Tuberous breast/implants - What kind of correction is needed? (photo)

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You are a good candidate for breast augmentation. You may have a very small tuberous component but not one that requires a significant operative intervention.

Tuberous breast deformity is a very challenging type of breast anatomy to operate on. It requires lower the inframammary fold, releasing the constricting ring of fascia in the breast, placing on implant below the muscle and potentially doing a future areolar reduction (sometimes in a staged fashion). You need to see a real expert in aesthetic breast surgery, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery with ideally aesthetic fellowship experience (after 6 years of integrated plastic surgery training).

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 on your photos, you demonstrate some very very mild features of a classically "tuberous" breast. You would benefit from some of the techniques described above to release the lower pole constriction.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

HiAccording to your pictures, seems like you have a mild tubular breast deformity. As your treatment, implants will do much of the job, but before placement we will make incisions (scoring) on fibrous bands which cause the deformity. This maneuver will help to reshaping your breast to more natural appearance.

Thank you for your inquiry!! If you are looking for fullness, implants will give you that. Feel free to make an appointment to see what size and style you are interested in. We would love to meet with you to discuss your concerns. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your goals.

I would not categorize your breasts as tuberous. They are slightly tight in the lower pole, but otherwise with normal shape. I think you would have a natural, enhanced result with an appropriate sized implant and I would not hesitate to proceed. Thank you for sharing.

Dear Sierra_mist,

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

Hello and thank you for your question.
Tuberous breast deformity is a condition characterized by abnormal breast development due to a constricted base of the breast. The main components of tuberous breast deformity include constriction of the breast base with underdevelopment of the lower portion of the breast and a high inframmary fold. The nipple areolar complex can be enlarged and puffy, and there can be significant breast asymmetry. The degree of tuberous breast deformity can vary from mild to severe.
While it is difficult to assess your breasts from the photographs provided, it appears you do have a mild form with constriction of lower poles, particularly on the right.
Surgical correction typically involves expanding the lower pole with implant placement and release of the constricted base. Fat grafting can also be utilized to help augment the lower pole. Mastopexy is sometimes required to correct areolar position and shape. For best results, you should choose a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery experienced in correction of tuberous breast deformities. I hope this helps. Good luck.

Tuberous breasts are characterized by a constriction of tissue around the nipples and an undefined breast fold. You don’t appear to share these traits, or they may be very mild on your right breast (the breast in the back of the middle photo.) If there is any constriction, surgery can be performed to release the tissue. However, you may not require this and a straightforward breast augmentation may be sufficient.

You have a mild form of this condition and it should not cause undue risks in undergoing an augmentation mammaplasty. Your lower pole may be tighter but gentle release of the fold should allow placement of the implant and a nice breast shape without a lift.