Do Tuberous Breasts Hurt?

Question

im 15 and i have tuberous breasts. i hate them and have been looking into surgery for a while. my aerolas often hurt especialy when touched. is this normal for tuberous breasts? should i see a doctor? and what doctor should i see? any info on the tuberous breast deformity, causes, and possibly ways to correct them would be much appreciated. thank you

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Far more important than the technique is the skill and experience of your plastic surgeon. Choose your surgeon rather than the technique and let them explain why one technique may be better than another.  See the below link on some suggestions on finding the most qualified Plastic Surgeon for a Breast Augmentation.  Always insist on a board certified plastic surgeon.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question!  The standard procedure would be placement of an implant (or tissue expander, depending on the lower pole of your breast) as well as a circumareolar breast lift.  These modalities would correct the issues with tuberous breast: constricted breast at the inferior pole, via breast prosthetic; scoring of the tissue to release the bands; lowering the inframammary fold; correcting the herniation of breast tissue into the areolae; and decreasing the overall size of the areolae.  These are the hallmarks of tuberous breasts.  This deformity does not have any association with functional deficits or pain.  I would discuss your issues with your parent/guardian and see your pediatrician/primary care physician first.  Discuss any and all complaints that you are having and proper imaging/consultations may be recommended further.  Hope that this helps!

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Breasts are normally tender during puberty and I am not aware of any study suggesting that tuberous breasts are more sensitive than other breasts.

Aaron Stone, MD · Answer

In the tuberous breast deformity the skin of the lower half of the breast remains attached to the chest wall (a constricting ring at the base of the breast) & does not grow with the remainder of the breast during puberty. The developing tissue in some cases may be forced into or herniate into the darker tissue surrounding the breast nipple (areola) &/or may be constricted at its base. The herniation may make the nipples more sensitive to touch. The fold under the breast is usually higher up on the chest wall. The difference between this scenario & small breasts is that small breasts are symmetrically smaller with respect to the circumference & center of the breast.

	The treatment involves correction of the hernia if present, release of the constricted base (usually by cutting a star shaped incision into the base of the breast) & correction of the lower attachment of the breast to the chest wall (inframammary or under the breast skin crease) with or without placement of a breast implant. If one merely places a breast implant without correcting the other problems the resulting breast will look far from normal.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Tuberous breasts should not hurt. Perhaps your breasts are still growing and they are sore?  Correcting them is an individualized process.

Do Tuberous Breasts Hurt?

Answers (5)

Answer: Tuberous breasts

Answer: Tuberous breasts

Answer: Tuberous breasts

Answer: Tuberous breasts

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tuberous Breast Correction Surgery

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

Do Tuberous Breasts Hurt?

Answers (5)

Answer: Tuberous breasts

Answer: Tuberous breasts

Answer: Tuberous breasts

Answer: Tuberous breasts

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tuberous Breast Correction Surgery

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