Can a donut maxoplexy correct tubular breast?

Not typically.  However, there are variations where the tubular component can be addressed through a peri-areolar incision like the Mini UBL technique. You are welcome to view my gallery on this site to see examples of my work and the Mini version of my technique. I hope this helps. FYI, I do not like to use implants as they tend to cause irreversible damage to your tissues with time. It's much better (in my humble opinion) to use what you have and re-design it to create upper pole fullness. Best wishes and kind regards,

Hi triny58,

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.

When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.

Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.

Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.

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

I appreciate your question.
Constricted or tubular breasts tend to be too narrow with a breast crease that is too high. Tight ring-like bands of tissue around the areolae and nipples may create the appearance of protruding or puffy areolae. A higher than normal breast crease may make your nipples appear to be too low or down pointing. Constricted breast features can be very mild or severe. In fact, mild variations are relatively common. To summarize, the features can include:
Inframammary fold (breast crease) too highInframammary fold misshapenBreasts too narrow (disproportionately narrow base width)Insufficient breast skinConstricted or tubular shape, resulting from tight bands of tissue within breastsProtruding or bulging appearance of areolae (pigmented area around nipples)Improvement is possible and generally includes a breast augmentation, sometimes combined with a lift (mastopexy). The lift is usually limited to an incision around the areolae. During the procedure, I release the tight, constricting bands from the inside, allowing the skin to expand properly. I also lower the inframammary fold to a more ideal position and improve it’s shape. Breast implants help create the right amount of volume and improve breast contours, resulting in a more rounded or tear drop shape. In some cases I have been able to fix this with just fat grafting in milder cases.
The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.
best of luck!
Dr. Schwartz
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
#RealSelf100Surgeon
#RealSelfCORESurgeon

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well..based on your question, it is ideal to be evaluated in person with a certified plastic surgeon who will see and evaluate you in person to determine if it applies for this surgery.

If you have tubular breasts, then you’re right, the constricted tissues need to be released to give your breasts a rounder shape. This can be done during your breast lift, but it’s not considered part of a donut mastopexy. I suggest you speak with your surgeon to find out some more details about what they recommend. It may be that the constriction of your breasts is very minor and you may not need the tissues to be released.