Difference in Breast Size: What to do?
March 15th, 2017
My breasts are different, is there anything I can do to correct this problem? Questions about the differences in size and shape are concerns that many patients share. It is certainly normal to have differences or asymmetry between paired body parts. One foot is usually larger than the other, one side of the face is slightly different than the other, and one of your breasts is usually slightly lower or larger than the other. These subtle differences, particularly in your face, are what make all of us unique and interesting.
The difference in breast size or shape can be the result of a number of things. Puberty can be a particularly awkward time for teenagers and it is common for breast tissue to mature asymmetrically. These differences generally resolve with time and if desired, specialized undergarments may be worn in the interim to appear less noticeable. However, when the difference is considerable and persists past puberty, cosmetic surgery may be considered to correct dramatic differences in breast size or shape. I strongly suggest patients schedule a personal consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss their options. Treatment choices may include a procedure such as liposuction, breast augmentation, breast reduction, or liposuction with fat grafting. This is not a “one size fits all” solution. In addition, adolescent males may also develop unwanted breasts (gynecomastia) and liposuction is generally an effective treatment. See more information here.
Lumpectomy may also result in uneven breasts, due to biopsy and/or excision of a tumor. Fat grafting has been an effective way to use a woman’s own fat to plump up and correct a dimple left from the surgery. Although this dimple might be slight, it can often be a reminder of a possible cancer diagnosis and some women chose a cosmetic surgery remedy to erase that reminder to help them move forward. More information here, including a video of a cancer survivor’s triumph appearing with Dr. Bashioum on a prior Twin Cities Live episode. Special thanks to Kristina again for sharing her story, she is an inspiration.
Unfortunately, it is not realistic to make both sides of your body exactly the same in every respect. We all have some degree of asymmetry; it’s actually quite natural. But if you are unhappy with your appearance, my advice to you is to seek a personal consultation from the experts, because life is too short to be miserable.
Man Boobs From Pot
December 16th, 2013
More states are passing laws to decriminalize marijuana and as a result, there seems to be more media coverage of pot. The latest discussions of the drug include social and health implications. In particular, the subject of “Man Boobs” and the link to smoking pot is making the rounds in recent headlines. Man boobs, or clinically known as Gynecomastia, has several causes. It may arise as an abnormal condition associated with metabolic disorders, disease, or as a side effect of taking certain medications. It may also be a result of the natural decrease of testosterone production in older males. The famous Seinfeld episode of creating the man bra comes to my mind, and I found this photo from that silly episode on the show.
Habitual smoking of pot may cause the lack of involution of breast tissue due to a hormonal imbalance possibly caused by the marijuana use. Adolescents are more susceptible and early use can cause the persistence of breast tissue into manhood. Studies have linked THC to having effects on levels of multiple hormonal systems, including testosterone.
While having man boobs develop might be embarrassing, the remedies are pretty straight-forward. Gynocomastia is usually easily resolved by performing an out-patient liposuction procedure to reduce the excess breast tissue. Patients most often return to work the work the next day. I haven’t read any studies evaluating whether continued marijuana usage might cause breast tissue to reappear, but it is probably advised to curb use for those patients who have had surgery for the problem.
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