Study: Breast asymmetry can significantly hurt teens’ mental, emotional and social health
Breast asymmetry is more than a purely cosmetic issue for teen girls, negatively affecting their mental, emotional and social health, according to a study recently published in the journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Dr. Brian Labow, of Boston Children’s Hospital, led the research. He and his team studied the overall quality of life of 59 adolescent girls and women, ranging from 12 to 21 years old, all of whom had breasts that differed in size by at least one cup size. A control group of female subjects without asymmetrical breast tissue was also evaluated. Those with asymmetry were found to have significantly lower self-esteem and emotional well-being.
“The observed impaired psychological well-being of adolescents with breast asymmetry may indicate the need for early intervention to minimize negative outcomes,” Dr. Labow wrote in the study. “Though substantial barriers to care exist, early evaluation and intervention for these patients may be beneficial, and should include weight control and mental health counseling.”
Many people have previously referred to breast asymmetry as a purely cosmetic concern, failing to acknowledge that more is at stake. This study goes a long way toward debunking the misconception that emotional, mental, social and psychological concerns are not also in play.
Here at The Lett Center in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, we see firsthand how positive cosmetic changes can be more than skin-deep, transforming patients’ lives and overall sense of well-being. If you are interested in learning about the surgical and/or non-surgical procedures that could improve your quality of life, schedule an initial consultation with Dwayne Lett, M.D. As a skilled, board certified plastic surgeon with years of experience, Dr. Lett can help you feel more beautiful and confident inside and out.