Female, age 18, 254 pounds. Do I have tubular breast? (photo)

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 on your photos, you may demonstrate very mild features of a classically "tuberous" breast. Regardless of the categorization, you would primarily benefit from a lift.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

I would not categorize your breasts as tubular. However, you have significant asymmetry and ptosis of your breasts and you would benefit on both issues with a proper mastopexy, or breast lift. I hope this helps. Thank you for the inquiry.

Your breasts have a defined breast fold and no constriction of tissue around your nipples, therefore you don’t appear to have tubular breasts.

Thanks for your query. based on the picture, you do seem to have tubular breasts. Please find an experienced, board certified Plastic Surgeon who can examine your and tell you for sure, and also give you options for improvement of the condition, if you wish. All the best!

Thanks for your question and picture. Based on your picture, you appear to have significant breast asymmetry but not classic tubular breasts. If you feel your breasts have stopped developing, you would be a good candidate for considering a breast reduction on the larger side and a breast lift on the left side. Implants could be considered depending on your goals. Make sure you meet with a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person exam.

You don’t appear to have the classic tubular breast deformity where the base of the breast is very narrow and the breast tissue herniates out through the areola. However, you do appear to have a marked symmetry of your breasts. You are simplest, least expensive option to become more symmetrical would be a right breast reduction and a left breast lift. If interested in this, you should have a detailed consultation with your plastic surgeon.

Dear aekuke,

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

Your breasts are not tubular, they are asymmetrical and ptotic. I recommend a breast lift using The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Thank you for posting your question here!My answer will be based on the limited information and pictures for a detailed and personalized plan please consult with your plastic surgeon in person.It is hard based on this singular picture to say if you do have tubular breasts, usually tubular breasts have a constricted inferior pole , and circumferential bands that narrow the breasts and cause some fat herniation around the areola. That being said , when it comes to aesthetic surgery interventions are usually based on the patient's wants and their perceptions of what is aesthetically pleasing within reason, So I wouldn't worry or seek surgical intervention just based on a label unless you are bothered with how they look and you wish to have that issue addressed.I hope this helps, best of luck!

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. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA