Millions of women are suffering the agony of low self esteem because they hate their own breasts, research revealed yesterday "
Researchers from Mentor Medical Systems have discovered that lopsided and misshapen breasts, and the lack of size are the most common reasons for women to feel self-conscious and more than a quarter of the women polled said they "felt depressed" when they thought about them.
Of the 2, 500 women surveyed, one in five said they always undressed in the dark or away from their partner, almost 40% said they wouldn't wear a bikini in public and a quarter said it stopped them from going jogging or to the gym.
A further 22% even said it prevented them from being "carefree" during sex and a shy 7% said it stopped them socialising.
Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive surgeon, Mr. David Ross, who heads Plastic Surgery W1 in central London, said: ''There is no doubt that breast asymmetry can have a profound effect on many women's quality of life. 'Many younger women who have asymmetrical breasts are told when they're in their teens that it is something that 'evens itself out' - but it doesn't.''
The research has also found that unequal sized breasts is not uncommon because according to poll respondents, 1 in 10 claimed a whole cup size difference between breasts, while a third said that one sat lower than the other.
Mr. Ross said it is "quite common" for him to see patients who have a whole cup size difference between their breasts and there are two main types of asymmetry: congenital or 'acquired' - as a result of a medical procedure or changes that follow childbirth and breastfeeding.
He said: ''Nature admires symmetry and balance. There are very few asymmetrical things in nature that are considered attractive, and for women their breasts may be at the heart of how they view themselves.''
So however you view your body, and whatever insecurities you have, remember that you're not alone, and try to embrace the wonderful features you have.
Female First - Ruth Harrison