Some women live in embarrassment about their breasts. While many are uncomfortable with the size of their breasts whether they are too big or small and many others worry about an uneven chest, or breast asymmetry. This is when one breast is larger than the other one or one is of a different shape than the other. The effect in either case is an unbalanced look, often resulting in embarrassment and lowered self-esteem for the individual.

The truth is however, that bust asymmetry is extremely common. Indeed, some say that no woman has perfectly symmetrical and even breasts. Having differently shaped or sized breasts is not a frequent topic of discussion and many women suffer from this common condition without realizing that it is quite normal and natural.

The reasons for bust asymmetry may include several possibilities. First genetics seem to play a large role. A women's DNA may simply tell one breast to grow larger or differently than the other. The final outcome is usually determined about six years after a girl starts menstruating. Estrogen is the hormone that causes the bust to grow, so if there was any rare estrogen-interrupting occurrence, the bust may also turn out to be uneven.

Other times that a woman may experience bust asymmetry include during pregnancy, breast-feeding, menopause, in association with bust cancer and related treatments. The first two involve significant changes in the amount of estrogen in the body and the last one can cause asymmetry when lumps grow in one or both breasts, or if one or both must be removed by surgery.

While most bust asymmetries are small and no cause for concern. Some doctors estimate that the size difference for most is less than one bra size cup. Yet in some cases the difference may be greater. When that occurs, the asymmetry may be noticeable enough to warrant the use of bust enlargement or bust reduction surgeries. If any new dramatic imbalances are discovered though, the first step should definitely be to visit a doctor. A new growth in either bust, after age 21, often is a good indicator of a tumor. It is imperative to see a physician to find out whether there is a problem and if so then what needs to be done to correct it.

If nothing is wrong and genetics or other factors are simply to be blamed, many women can regain confidence and self-esteem from having the asymmetry corrected with bust enlargement of the smaller bust. Sometimes women opt to have bust implants placed at the same time if they have always hoped for a bigger chest overall. Cosmetic surgery will also be able to fix any discrepancies in bust shape as well, although may require a separate procedure.

If women choose bust enlargement or bust implants as a way to fix an unbalanced chest, most surgeons will advise against doing so before the end of puberty or until the bust has been fully grown. Doctors will also discuss other risk factors with patients before approving the surgery.