Asymmetry of the breast

Developmental breast asymmetry is common in women and may be associated with significant psychological distress. It may be due to deformity of the breast itself (true) or secondary to abnormalities of the underlying torso (apparent). True breast asymmetry may be congenital or acquired. This chapter gives an overview of the aetiology and classification of developmental breast asymmetry and discusses the clinical evaluation of women presenting with breast asymmetry. Congenital breast asymmetry, subdivided into hypoplastic, hyperplastic, and deformational, is discussed. The abnormalities and challenges specific to Poland syndrome and tuberous breast deformity are described. For each subdivision, the surgical techniques available to correct the deformity are reviewed. The limitations of surgery and potential outcomes are discussed.

Seat belt breast injury: a reconstructive approach to managing unilateral bisected breast deformity

Seat belt breast deformity can result in significant aesthetic, functional and psychosocial sequelae. Although seat belt breast deformity is well documented, there is a lack of literature describing their reconstructive management. We describe the surgical management of a 63-year-old woman presenting with stage 2b seat belt breast deformity, who underwent scar revision, repositioning of the nipple–areola complex and contralateral breast reduction using Wise-pattern incisions based on superior pedicles. She made an excellent recovery with an improved aesthetic result.