In medicine, a breast that is too small is called micromastia
Micromastia, like macromastia (overly large breasts), is a breast malformation.
But where is the limit at which a small breast can be described as a deformity? It is not possible to define such a limit, as a small breast size is subject to great fluctuations in terms of acceptance, both inter-individually and culturally. While more and more breast augmentations are being carried out in the European culture, in many Asian countries the small, rather pubescent-looking breast is considered ‘chic’.
Causes of micromastia
In the vast majority of cases, there is no explanation for micromastia other than heredity. A reduction in breast volume is often visible after pregnancy. This is not actually referred to as micromastia but as mammary involution (shrinkage of the mammary glands) and is always combined with breast sagging, albeit slight. The reason is the permanent shrinkage (involution) of the mammary gland tissue after pregnancy.
Diseases are only rarely a cause of micromastia. However, they should be ruled out:
- In the context of anorexia, the fat content of the breasts shrinks, which means that small but normal breasts at a normal weight can eventually become micromastia.
- Micromastia can also result from various hormonal disorders. These include ovarian insufficiency, in which the female hormones are produced in significantly lower quantities.
- If breast growth disorders occur during puberty, chromosomal anomalies in particular should be ruled out. These rare diseases are genetic defects that result in abnormal breast growth. Micromastia is present in all but testicular feminization.
- Adrenogenital syndrome
- Ullrich-Turner syndrome
- Gonadal dysgenesis
- Testicular feminization
Small breasts with special disorders of the system
There are diseases in which micromastia is part of the symptoms. In Poland syndrome and Amazon syndrome, micromastia or amastia (absence of breasts) are typical.
Poland Syndrome:
Poland Syndrome includes the following characteristics:
- Large pectoral muscle missing on one side
- Unilateral: micromastia or amastia
- Unilateral malformation of the nipples in men
- Malformation of the hand
- Increased growth of underarm hair
- Unilaterally reduced or missing kidney
- et al.
Amazon syndrome:
In Amazon syndrome, one breast is greatly reduced in size or completely absent (amastia). No other changes are present. This breast malformation can be corrected by means of a standard breast augmentation.
Here you can find other breast malformations and information on breast augmentation.
