Background: Minimal breast asymmetry is a normal
finding in 88% of women, however considerable breast asymmetries
constitute a major concern for patients. These asymmetries
can be classified according to their etiology into three
types, primary, secondary and tertiary. In the literature there
is no definite classification that can gather all breast asymmetries
and correlate them with the patients' presentation.
Objective: The authors are going to present their experience
in management of breast asymmetry. They are going to
suggest a new classification for this deformity based on the
patients' presentation and the decision making for the management
protocol respecting the patient's aesthetic goals.
Patients and Methods: All women who had breast asymmetry
were reviewed and analyzed. The different etiological
factors, the patients' presentation, and the impact of this on
the decision making were studied.
Results: Four groups of patients were identified: First
group, included patients having evident asymmetries due to
definite causes. Second group, included patients having
variable degrees of asymmetry without a definite cause. Third
group, included patients having minimal asymmetries that
were discovered accidentally during consultation for aesthetic
breast surgery. The fourth group included patients having
asymmetries secondary to aesthetic breast surgery.
Conclusion: A new comprehensive classification is suggested
for breast asymmetry. The proposed classification is
a reliable method for assessment and treatment of breast
asymmetries.