Do I have tubular breasts?

Question

My breasts are a little far spaced and I have big "puffy" areolas, which makes me wonder if I could possibly have tubular breasts?

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Unfortunately, surgeons have created the term tuberous breasts, a fact which causes unnecessary concerns for women. Many women just have different sizes and shapes and in my opinion shouldn't be labeled. I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. They then get to choose what looks right for them. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Mildly Sagging Breasts: If your breasts are mildly droopy, a saline or silicone gel implant placed behind the pectoral muscle might help create the illusion of perkiness. That’s because as the implant fills out the top of the breast, it also fills out the bottom, making it look as if the nipple has moved higher. It hasn’t. You can always get a lift later if you feel you are not perky enough when fully settled and healed. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! You do not appear to have tubular breast deformity. Generally, with tubular breasts, the breast tissue is constricted under the areola. I don't see that in your case. I just think you have larger areola and wider spaced breasts. You could get a lovely result with a breast augmentation. Good luck!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your breasts are not tubular but small and widely separated.  The technique I recommend is a mini lift.  Using a circumareola incision, your breast tissue is reshaped, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  At the same time, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your photos it does not appear that you have tubular breasts.  You do have some asymmetry which could be addressed by placing differently sized implants.  Your areola size can be downsized during this procedure as well.  The next step is to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation to learn more.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear lafu,
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.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
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Do I have tubular breasts?

Answers (8)

Answer: Breast concerns

Answer: Breast concerns

Answer: Tuberous breasts

Answer: Tuberous breasts

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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Do I have tubular breasts?

Answers (8)

Answer: Breast concerns

Answer: Breast concerns

Answer: Tuberous breasts

Answer: Tuberous breasts

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.