Looking ‘the same’: Experiences of women who have had corrective surgery for breast asymmetry

Abstract

Qualitative interviews with ten women found that following corrective surgery for congenital breast asymmetry, women were still concerned with the symmetry of their breasts and expressed high ideals regarding symmetry. Although women found an improvement in body confidence, some felt their confidence and socializing would be further improved with time. Women were secretive about their breast asymmetry and their surgery, being fearful of negative reactions from other people. It is necessary to establish and improve patients’ expectations of the outcome of surgery particularly regarding symmetry, as well as providing psychological and social support to women after surgery.