Do I have tuberous breasts or are they just small and pointy? (Photo)

Hi curiouscatxo,

Tuberous breasts are not simply small or underdeveloped breasts. The appearance of the breast can range from mild to severe, and typical traits include: enlarged, puffy areola, rather wide spacing between the breasts, very little breast tissue, sagging, higher than normal inferior breast fold, and narrow base at the chest wall.

The type of surgery best for you will depend on the severity of your condition.

My preferred technique for tuberous breast correction involves a multistep procedure where the breast tissue is released in a radial pattern to prevent herniation into the areola and placement of a custom implant size is in the breast to allow appropriate expansion of the breast in the restricted dimensions. This can often be done in a single procedure but sometimes may require two surgeries.

When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.

Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.

Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.

That said, it is best that you visit a board-certified plastic surgeon for an in person examination. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your question, but there were no photos to view. With that in mind, tuberous breasts are correctable, so you do not have to live with them as they are--if you do indeed have tuberous breasts.My suggestion is to make an appointment with a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery for an in-person evaluation. The solution may be breast implants with a small uplift, but it's an individual problem, and the procedure  must be tailored to your breasts.Best of luck to you.

Hi Curiouscatxo and thanks for posting.  Unfortunately, you DO have tuberous breast with significant/severe constriction. Be sure to find a BCPS with experience with this condition.  Consider 2 stage approach for excellent results.  Good luck