Relative distribution of breast asymmetry in patients requesting aesthetic mammoplasty

Abstract

PURPOSE: Primary breast asymmetries are quite common. They can affect breast volume and shape, position of inframammary fold, position and size of breast base as well as nipple-areola complex. The aim of this study is to investigate the relative distribution of primary breast asymmetries in patients requesting aesthetic mammaplasty and to analyze the obtained results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study covered 360 female patients at a mean age 31.29±6.05 years who were admitted to the hospital for aesthetic breast surgery over a period of 10 years. Various asymmetries such as in the volume, shape, position and size of the mammary gland base, nipple-areola complex and inframammary fold were described, diagnosed and analyzed. Clinical observation, photo-analysis, anthropomorphic measurements and scanner (in case of skeletal deformities) were applied. RESULTS: The results showed a total of 241 patients with breast asymmetry or 66.9% of the cases. Bilateral micromastia was registered as the asymmetry with the highest frequency of occurrence or in 65.6% of the cases. Asymmetries in the position of the nipples on the vertical axis were found out in 88% of the women followed by irregularities in the vertical level of the inframammary fold diagnosed in 85.9% of the patients. Tuberous breast deformity was found in 20.3% of the patients. More than one sign of asymmetry was observed in 93.8% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Breast asymmetry is commonly identified in patients requesting aesthetic mammaplasty. Careful preoperative examination and assessment of these abnormalities underlie the correct planning and ensure the positive outcome of the surgical procedure. Scripta Scientifica Medica 2013; 45(2): 81-85.