I am 16 years old.  I have one breast that is larger than the other.  My mother said that she would get me a breast reduction of the bigger breast.  I want a breast augmentation of both breasts because of sagging when I get older.  What is your opinion?

Breast asymmetry can be common especially in the larger sized breast patient.  Remember that their are two main components to the appealing breast.  One is the size of the breast in relation to your body size and the second is the position of the nipple.  If the nipple is low or sagging it is usually not as aesthetically appealing.  We often will see the nipple projection in a T shirt, bathing suit or evening gown.

Falling of the nipple is often a normal consequence of aging in the female patient.  Plastic surgeons refer to this issue as breast ptosis.  It is corrected by a breast lift (mastopexy) or as part of a breast reduction procedure.  A breast augmentation enhances the natural breast by utilizing a breast implant.  These are two different issues. Sometimes they can both be addressed in one surgical procedure. 

Consider consulting a member of ASAPS regarding your concerns. They are experts in breast surgery.

Best, 

Gary R. Culbertson, MD, FACS

You are still very young and your breasts are still developing.  Therefore, after any surgery you would have now, and as changes occur, you will need another surgery for correction.

Ideally you should wait until the breast development has finished and is stable.  Then you can re-evaluate and decide what you want.

Everyone has asymmetries especially of the breasts. Our goal is to make your breasts more symmetric and proportionate to your body frame. We can accomplish this with a number of different techniques including reduction, lifts, and augmentation. A proper analysis by a board certified plastic surgeon and ASAPS member will help you and your mother make the right decision for you.

Unless you are truly deformed because of your asymmetry, you should wait until your development is complete.  If you are "deformed", then it comes down to what your goals are and what risks you are willing to accept such as the inability to breast feed or loss of nipple sensation.  In general, unless your situation is extreme, most surgeons will not agree to augment you at this time.