I have recently turned 18 and have always felt insecure about my breasts. Do I have tubular breasts? (photo)

Tuberous breast is not, technically speaking, a "yes" or "no" question. There can be different points on the continuum. The typical hallmarks include a high, tight fold with "puffy" or distended areola, minimal breast tissue and potentially herniation of the breast tissue through a tightened ring thus the "tuberous" label. It is a congenital deformity which usually manifests at puberty. To what degree it manifests will vary from one patient to the next.
Treatment of tuberous breasts varies depending on the degree of the breast architectural distortion. Surgical correction typically involves:
-areolar reduction
-submuscular augmentation
-release of constricted breast tissue
All of these techniques work in concert to correct the tuberous deformation of the breast.
Based upon your photos alone, you do exhibit some features of a tuberous breast on the right (high tight fold/areolar herniation and distension). This could be addressed via augmentation and radial parenchymal scoring. There is ptosis on the left which would necessitate a formal mastopexy as well. Overall, you are a reasonable candidate for breast augmentation mastopexy to address the asymmetry.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Tubular breasts are where the breast tissue looks like it is herniating or pushing through the areola (or pigmented area). Sometimes the areola can be large. Sometime the bottom of the breast is constricted or tight. Most times, people have significant breast asymmetry or are unequal. This can be a very challenging problem and difficult to create symmetry. My patients usually opt for some type of breast augmentation to better round out the appearance of the breasts and an areolar reduction. Make sure to see someone with a lot of breast surgery experience. My best to you.

Dear AspenGirl, Yes, you have tubular breasts. The good news is that surgery can help you feel and look better in and out of clothes. It looks like a peri-areolar lift, radial scoring and a sub-muscular implant should give you the results you are looking for. Make sure your surgeon is experienced with this type of surgery. Good luck. Dr. Gervais.