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Adolescent breast asymmetry patients report psychological effects, no physical impairment

Adolescents with breast asymmetries scored lower on psychological testing domains and a self-esteem scale, but did not differ in patient-reported physical health when compared with controls.

Patients with breast asymmetry (59), macromastia (160) and controls (142) from the age of 12 to 21 years were given the Short Form Health Survey, Version 2, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Eating Attitudes Test.

Breast asymmetry patients scored significantly lower than controls in general health, social functioning and role-emotional Short Form-36 domains and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and higher on the Eating Attitudes Test.

Physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, vitality and mental health scores did not differ between asymmetry and control groups, according to researchers.

Macromastia patients scored significantly lower than asymmetry patients in the following Short Form-36 domains: physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, vitality, social functioning and mental health.

Surprisingly, almost 25% of all controls responded that they were so dissatisfied with the appearance or breast size that they would consider surgery.

The researchers suggest that breast asymmetry patients have poorer emotional well-being and lower self-esteem than their female peers.

The negative psychological effects of breast asymmetry are similar to those of macromastia, according to the study.

“Breast asymmetry is not just a cosmetic issue,” researchers stated. “Providers should be aware of the psychological impairments associated with asymmetry and provide proper support.”

–by Abigail Sutton

Disclosures: The authors reported no financial disclosures.