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Register for OBGYN.net Breast Care FAQ - Breast Size, Shape and Appearance
Please note: All information contained in this section is for informational and educational purposes. It is not meant to be a substitute for a hands-on medical examination and diagnosis by a qualified medical professional. Please always check with your healthcare provider before starting, stopping or changing your medications. If you are experiencing symptoms that worry you please make an appointment with your healthcare provider for a thorough examination.
Q: I have small breasts and I want to
know all the methods of breast growth other than implants. Is there a special
diet or vitamins I can take? I know I should be satisfied with what I have but I
would want to try everything before I give up. I'm 22 please let me know if there is still hope for me.
A: There is hope for you. But what will grow is your mind. If there were a quick and easy method of breast growth, it would
already be in widespread use. Learn to appreciate the parts of your body that are beautiful. Perhaps you have a perfect
nose, or nice legs...it takes all kinds...try not to let others' ideas of what is acceptable in breast size create unreasonable
unhappiness.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: When I was younger, I learned that one breast might be bigger than the other. My right breast was slightly bigger than my left one, but it wasn't noticeable. Recently my right breast has gotten a whole size bigger than my left one. Also I get a lymph on my right breast around my time of the month.
A: Any change that occurs in the breast should always be investigated. It may be that you have developed swelling in the breast from any number of causes. This may include infection, inflammation, a clot in the vein under the arm, a blockage in the lymph system. You should definitely start with a professional examination and a mammogram and sonogram of the breast(s). Good luck.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: My daughter (just turned 16) has
quite a large difference in her cup size. I would say one in a full C and the other one
between A and B. That shows a lot, and I was wondering if this problem will eventually resolve by itself?
A: The breasts can develop unevenly during adolescence. If your daughter is only recently developing, it may even out. If
she is near the "end" of development, the asymmetry may remain. A doctor can examine her and tell what stage of
development she's at. For now, I would suggest waiting until development is complete, and use padding or other prosthetic.
When she has completed breast growth, a Plastic Surgeon can evaluate for correction if necessary.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: I am 20 years old and it seems as if my right breast is smaller than the left. I have always noticed this but it seems as if
it is getting smaller and laying different than the left breast. This has just happened in a few weeks time. Should I be
concerned about this? What causes one breast to be larger than the other? What can be done, that is natural, to even them
out?
A: You should have this seen by a doctor. While it may be common for one breast to grow LARGER than another (so one
looks smaller), it is very unusual for a breast to 'shrink' and change it's position (as you have described) unless there is a
problem with the breast. Go to a low-cost clinic at the nearest hospital if you lack health insurance.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: My right breast is larger then my left what can I do without implants. Is there any vitamins
I can take. Help?
A: Generally there are no medications that will resolve this.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: I am recently married. I heard form some of my friends that sucking and fondling of the breast increases
their size and also affects their shape. How far is this true
A: This may be true for some women but it has never been documented in a scientific study.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: I'm 21 years old. my weight is 43kg and height is 5 feet 4 inches
I have undeveloped breast please suggest me that what should I do?
A: Please see your gyn doctor for complete examination. If the breasts are 'undeveloped' and all other systems are normal,
then you can get better advice about what you can do. What are your concerns?
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: Hi, I'm 22 years old and I have some questions about breast asymmetry. Like most women my left breast is bigger than
my right, basically my left is a full C cup and my right is a full B -> C (When measuring
across the breast there is about an inch difference between them. I don't really have much trouble fitting into a c-cup bra, but
I can really notice the asymmetry (but not so much when I'm dressed). I was wondering, what is the normal range for asymmetry and do I fall within it?
A: Breast asymmetry is common. Up to 50% of women have some difference in breast size. Some women can have A and C,
so you are well within normal variation.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: Both my breast are two different sizes. My right breast is a lot smaller than my left and I also have a large mass right
above my right breast and it is kind of to the side. I am wondering could that be part of my breast? if so can it be fixed to be
-put back in the right place? Should I be concerned about it?
A: It is very hard to answer your question without more information on your age, whether your breasts were always different
in size, whether the lump is new or was always there. The question of whether this can be "fixed" very much depends on
what it is! You should certainly have your doctor check this out for you. Good luck.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: I have asymmetry of my breast. My right breast is smaller than left breast and it's very apparent and makes me nervous. Do I need surgery to be
normal?
A: There is nothing to be nervous about--some women just have asymmetry and live fine with it. I don't know your age, but it is very possible that
things will 'even out' a bit more over time. Some women experience initial breast growth into their early twenties--so the final result may not be known until then.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: I am a 54 woman who has noticed a sizeable shrinkage in my left breast. I am having pain in the nipple area along with
under the arm.
A: You should see your doctor as quickly as possible to evaluate this breast 'shrinkage and pain.' At times, a growth in the
breast can cause the tissues to pull in or up and make it look as if the breast is smaller or more dense. Be sure to have a
mammogram before your appointment and bring the results with you so your doctor can move forward with additional
diagnostic workup. If you do not have insurance, contact your local American Cancer Society at 1800-ACS- 2345 and as for
Breast Partnership information for examination and mammogram to get started. Please contact us again if you have additional
questions.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: I have a huge problem my right boob is a size b-c and the left one is flat except the nipple area pops out a little, I
don't know what is wrong with me I'm only 17 and I had my period at 12 so I'm fully developed right and I'm scared to ask my mom
what's wrong or go to the doctor and show it to them I need someone's help I hope I
don't have cancer or something.
A: You do not have cancer. There are some girls who have condition where one of the breasts doesn't grow. You should
speak to your Mom. Have her take you to the doctor. This can be fixed with Plastic Surgery. Insurance should usually cover
this.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: I have also experienced breast enlargement on Yasmin (in my second month). My question is will this ever decrease? I
know the tenderness is supposed to, but I would really like the size to go down or I am going to get off of it. Since it was a
type of diuretic, I thought this may not happen. Are there any other pills where this wouldn't occur? My main problems with
BCPs are bloating and breast enlargement. I can't take it. thanks.
A: The breast enlargement. bloating, or other side effects of these medications usually subside in 3-6 mos. If not, speak to
your doctor about alternatives.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: I have large breasts and I was planning on losing about 60
pounds. My friend told me that my breast will sag. I was wondering, are there any special exercises that I can do to reduce this risk from
happening? Also, I have a large areola. I was wondering, if your breasts shrinks in size, will the
areola shrink in size also or will it stay the same?
A: Great that you are trying to lose weight! It is tough to predict whether your breast tissue or skin will sag if you lose
weight. In general, the younger you are, the more likely things will revert back to normal shape. The size of the areola may
appear smaller, too, as the breast size becomes smaller with weight loss.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: I'm 27 years old, I was a 38B breast when I was single, I got pregnant
and turned to 40C, now I've lost a little weight from my pregnancy my breast shrunk to cup A, why is this so? Is there any chance of it growing back to its normal
size as cup B at least?
A: Only time will tell if you regain your original breast size. Many women experience changes in the breasts after
pregnancy--it is not always predictable.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: I'm 22, and my breasts are two COMPLETELY different sizes. One, honestly, never hit puberty. It looks like the "breast" of
a pudgy 10 year old. The other is a size C. Short of surgery, is there any way to help correct this? Any hormones, injections,
drugs, etc?
A: There are some congenital conditions in which the breast never develops. Although there is no really good solution other
than surgery, I do encourage you to go for consultation. See a plastic surgeon to find out about your options. Insurance
may cover this if it is as severe as you describe.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: I've noticed that the shape of my nipples is not round, i.e. each look like a lump plus an extra smaller bump attached at
one end. My nipples could look like they stopped developing before they were fully developed. I'm 19 years old. What could
have led to this abnormality and is there anything I could do about it?
A: What you describe sounds a little to me like your breast tissue has not finished developing (the breast has not quite
rounded out yet). Some women experience breast development to maturity until their mid- twenties--so it may be that you
need a little more time to let things fill out.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Appearance: (rashes, coloring, wrinkles, etc.)
Q: I have several small black spots on both of my areolas. I have had a few of them for several years, but I just had a baby
and there seems to be more of them now. Could you please tell me what this could be?
A: If you have had small spots on both nipples for a long time, it is unlikely they are anything abnormal. If they've become
more prominent during pregnancy, they are likely to be pigmented areas of skin that increase due to hormonal changes.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: I have a light blue/black bruise (like a shadow) with burning in my right breast. No pregnancies or breastfeeding in 6
years. I have had questionable mammograms with follow-up ultrasounds on this
right breast before. Lumps were determined to be lymph glands, round and no calcifications. I have had no injury. I do have "lumpy" breasts and history
in close female members of the family. Is this something to be checked?
A: With a family history, questionable mammograms, and a right breast exam different from the left, there are enough
reasons to consider a second opinion, especially by a breast specialist. Depending on the full review of your
x-rays and a careful examination, a biopsy may be recommended.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: When I was a child I always had this small mole by my nipple on my right breast. now the mole and around it has no
pigment, so part of my nipple is white. I don't really remember when this changed it seems like
I have always had it and not really a big deal to me. I'm just wondering, is this something that
I should worry about?
A: Any change in a mole or skin lesion should be checked by a dermatologist. There are some rare skin conditions that may
lead to these changes, and you may need to investigate.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: It has been a year since I have had my baby, and I just noticed the other day that there are like little brown freckles
with black specs in them that I never have noticed before-this is my second baby, do you possibly know what this is or what
causes it?
A: It is not uncommon for the nipples to become more pigmented after childbearing. You might also notice a darkening of the
line that runs from the navel to the groin for the same reason.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: I would like to know if you can tell me why a 15-year-old would have red lines that look like stretch marks on her breasts?
A: Stretch marks limited to the breast can be associated with rapid growth of the breast. If stretch marks are noticed in other areas of the body as
well, they should be brought to the attention of a physician to be sure they do not signal a more serious underlying medical condition.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: I have noticed a few hairs growing on my breasts. Is there a prescription
out there to resolve my problem? I had this problem since I was a teenager and DO pluck the
unwanted hair.
A: Your best advice would likely come from a dermatologist.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: I've noticed that I have thin, somewhat long hairs around my nipples. Once in a while a few very thick ones
will appear which seem to come out very easily, but I'm beginning to think this is an uncommon problem.
A: This is neither uncommon, nor dangerous. Many women handle this by shaving or plucking.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: Ever since I have begun puberty, the veins in my breasts, from the chest to the nipple, have been very dark and noticeable. I'm not sure if this is
a bad sign, or is it just a case of having light skin?
A: You did not state your approximate age, but the veins of the breast may appear prominent as the breasts are active and growing. In addition,
this may be more apparent if you are fair-skinned, as you have observed.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: what does it mean to have nipples that are changing colors, more specifically getting darker within a short period of time
(couple of months)?
A: Darkening of the nipple areola can indicate such things as pregnancy, effects of birth control pills, or maturity. Check
these possibilities out if you are concerned.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: Me and my fiancé have been trying to conceive for 5 months now. I had one
Depo shot back in March, so we haven't had any luck yet. The nipple skin on my areola is becoming white and flaky and was just
wondering if this was a sign of pregnancy.
A: It may or may not be. Usually, breast swelling, enlargement, and tenderness are more likely to accompany pregnancy.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: I am 19 years old and have normal breasts with the exception of my nipples. My right breast does not have a breast duct.
I was wondering if this will be a problem if later in life I breast feed, and if there is anything I can do about it.
A: I am not sure what you mean by a missing "breast duct"...if the nipple is inverted, sometimes it can be manually 'popped
out' or will do so when you lactate. If you want to review some anatomy, check the
http://www.northshorelij.com
or http://www.imaginis.com
websites---both have good illustrations.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: I have recently noticed that my areolas are wrinkled the majority of the time, even when it's not cold, this started during
the last six months. I was wondering if it is something to worry about? What could be some of the causes of this?
A: There are many nerve endings and small muscles surrounding the terminal ducts under the nipple and the skin of the
nipple and areola. Contractions of these small muscles can occur for many reasons, only one of them being the cold. These
are normal reactions.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: I have read that a woman's areola and nipples somehow changes color (from pinkish to dark brown) as she ages. What
might be the causes for the change and is there any way to prevent the change? I
would like to take precaution for the change in color.
A: Pregnancy is one of the leading reasons, so you would have to avoid getting pregnant if this were very important to you.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: I have never noticed any veins on my areola before, but lately I am noticing small purplish-bluish veins there. What
causes them? I also have dark blue veins on the sides of both breasts, sometimes darker than at other times. Is this just
normal hormonal changes? (I'm 26).
A: Start with a pregnancy test...whether or not you are on the pill. It sounds as if the veins are more distended and
engorged--pregnancy can do this and should always be ruled out as a possibility. If the test is negative, see your obgyn
about this new finding.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: I think I have a retroverted nipple - only my left one (right side is normal), and
I have had it since 'puberty'. I am 21 years old. Is having it only on one side a possible concern?
Does it signify anything that different sides of my family are big and small-breasted?
A: While an inverted or retroverted nipple is sometimes a sign that there is an abnormal growth under that nipple, many times
women are born or develop this way--and if your condition has been present without change for many, many years, this is
likely the case. Nevertheless, you should ask your doctor to help you perform a complete breast exam.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: I'm 56 years old, have gone through menopause. These week, though, I've been getting symptoms like PMS, with breast
tenderness and hot flashes. What frightens me though is when I took a shower this evening, I found what looks like a third
nipple on the lower part of my right breast. I've never noticed any sort of lump there before. It's tender like my nipples are
right now, red and very pronounced. Is this dangerous?
A: You may always have had an extra nipple and never noticed it before. It is not
uncommon. For safety, just have someone (gyn or surgeon) take a look in the next few weeks.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
Q: I am 18 years old and have been on Ortho-Tricyclen for 2 years now. A couple of weeks ago I noticed
on my breasts and my chest that there are many VERY prominent blue veins. At this time I was also having a lot of pain in these areas,
shooting and aching pains. The pain is gone now, but the veins aren't! What are these caused by, and is there anything I
can do about them? (i.e. sclerotherapy? going off the pill?)
A: The vein engorgement is very likely due to the use of the OC and may not resolve unless you stop using them.
Sclerotherapy should NOT be performed.
Hannah Brooks, MD, FACS
