
  3. Many bras that come in smaller cup sizes have padding that can be removed from the side. Simply take the padding out for your larger breast, leave it in for your smaller breast, and this will help to balance out your chest.
  4. Some women have uneven breasts after breast surgery due to procedures such as a mastectomy. Wearing a mastectomy bra afterwards will help you to feel comfortable, and will help your breasts to appear more even too. [15]
    • The fabric of these bras is smooth against sensitive skin, and you can get full coverage without a binding or constricting feeling.
    • Mastectomy bras also have pockets where you can insert padding or a prosthetic breast, which gives you support and balance too.
  5. Random and dense patterns that aren't geometric, such as flowers or animal prints, work well to hide any asymmetry. An asymmetrical pattern will trick your brain into focusing on the pattern, rather than on uneven breasts. [16]
    • Patterned scarves and shawls are other good options to drape over your chest.
  6. Find some fun accessories that are bold and bright, as these will not only help you to feel your best, but they will also take the attention off any unevenness. Shorter necklaces above your collarbone, and feature earrings will help to make a standout outfit, without you feeling self-conscious. [17]
    • Shiny, feathery, or chunky geometric earrings are all great options because they draw attention upwards from your bust.

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What surgery would I need to correct imbalanced breast sizes?
    Daniel Barrett, MD
    Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
    Dr. Daniel Barrett is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and the owner of Barrett Plastic Surgery based in Beverly Hills, California. With over six years of plastic surgery experience, Dr. Barrett specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, nose and body. He has developed detailed scar management protocols and closure techniques to reduce the appearance of scars for his patients. Dr. Barrett obtained a BS from James Madison University and an MD along with an MS in Physiology and and an MHA (Masters of Health Administration) from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond.
    Daniel Barrett, MD
    Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
    Expert Answer
    Most likely, you would need differential augmentation surgery. This involves placing a silicone implant in each breast, with one implant being larger than the other. If you're curious about surgery I would talk to a certified plastic surgeon to discuss what option will be best for you.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
  • Question
    Can fat be transferred to your breasts?
    Daniel Barrett, MD
    Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
    Dr. Daniel Barrett is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and the owner of Barrett Plastic Surgery based in Beverly Hills, California. With over six years of plastic surgery experience, Dr. Barrett specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, nose and body. He has developed detailed scar management protocols and closure techniques to reduce the appearance of scars for his patients. Dr. Barrett obtained a BS from James Madison University and an MD along with an MS in Physiology and and an MHA (Masters of Health Administration) from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond.
    Daniel Barrett, MD
    Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
    Expert Answer
    Yes, you can get a procedure called fat transfer augmentation, where a surgeon takes fat from one area of your body and adds it to your breasts.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 4
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit

      Video

      Tips

      • Try hiding your breast unevenness before electing for surgery, as this could be a much easier and less risky fix for you.
        Thanks
        Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      • Uneven breasts are rarely a medical issue to worry about, but if they concern you, always consult with your healthcare professional. They will check that you are healthy and you can have peace of mind.
        Thanks
        Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Determine Your Body Shape
      How to
      Determine Eye Shape
      How to
      Measure Jacket Size
      An Introduction to Kibbe Body Types (with Styling Tips!)
      How to
      Determine Your Face Shape
      How to
      Choose a Winter Jacket Size
      A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body Type
      Soft Classic Kibbe Body Type: The Ultimate Style Guide
      The Ultimate Guide to the Soft Dramatic Kibbe Type
      Dramatic Classic Kibbe Body Type: The Ultimate Style Guide
      How to
      Look Shorter if You're Tall
      Soft Natural Kibbe Body Type: The Ultimate Styling Guide
      Everything You Should Know About the Romantic Kibbe Body Type
      Theatrical Romantic Body Type: What It Means & How to Dress

      References

      1. ↑ Daniel Barrett, MD. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Expert Interview. 23 July 2020.
      2. ↑ Daniel Barrett, MD. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Expert Interview. 23 July 2020.
      3. ↑ https://www.verywellfamily.com/breastfeeding-after-breast-surgeries-431776
      4. ↑ https://www.bostonplastic.com/blog/6-questions-about-breast-enhancement-surgery/
      5. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-breast-reduction-surgery#1
      6. ↑ Daniel Barrett, MD. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Expert Interview. 23 July 2020.
      7. ↑ https://www.harringtonplasticsurgery.com/surgical/breast-enhancement-surgery/fat-transfer-breast-augmentation/
      8. ↑ https://bodybycraft.com/breast-augmentation-miami/what-are-possible-risks-and-complications-of-breast-fat-transfer/
      9. ↑ Daniel Barrett, MD. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Expert Interview. 23 July 2020.
      1. ↑ https://carneycenter.com/breast-augmentation/
      2. ↑ https://www.verywellfamily.com/breastfeeding-and-uneven-breasts-431788
      3. ↑ https://www.verywellfamily.com/breastfeeding-and-uneven-breasts-431788
      4. ↑ https://www.verywellfamily.com/breastfeeding-and-uneven-breasts-431788
      5. ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2145518/Lifes-balancing-act-youve-uneven-bosom.html
      6. ↑ https://www.lindasonline.com/uneven-breasts-in-bra.html
      7. ↑ https://insideoutstyleblog.com/2012/06/how-to-dress-when-you-have-lost-a-breast.html
      8. ↑ https://insideoutstyleblog.com/2012/06/how-to-dress-when-you-have-lost-a-breast.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Though it’s very common to experience a small amount of asymmetry in breast sizes, you can use certain clothing and bras to help reduce the appearance of imbalanced breasts. Try wearing a sports bra to press your breasts together, which will minimize any unevenness. You could also wear a molded bra that fits your larger breast rather than your smaller one to help hide the difference in cup size. In addition to bras, wear shirts with non-repeating patterns to disguise your chest and make your imbalanced breasts less noticeable. For example, random and dense floral patterns will distract the eye and hide any asymmetry. If you’re really upset or bothered by your imbalanced breasts, talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of breast surgery. For tips about using accessories to take attention off of imbalanced breast sizes, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 182,534 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Mar 11, 2023

        "Very interesting, keep it up."
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?