Did my breasts not develop properly? (Photo)

Question

they lack fullness at the top and i have no breast tissue underneath my nipple.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

The photos were reviewed and show small-volume breasts with a short or tight-looking lower pole and limited tissue below the nipple area, but photos alone cannot diagnose whether the breasts “developed properly.” Breast shape varies widely, and many patients naturally have less upper-pole fullness or less tissue beneath the nipple without it meaning anything is wrong with them.

One possibility to discuss with a plastic surgeon is a mild constricted or tuberous breast shape. This can involve a narrow breast base, a higher or tighter inframammary fold, less lower-pole expansion, asymmetry, or a puffy areola. You do not need to have every feature for it to matter surgically, and the diagnosis is best made by measuring the breast base width, fold position, nipple position, skin envelope, and chest wall in person.

If your goal is more fullness and a rounder lower pole, breast augmentation can help, but implant choice and surgical technique are important. In a tight lower pole, an implant alone may not fully correct the shape unless the pocket and fold are planned carefully; some patients need lower-pole release, careful fold adjustment, fat grafting, or a limited areolar/lift procedure depending on the anatomy. I would consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with constricted breast correction and ask specifically how they would create lower-pole shape, not just what implant size they would use.

Emre Guvercin, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

You have a tubular breast deformity, which is considered a condition where the breasts have not developed properly. If you wish to address this condition, both implants and lower pole expansion will be necessary. This will require a combination of implants, fat injection, and a lift. Specifically, a periareolar lift will be performed.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear elliek111,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Benjamin Baker, BMBS MBA FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thanks for your question. You have a mild-moderate case of tuberous breast changes, which are very common, especially in patients seeking aesthetic breast surgery. You are right that you have a lack of development / expansion of the lower pole of your breast. Depending on what you wish to achieve, the appearance could be improved through uplift or augmentation techniques (using an implant or fat transfer), or a combination of these procedures. I would recommend seeing a surgeon who specialises in aesthetic breast surgery.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Mildly Sagging Breasts: If your breasts are mildly droopy, a saline or silicone gel implant placed behind the pectoral muscle might help create the illusion of perkiness. That’s because as the implant fills out the top of the breast, it also fills out the bottom, making it look as if the nipple has moved higher. It hasn’t. You can always get a lift later if you feel you are not perky enough when fully settled and healed. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your breasts are well developed. However, they are widely separated and low on the chest wall. You need a breast lift and I recommend 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.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

This is a form of a constricted or tubular breast.  It is not severe and they are symmetric so the correction, if deemed necessary, is a lift with an implant.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on these photos I would consider your breasts to be within normal range. Some correction can be achieved in the areas of concern with implant augmentation. In person consultation with an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon would help. Good luck.

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. An examination in person is required to properly evaluate you and make specific recommendations. That said, it appears that you have elements of what is known as “tubular breast deformity” with a bit of sagging and with your breasts and nipple/areola weighted toward the lower breast. A board certified plastic surgeon can advise you on your options but you would most likely benefit from an augmentation mastopexy (combined breast lift with implants). 
Pick
Your plastic surgeon based on his or her experience, reviews, and results on the Before and After gallery. Best of luck to you.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You have normal breasts that probably grew rather quickly, or you have lost weight so that you have some sagging. You have breast tissue behind the nipple. A lift would raise your breast up. If you want more volume, add implants.

Did my breasts not develop properly? (Photo)

Answers (13)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

18 months post op and surgery scar is red, raised and painful - could this be an infection? (photos)

Natrelle High Profile vs Moderate Profile?

Sizing doubts - should I go smaller or bigger?

Breast Aug complication. No natural plan between major and minor pectoral muscle? (Phtoo)

Does my breast implant have capsular contraction?

6 months post op and still feel discomfort - will it ever feel normal?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS