Do I have tuberous breasts or puffy nipples? Options?

Question

I can't tell. Depending on the time of the month, my nipples will flatten. They are puffy when I am warm and after my period. I can also flatten them by touching them. My breasts will enlarge during my period. My dad's mother has a very similar body type to mine, so I always assumed I just had smaller breasts (genetically), but while looking into breast augmentation options, I came across tuberous breasts, and now I am wondering if that is what I have. Thanks!

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

Your breasts are not tuberous. In fact they are very normal looking attractive breasts. If you would like them larger then you would be a excellent candidate for a breast augmentation. Good luck.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

You have a defined breast fold and no constriction of tissue around the nipples. Therefore it doesn’t appear that you have tuberous breasts. Your areola may just be a little puffy, but it probably wouldn’t warrant surgery.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Unfortunately, surgeons have created the term tuberous breasts, a fact which causes unnecessary concerns for women. Many women just have different sizes and shapes and in my opinion shouldn't be labeled. 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. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  You do not have tuberous breasts but rather a subtle degree of nipple "puffiness."  Hope this helps.

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on your photographs, you do not have tuberous breasts, and you are a good candidate for breast augmentation, if you so desire. I wish you the best of luck. Vasileios Vasilakis, MD. Fellowship-trained plastic surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear lollol4444,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photos it looks like you don't have tuberous breasts. You would be a great candidate for breast augmentation. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. 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

Larry Weinstein, MD · Answer

You do not have tuberous breasts. Your nipples look great. What do you want to achieve? You have beautiful breasts.

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good morning!
You do not have tuberous breasts- but you are an excellent candidate for augmentation, under the muscle, with saline or silicone implants, depending on your preference. We would determine the exact size and profile of your implants when I measure your chest, we review photos together, and you have the opportunity to try on the implant sizers here in the office.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concerns and your photos indicate that you do not have tuberous breasts. 
It is quite common for a woman’s breast to react differently during menstruation and it appears you are seeing those effects on your nipples. Generally speaking, breast augmentation is a reasonable option for you if you desire larger breasts and you do not need any other type of surgery to address tuberous breasts, because you don’t have this condition. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in our area to confirm my advice. Best of luck!