A glance at fashion or celebrity gossip magazines can give you the impression that women's breasts are naturally perfectly symmetrical. The truth, however, is that those photos of models and celebrities have undergone some digital manipulation to make the breasts seem perfectly symmetrical. In reality, no woman has breasts that are of the exact same shape, size, or placement on the chest. In the vast majority of cases, these differences are so subtle as to go unnoticed. However, there are some instances in which the aesthetic differences can be seen. Dr. Pin has compiled a list of some of the more common examples of aesthetic issues with the breasts and what can be done to cosmetically correct for these problems.

The Breasts Are Too Small

This is perhaps the most common issue that brings patients into our office. In fact, breast augmentation consistently is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries year after year. To enlarge the breasts, implants are placed either behind the mammary glands and ducts (subglandular) or behind the chest muscles (subpectoral). The implants are made of either saline or silicone gel, encased in a solid silicone outer shell and can come in a variety of sizes and profiles (the height of the implant compared to the width).

The Breasts Are Too Large

At the other end of the spectrum, some women have overly large breasts. Not only can this cause embarrassment and unwanted attention, it can also wear grooves into the shoulders, cause rashes on the underside of the breasts, and result in neck, shoulder and back pain.

The Breasts Are Saggy or Droopy

Over time, or as a result of pregnancy and breastfeeding, the breasts will begin to sag and droop. If this goes on long enough, the nipples might eventually point downward, rather than forward or up. It is more pronounced with larger breasts. A breast lift procedure, which is often done in conjunction with a breast augmentation or reduction, will correct for this by moving the breasts to a higher position on the chest wall, thereby restoring their more youthful appearance.

The Nipples or Areolas Are Too Big

In some cases, the actual breasts may not be the issue. Instead, the nipple or areola (the area of darkened skin surrounding the nipple) may be too large or pronounced. This can cause embarrassment, particularly in the case of overly prominent nipples. Dr. Pin can correct for these issues by using a series of very small incisions around the nipple structure with a single suture. This suture is then carefully pulled tight, not unlike a purse string, to close up the size of the areola and the nipple.

Aesthetic issues with the breasts can be frustrating. There is no need to be intimidated about the size or appearance of your breasts. Dr. Pin can help you achieve breasts that you can be proud of.