Having different-sized breasts is perfectly normal. It's
quite common for girls to have different-sized breasts or nipples,
especially as they develop during
puberty
. Everyone's different, and no two women's breasts will
look exactly the same. In fact, asymmetry - where one body part,
like a foot or a hand, is a slightly different size or shape from
its partner - is quite common in humans.
When girls begin puberty, usually between the ages of 8 and 13,
their breasts begin to develop starting with just a little swelling
under the nipple. This is known as breast budding. You may notice
that one of your breasts starts developing before the other or that
one is growing more quickly. Many times this difference in breast
size evens out once a girl is older, usually by age 20. But
it's also perfectly normal for women's breasts to remain
different sizes even when they're fully developed.
Some girls with different-sized breasts worry that
there's something medically wrong, but chances are, for a teen,
there isn't. If you're really worried about your breast
size, talk to your
doctor
or gynecologist. He or she should be able to reassure you that your
breasts are normal.
Girls who notice their breasts are different sizes are
aware of their breasts - and that's good news. Being aware
of your breasts can help you stay healthy! Learning how your
breasts normally look (and feel) can help you notice any changes
that might not be normal. Your doctor can teach you how to do a
breast self-exam (BSE)
that will help you become familiar with your breasts so you
can identify any changes.
Some girls worry about their different-sized breasts for
cosmetic reasons. Many girls with different-sized breasts or
nipples just accept that they are normal and don't do anything
differently. But other girls feel self-conscious. It's likely
that no one else notices your breasts look different, though.
Other people usually can't see the difference in the size of a
girl's breasts - even if that difference is a full cup
size.
The fact is that exercises, supplements, or diets won't
change the size or shape of a girl's breasts - only plastic
surgery can do that. (And most doctors recommend that a girl wait
until her breasts have finished growing before considering plastic
surgery.) Some girls decide to wear especially supportive
bras
or special inserts that make their breasts appear more equal in
size. Talk to a lingerie salesperson if you want some suggestions
for evening things out. It may also help to talk to your mom, older
sister, or an aunt or grandmother - they may have worried about
having different-sized breasts during their teen
years, too.
Everyone develops differently, and it's normal for the two
sides of our bodies to be a little different from each other. We
humans aren't as evenly proportioned as we appear at first
glance!
Reviewed by:
Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: March 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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