"Tubular" Breast Surgery

John Philip Connors III, MD answers: Breast implants concerns for tubular breasts

I am a 20-year-old woman with "tubular" breasts and implants seem to be the only way to correct this deformity. I am comfortable having the surgery, but am concerned about everything I've been reading online about having to have the breast implants removed.

I have read that the saline implants only last up to ten years. Is this accurate? If I have the procedure done now, will I be looking at another surgery around the same cost in the next ten years or less?


John Philip Connors III, MD
1 month ago

RLA-

Breasts present in many forms and shapes. There are even differences between breasts in the same patient. I tell my patients that breasts are "sisters" not "twins". Because of these differences, there are many options for breast surgery to correct many different issues. Breast implants alone may not correct a tubular issue....lifting of the nipple/areolar complex to a more youthful position (ideally centered over an implant) may also be necessary. This is referred to as a Mastopexy. It is performed with a scar either around the Areola or for more severe cases with a  scar around the Areola and up and down along the front of the breast (Vertical Mastopexy).

I recommend you sit down with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with significant experience in Breast Surgery and discuss your anatomy and your options!

I hope this helps and Good Luck!

Dr. C

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A: Different options exist

Dean Fardo, MD
1 month ago

There are different degrees of tubular breasts and sometimes an implant alone is a good option.  At other times, a type of mastopexy may also be needed. At your age, it is highly likely you will eventually have another surgery on your breasts. But hopefully, not within 10 years. Implants are man made devices and will eventually break. Many people will quote a 15-20 yr expected average lifespan, but that depends on what studies you use to support your answer. But you do not ever need to routinely change the implants unless there is a reason to.  Tubular breasts can provide a challenge to the plastic surgeon, so choose one with experience in this issue. Take care.

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