Do I have tubular breasts? If so, what could I do to fix them? (Photo)

Question

I’ve always felt like my breasts never fully developed and I’ve known my breasts looked different since I was 14. They have a weird triangular, torpedo-like shape which doesn’t allow me to fit comfortably into any bras or swimsuit. If I were to get an augmentation I would like to go towards a natural looking smaller C or large B. I feel like my breasts aren’t normal and I just want to know what it would take to get them as normal looking as possible.

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 exhibit some constriction consistent with a constricted breast. You would likely benefit from an augmentation.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well...based on the photo shown, I see that you are a good candidate for a breast augmentation, in your case, the ideal is a silicone implants, retromuscular position to get better projection in your case.to determine the cc, it is ideal to be evaluated in person by a certified plastic surgeon.

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, I
haven’t examined you, but yes I would say you have a Type II-IVI Tuberous Breast
contour, and we see this frequently.  So, no need to be
disheartened.  See the video link below which outlines how we approach a
Tuberous Breast.  There are four Types,
as I teach in the video, You seem to have a mild tendency in this
direction.  You can see from the side view that your breast comes almost
straight out from your chest wall, and therefore from the front view, the lower
rounded area is not filled out.  I believe if you want a breast
augmentation surgery this would be corrected nicely.  The web reference
below has some photos of examples.  There are many approaches.  Here
are some general tips which are only my personal opinion, not gospel: 
Your fold is very tight in the breast crease. Put an index card in your breast
fold. If your nipple is at the edge of the card or below, then you would be a
candidate for a lift, either a vertical or anchor or areolar. If your nipple is
above the edge, you could be a candidate for an internal lift called the dual
plane which would avoid incisions around your nipple.  However, fat grafting will help give you a
more normal shape if you do this at the same time as you have implants.You could always add some fat to round and balance things a little in addition to implants.
Be sure to see only a board certified plastic surgeon (by ABPS - The American
Board of Plastic Surgery) who is a member of ASAPS (The American Society for
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) and or a member of ASPS (The American Society of
Plastic Surgeons). Also, ask if they have an established, high volume breast
augmentation practice, performing several hundred breast augmentations each
year. Be sure the PS has been in practice for a while, 20-years or more might
be a good gauge. Does the PS offer all three incisions? Discuss the implant
type (gel or saline), shaped "gummy bear" or non-shaped, smooth or
textured, implant pocket (over or under the muscle) and the "quick
recovery approach." Ask to see their before and after photos if you didn’t
see any on their website. If they are experienced, they should have several 100
breast implant patients for you to view. I would also recommend that your
doctor offer you the chance to talk to past patients who would be happy to discuss
their experience with you. You need to feel comfortable, so make sure the
environment is safe as in an accredited surgery center. Also, ask a prospective
surgeon if he or she has ever published journal articles in professional
peer-reviewed journals, which they can provide you.
All the best,  “Dr. Joe”

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. You do appear to have lower pole constriction consistent with tuberous breasts.  You are a great candidate
for a breast augmentation with release of lower pole constriction bands.  The size, profile, and shape of the
implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall
measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should
be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you
and your surgeon.  Make sure you
specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have
had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most important aspect is to find a
surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a
qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi Karinacee,
  
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, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Do I have tubular breasts? If so, what could I do to fix them? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Breast evaluation

Answer: Breast evaluation

Answer: Tuberous Breasts and Breast Augmentation

Answer: Tuberous Breasts and Breast Augmentation

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Do I have tubular breasts? If so, what could I do to fix them? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Breast evaluation

Answer: Breast evaluation

Answer: Tuberous Breasts and Breast Augmentation

Answer: Tuberous Breasts and Breast Augmentation

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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