Do I have tuberous breasts or not? (Photo)

Question

I had a breast augmentation with a Benelli lift. They were good (not porn star line I wanted) but last 2.5 years and now sag. I went from small saggy breasts to big saggy breast. My original surgeon is now saying I have tuberous breast which was never mentioned in the original surgery. I do not have deformed breats or big areolas, I do have a big crease in my right breast causing it to look deformed where it never was before as well as the areola being bigger when they were the same prior

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Your photos do not indicate that you have tuberous breasts.  It does appear that a full breast lift is indicated in order to remove excess skin and lift the position of the nipple.  You can elect to change implants at that time if you wish.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Richard G. Schwartz, MD · Answer

Your photos do not show the most common characteristics of tuberous breasts--which are forward bulging areolae and stretched areolae, due to the concentration of breast tissue within a narrow cone just behind the areolae, along with tight skin just below the areolae on the underside of the breasts.  Based on these photos, it seems to me that you have very saggy, large breasts.  My recommendation would be to discuss in detail the type of appearance you want, with your surgeon.  I suggest a major breast lift to raise the nipples much more that at present, and reshape the breasts into a more youthful upright shape without significant sagging.  However, this will leave more visible scars that just your previous surgery.

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree with you, you now have large sagging breasts. I see no sign that you ever had tuberous breasts. You now need your breasts made smaller and lifted. Probably a breast lift with implant removal or at least severely downsized. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear SWakitas,
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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

No, your breasts are not tuberous, but do sag. A full lift is needed to correct this.  The Benelli lift is not sufficient to correct all the sagging, but only partially correct it.  This is what was done.  You probably would have done much better with a reduction, which includes a lift.

Do I have tuberous breasts or not? (Photo)

Answers (5)