Are my breasts tubular, small, or both?

Question

I got my period since I was 12 and I cannot probably remember them growing any larger since then. I am 19 now, and it really bugs me to know if they're ever going to undergo a growth spurt and naturally take a normal shape, or are they going to be like that for life. Also, I need to know if there will be any issues I'll face later on in life concerning breastfeeding. Thank you in advance.

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

As you have already seen, your photo did not successfully upload, so a specific answer regarding your breasts cannot be provided, but as far as size and development, by age 19 it is most likely that your breasts are as fully developed as they are going to be. You can certainly consult with your pediatrician, family doctor, or gynecologist in that regard. If you are serious about considering breast augmentation, your age is certainly an appropriate one in which this can be considered, and you should seek out a board certified plastic surgeon who will perform an evaluation and let you know your options. The best way to determine which breast implant size would be best for you is by first finding out your specific wishes not only with words
or letters as in cup size or “not too big” or “natural”, but also with a visual
understanding of what you hope to look like. This can be accomplished either
with photographs of patients whose breasts and body type look like you, or
ideally with photos of patients not only whose breasts and body type visually are
similar to yours, but are also a similar height, weight, and pre-operative
breast size. In our own practice we have provided that unique functionality on
our website to accomplish exactly that.

Unfortunately the most common reason for a woman to be
unhappy after her augmentation is feeling as though she is either too big or
not big enough. Thankfully, in our practice this is rarely a problem because
implant size selection is what we spend most of our time discussing and
determining. I do not place the onus of selecting the breast implant size on my
patients since they are coming to me for my advice and expertise, but I do ask
my patients to be as specific as possible about their aesthetic goals and I then
advise them accordingly.

Again, I would advise you to seek the advice of a board certified
plastic surgeon experienced in breast enhancement surgery and make sure that
your own sense of aesthetics aligns with that of your plastic surgeon. Your
idea of “natural” or “pretty” or “proportionate” might be different from your
plastic surgeon’s and it is very important for you to feel confident that you
are both of like minds as far as the goals. Best of luck to you and I hope you
are successful in achieving the enhancement you are seeking.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Mag,   Unfortunately, your picture did not post, which makes it impossible to answer your question regarding tubular breasts. The classical syndrome includes large herniating areolas with ptosis(droopiness). So, if that is your situation, you have tubular breasts.    In any event, your other concern is your breasts size. Since you are 19 years old, your breasts can theoretically grow up to age of 22 - 24. It is probably not going to occur since you  did not show signs of breasts development since age 12.   The solution for small breasts with tuberous syndrome is breasts augmentation with implants in conjunction with mini lift (donut). This procedure will give you beautiful, larger and perkier breasts with smaller and more attractive areolas.   Not all results are the same, because experience and skills are critical for good outcome. So, do your due diligence and choose wisely.    Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent, symmetrical, attractive and natural looking.                              Best of luck,                                              Dr Widder

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Hello and thanks for sharing your story. I'm so sorry, but unfortunately, I cannot see your posted photos at this time. Normally, a tuberous has these characteristics:1) Puffy or herniated areola.2) Widely spaced breasts.3) High breast fold.4) Constricted lower pole or deficient tissue in lower part of the breast.5) Minimal breast tissue.6) Narrow base or small "footprint" of the breast.Breast development occurs until age 22 and most likely there will still be changes to your anatomy over the next 3 years. Please try to repost your photo. I would really like to be of help!Best wishes, Dr. ALDO

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. It will not be possible to provide you with specific advice without posting pictures; consider trying to attach frontal and side view pictures with your next question.
 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" and 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.
In the most severe cases of tuberous breast, a more complete breast lift may also be necessary.  In many cases however, a lift is not necessary. The patient should be aware that the final result will take months to see and that they will need to be patient and that revisionary surgery is more likely than in patients who do not present with tuberous (constricted) breasts.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.
I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to patients with constricted/tuberous breast concerns) helps.

Cain R. Linville, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, yes your pics didn't come through.  But, if you are 19, then you will have already undergone all the breast development you are going to go through.  If you have SOME breast tissue, then you can potentially breast feed down the road.  But, I wouldn't expect any more breast growth now.  I'm sure any qualified plastic surgeon would be happy to see you and make recommendations.  Don't be afraid to go in and at least get a consult.  MOST of us are just normal people who want to help out people exactly like you.

Are my breasts tubular, small, or both?

Answers (5)

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