Are my breast tuberous or just east-west shape?

Question

I'm 18 and I've some tuberous breast characteristics: large areolas, breast far apart (6-7 cm), pear shape, high inframammary fold with exception of the flattened lower pole which instead looks fine. But they have this shape ONLY when I'm hot, like after taking off clothes (1). Shortly after, they become firmer and rounder (2). When cold they become even more fuller. They often change shape with temperature. Tub are most 1/4 or 2/4, but some specialists have different opinions, so I'm confused.

Ben Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Your question brings up a number of points that I try to pass on to patients. Like any other bodily feature, breasts come in all shapes and sizes, and there is no one right configuration. Some are small, some are large and pendulous, some are close together and some are far apart. There is a large spectrum of body morphology and we tend to be brainwashed into thinking there is only one ideal shape. As your post mentions, breasts change over the long run, and even over the short term, depending upon environmental conditions, age, and health circumstances. We have coined the term "tuberous breast to refer to a condition where there is a restricted base and a large, often herniated areolar complex. In some patients, this is very obvious, with substantial asymmetry.  I believe that many breast that we would consider in the normal range have features of tuberous breast, in a milder form. This can effect the outcome but the result can still be very attractive.  Just realize that there are some things that we cannot alter because of preoperative conditions. An experienced breast surgeon can compensate for these irregularities, but we are ultimately are limited by the baseline anatomy

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Based on your photos you do not have tuberous breasts.  Your breasts are more widely set which is influenced by your sternum (breastbone). If you are unhappy with their appearance you can consider breast augmentation.  This would give you more volume, including the upper pole of the breasts.  I encourage you to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

If desired, 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 (my patients) with similar measurements with different size 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 is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Fierce725517,
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

Salih Onur Basat, MD, EBOPRAS · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question. Base on your photos. You need breast-lifting surgery. After breast lifting you get lifted but slightly smaller breasts than now. My first recommendation is breast lifting  and implant for you. With this combination you can get lifted, round and attractive breast. After this surgery you have incision around areola and from the areola to bra sulcus. The operation takes 2.5-3 hours. You should use sport bra for 6 weeks after the surgery. If you want breast lifting  and implant , you should use breast band with sports bra for 6 weeks after the surgery. Sports bra supports your breast from down side and breast band supports them from the up side. By this way breast tissue and implant move together.

Are my breast tuberous or just east-west shape?

Answers (8)

Answer: Tuberous breasts

Answer: Tuberous breasts

Answer: Breastlifting and implant surgery

Answer: Breastlifting and implant surgery

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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Are my breast tuberous or just east-west shape?

Answers (8)

Answer: Tuberous breasts

Answer: Tuberous breasts

Answer: Breastlifting and implant surgery

Answer: Breastlifting and implant surgery

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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