What is breast underdevelopment?
“Micromastia” is the medical term used to describe abnormally small breasts. When a woman’s breasts begin growing at puberty, they should continue to develop size and shape until around 18. However, many women may find their breast growth does not reach full development.
What causes underdeveloped breasts?
Although your breast size may be part of your normal body shape, which is determined by your genes, there is a range of other factors that can affect breast development, including:
- Hormonal problems
Breast development can be primarily affected by hormonal changes, with medical conditions such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia and polycystic ovarian syndrome causing significant hormonal imbalances. - Malnutrition and eating disorders
Nutrition and a healthy diet are vital for proper growth during adolescence, and a poor diet can stunt normal puberty and development. Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa contribute to breast underdevelopment. - Genetic conditions and birth defects
Turner syndrome, Poland Syndrome, and other conditions can be associated with small breasts. Women diagnosed with Poland syndrome are born without significant chest muscle and find it usually on one side, meaning macromastia and breast asymmetry are likely outcomes.
What treatment options are available?
Plastic surgeon Dr Matt Starr has knowledge, training, and experience in breast correction and reconstruction surgeries. There are several options available for women regarding increasing breast size, including breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery, fat grafting, and a hybrid breast augmentation mammoplasty combining both techniques. Depending on your aesthetic goals for such a surgery and the current state of your underdeveloped breasts, Dr Starr will create a bespoke treatment plan aiming towards your desired outcomes during a consultation.
