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

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

You have tuberous breasts which can be helped with breast augmentation.  A periareolar approach, subglandular pocket placement, increase the nipple to IMF distance by lowering the IMF, and parenchymal scoring are recommended.  

Yes you have tuberous breasts and they can be enhanced very nicely but it requires a different approach than average breasts. Two things need to be considered: the herniation of the nipple/areola, and the constricted lower pole. I would recommend a Benelli type areola reduction, and use form-stable horizontal oval base implants to expand the part of the breast that is tightest.

You have tuberous
breasts and they are too far apart.  I
recommend a modified Benelli lift.  Using
a circumareola incision, the breast tissue is reshaped and repositioned more
medial to increase your cleavage.  At the
same time, implants or fat transfers can be performed.    Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  You do appear to have tuberous breasts.  Based on
your photographs, the best shape and contour could be achieved with an implant with release of lower pole constriction bands
and a periareolar mastopexy.  The size, profile, and shape of the
implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall
measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should
be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you
and your surgeon.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Based on your pictures, you appear to be a textbook case for someone with tuberous breasts.  You have the narrowed, constricted breasts with enlarged areolae.  It is nothing to be worried or upset about, just an anatomical abnormality that can be corrected if you are interested in doing so.  A breast implant can add volume.  Incising the constricting band around the base of your breast will allow your breast tissue to expand outward, and a peri-areolar (aka, donut) type procedure on the areolae will keep them from becoming too large.  I would suggest that you schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can examine you in person and review your options with you.

Yes, based upon the photos provided, you have tuberous breasts.  There are several components to this that can be addressed by surgery if you desire.  Tuberous breast correction requires a thorough surgical plan that can be discussed with you at your office evaluation.  I would recommend finding a board certified plastic surgeon that is experienced in this type of procedure.  Good luck.

Dr. E Wright

curiouscatxo.  I appreciate your concern and understand your angst.  It does appear that you have significant constrictive or tuberous breasts, but treatment options are available. Breast augmentation with release of the constricted breast tissue of the lower poles of your breasts would benefit you nicely. Be certain to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon with lots of experience with breast surgery as your particular case is not straightforward. Best of luck.

Hello and thank you for your question and photos. It does appear that you do have tuberous breasts. This can be treated by breast augmentation using various techniques. You should seek out a board certified plastic surgeon that has performed these procedures for a consultation. Best wishes.