Breast Implants: Q&A

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Are Saline or Silicone Implants Better for Tubular Breasts?

At 20 years old, I have tubular breasts set far apart and have been looking into mastoplexy surgery. I understand that there are two options: saline or silicone implants. I am aware that the FDA has not approved silicone implants for patients under 22, but I am unsure if having tubular breasts allows for them, considering it's technically a deformity and would be considered a reconstructive procedure. I fear that although saline implants may temporarily correct the problem, I won't be satisfied.

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18 Doctor Answers | Asked by Snikki in Connecticut

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Implants for tubular breasts

The treatment of tubular breasts in our practice usually consists of - not selecting a size larger than the base diameter of the breasts (or they bulge out) - using relaxing incisions (these only help to a degree) - using higher profile implants (that maximize the volume given the small base diameter) - performing a periareolar lift for the baggy areolar area. Patients must be realistic about their outcomes. The choice of which implant is a personal one based on... more

Tubular breast deformity-silicone or saline?

There are many factors that lead to an aethetically pleasing result. The use of Silicone vrs Saline is not one of them as both can create excellent results. The key to a good result is identifying the problems and correcting them. Not all tuberous breasts are the same. Some require an uplift and implant , some require only an implant. All will require some type of expansion of the lower part of the breast to create fullness here because natural breast... more

The best implant approach for tubular breasts

For a procedure like this I’d recommend strongly that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon with quite a bit of experience in augmentation and cases of tubular breasts. You’ll be able to do a physical examine and determine what specifically your best options may be. Generally, tubular breasts require a surgical release of the lower breast. As a result, there is often not a lot of breast tissue covering the implants. Since saline implants have much more visible... more

Saline or Silicone Breast Implants

Dear Snikki, The question of whether to select a silicone or saline implants comes up dailey. Either implant can give you a beautiful result. Having tuberous breasts should not particularly influence your decision. Rather I suggest patients consider the advantages of each and weigh it against their comfort level with the complication rates for each type. Best of luck

Are Saline or Silicone Implants Better for Tubular Breasts?

In general I prefer silicone implants for all breast work as I think they feel more natural and are better implants. For tubular breast treatment you are having reconstructive work, therefore, you are eligible for silicone implants. The comments about the severity of the deformity are very germane so without a picture it is difficult to be more specific. I suggest you find a surgeon you are comfortable with and let them guide you.

Correcting Tubular breasts

Tubular or constricted breasts can be improved with or without breast implants and may require additional incisions to improve the shape of the breasts. It all depends on the severity and complexity of your case and what look you would like to achieve. I recommend consulting with a board certifed plastic surgeon to discuss the best and safest possible options for you. During your examination, your surgeon will let you know whether you are a good candidate for saline or silicone gel... more

Age limitation for breast implants

Tubular breast correction is easier with implants, but they are not absolutely necessary. Both silicon and saline implants are approved for reconstruction in any age, so you should be able to select either, as long as you are not primarily augmentating the breasts. Make sure you talk to a Plastic Surgeon with significant experience in breast surgery.

Breast implants - are an integral part of the treatment for tubal breasts.

The treatment of the tubular breast is complicated. Implants are only one part. Saline and gel implants both work well. Gel implants generally feel and look more natural - so in general I prefer them. Specifically for the tuberous breast the inferior pole can be quite thin after it's treated ( scorred) so gel is definitely better.

Saline or silicone for tuberous breasts

This is a case of its not the wand but the magician. Both implants work equally well although I prefer silicone in general. The important point here is that the operation is done right, very often by using a bi planar approach and scoring the undersurface of the breast. The key is not to do a vertical lift as this will increase the lower pole tightness. You want to expand the lower pole as much as possible. I have just started using alloderm to expand the... more

Silicone and saline both work well in a tuberous breast

The tuberous breast is characterized by a tight skin envelop and a constriction around the nipple causing a 'herniation' or protrusion of the nipple. The breast is often small and implants, both saline and silicone have been very successful in correction of the breast shape. The key is in release of the breast constriction and correction of the nipple herniation. Either implant can perform very nicely and give a lasting pretty result. I feel you would be satisfied... more

Correction of tubular breasts does not depend on breast implants.

Hi. Tubular breasts can be corrected without any implants. The important steps of the operation involve a modified breast lift (with a circular scar around the nipples). The shape of the breasts is fixed from the inside by widening the base and the lower part of the breasts, and by making the areolas smaller. Breast implants are usually used because tubular breasts are small. The implants have to go over the muscle in order to help with breast shape... more

Are Saline or Silicone Implants Better for Tubular Breasts?

Thanks for the question. As I read the posted responses from my colleagues, I find that the issue is not what filler is used (Saline or Silicone) but what is the deformity and the best way to correct it. Some tuberous deformities are muti factored issues as Dr. Placik states. Than maybe an adjustable implant or expander is a alternative, as Dr Rand & Baxter state. I might add the "Becker silicone/saline adjustable" is an option. Finally the age of use if silicone implant,... more

Tubular breast augmentation

This is considered a reconstructive procedure so even though you are not 22, you can use silicone gel implants. Whether or not you have silicone or saline is a personal decision. I personally like gel because I feel it is more conforming and results in a more natural breast shape.

Breast augmentation

It won't make a difference what type of implant is used for tubular breast deformity; however, you are too young for silicone gel implants (the FDA has limited them to age 22 and above!). Wait 2 years, they are better!

Expander saline implants for young woman with tubular breasts

Tubular breasts come in several versions and so there is no single best answer. What they all have in common is tightness of the skin envelope over the lower part of the breast, and so using an expander saline implant (Mentor Spectrum) can be very helpful for that. This is a saline implant that is connected to what is called a "fill port" which you would see as a bump under the skin below the breast. Every few weeks some more saline is injected into it so that the skin is slowly... more

Implant choices in tubular breasts

Both gel and saline can work here but one implant that is very nice for tubular patients is the "adjustable saline" which allows yoou to change the size postoperatively and stretch the lower pole out for the best overall result.

Silicone impants are FDA approved for patients over 22 years of age.

Correction of tubular breast typically involves addressing 3 aspects of the "deformity: Small size Large areolae Narrow base diameter Therefore surgery respectively consists of Implant augmentation Circumareolar reduction Radial relaxing incisions. Regarding implants, silicone are only available if you are over the age of 22. IF you wish to have surgery sooner than your 22nd birthday, I would consider saline. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Tuberous breasts and implants

You are correct in that implants are often part of the reconstruction of tuberous breasts. However, I do believe that the FDA has limited silicone gel implants only to patients over 22 regardless.