Do I have small breasts or tubular breasts? (Photos)

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 not appear to have a classic "tuberous breast deformity." I would consider augmentation. However, this would be considered cosmetic and will not be covered by Tricare.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS

You don’t appear to have tubular breasts because you have a defined breast fold and no constriction of tissue around the nipples. A straightforward breast augmentation would probably achieve your desired results.

You do not have TBD.  I recommend an implant.  The implant selection should be based on a combination of your desired size, soft tissue dynamics, breast base diameter and skin elasticity.  I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Judging by your photos it does not appear that you have tuberous breast deformity.  Breast augmentation with saline or silicone implants will give you a nice result.There is a wide spectrum of tuberous breast deformity but what they usually have in common is a constricted (tight) lower pole, constricted base and herniation of the breast tissue into the nipple and areola.Hope that helps.

I see no signs of tuberous breasts. You seem to have normal small breasts. If you would like larger fuller breasts  then a breast augmentation would be approperate. See a plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Dear chelsoh,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

Hello and thank you for your question. You do not appear to have tuberous breasts.  You are a great candidate for a breast augmentation.  This entire surgery can be performed with a small incision technique.  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.   Best wishes and good luck.


Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon
 

Your photos show a smaller breast shape without the characteristics of tubular breasts. You appear to have a relatively high nipple-areolar position, with less upper pole fullness. This shape lends itself to a nice aesthetic result following augmentation. This is a cosmetic procedure not generally covered by TriCare in my experience. I recommend that you discuss your goals/concerns with an experienced board-certified Plastic Surgeon in your area.Dr. B

Dear Chelsoh,
Thank you for your question and pictures. You do not appear to have tuberous breasts. As to their size, this is purely subjective and what is small to one person is large to another. Your breasts are a good shape and size, however should you wish to have larger breasts then you would be a good candidate for a breast augmentation. I would therefore advise that should you wish to go down this route then seek the opinion of a board certified Plastic Surgeon.
I wish you luck.
Marcus

Your photographs demonstrate the features constricted with tuberous/constricted breasts.  
Generally, some of the characteristics seen with tuberous breasts include a very narrow base, short distance from areola to inframammary fold, tight (constricted) lower pole of the breasts, relatively wide space between the breasts, "puffy" areola and some degree of ptosis (drooping).
 Given that your breasts' appearance is of concern to you, you may benefit from in-person  consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss your concerns, goals, and options. It will be important to learn about the pros/cons/risk/complications associated with all options discussed and time any planned surgical procedure according to your life circumstances 
 My best advice: select your plastic surgeon carefully. Make sure that he/she has significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with. Then, communicate your goals carefully, as well. Working together you will come up with a good plan to achieve your goals.  
Best wishes.