Are my breasts tuberous? What sort of surgery is there to fix them? (photos)

Question

Hi, i was wondering if my breasts are tuberous and if i would be able to get some sort of surgery to fix them? my nipples have always been large and smooth with my boob, like not raised/won’t show through my shirts. my boobs look super pointy without a bra on and i hate it. i turned 20 in february and i noticed my boobs felt a little more full, as if it was the last growth spurt :( i really want surgery to fix it and for it to be covered under my medical too? is there any way to have this done?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures.
 Hard to tell based on the photographs but (after careful review of the pictures), I think your breasts do demonstrate some of the qualities seen with very mildly tuberous (constricted) breasts; there is a wide range when it comes to tuberous/constricted breast presentation.  
Generally speaking, 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). 
Generally, correction of tuberous breast anomalies involves breast augmentation with areola reduction / mastopexy procedure. The distance from the inframammary fold is increased (to create a more rounded out appearance). Proper implant positioning improves the distance (cleavage) between the breasts. The areola reduction helps to treat the pointed and "puffy" appearance of the areola.
Regardless of the semantics, if the appearance/shape/size of the breasts are a concern, you may be an excellent candidate for breast surgery.  In your case specifically, the question is quite good ( although mild asymmetry, which is very common, is present).  The major feature present in your case is the larger and "puffy" areola which can be surgically  treated with an areola reduction procedure.
If/when you are ready, please make sure you consult with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons who have significant (demonstrable) experience with this type of surgery.
 
 Best wishes.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

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, you demonstrate a very mild form (if at all), with mild areolar distension and a shorter fold. You would likely benefit from an augmentation with areolar reduction.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).
Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
RealSelf Top 100
RealSelf Hall of Fame

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

From the pictures posted, you do not seem to have tuberous breasts. I recommend an in person evaluation by a plastic surgeon to be measured and discuss your goals. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women with similar measurements with different size breast implants. My patients tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size breast implant is right for them. 
Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author            RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Dynamic208,
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

Jack Peterson, MD · Answer

No, you do not have tuberous breasts. To reduce the size of your areola, you would require a periareola mastopexy, which you do not need. An implant would give you more fullness and make your breasts appear less "pointy". I think you would be a good candidate for a breast augmentation. This would not be covered under insurance, as it would be cosmetic. I suggest you seek out a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in breast augmentation.

Are my breasts tuberous? What sort of surgery is there to fix them? (photos)

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Are my breasts tuberous? What sort of surgery is there to fix them? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Tuberous breasts

Answer: Tuberous breasts

Answer: Tuberous Breasts

Answer: Tuberous Breasts

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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