What is Wrong with my Nipples? My Nipples Are Constantly Swollen? (photo)

Question

They swell so large they are unrecognizable. They are quite tender and I believe it is the weight of my nipples pulling off my body causing the soreness. They go down when I am cold or for no specific reason, and that can last from anywhere from a few seconds-minutes. til they swell back up. I've had all my hormone levels tested and breast exams, all normal. Do I have tuberous breasts? I've also developed long, black, coarse hair around my nipples. I'm naturally blonde w/ translucent body hair.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Tuberous breast deformity involves a constricting ring that grows around the breast base. This ring stops the horizontal and/or vertical expansion of the breast, leading to constricted appearance with large areolas and irregular nipples. Surgery is necessary to release constricted tissue, and implants may be placed to enhance volume.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your photographs show you have tuberous breasts.  You would benefit from breast augmentation and areola reduction.  This can all be done through a circumareola incision to reduce the size of your areola and increase your breast to the desired size.  You are an excellent candidate for Breast Augmentation with Mini Ultimate Breast Lift.

	Best Wishes,

	Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Steven M. Lynch, MD · Answer

Hi,

	  Yes, you have tuberous breasts and your nipples are "herniated".  This is because the areolas are large and need to be made smaller with a compaction of the undelying tissue to become part of your breast.

	  You need to have this adjustment and if this makes you happy alone, then fine.  however, if you want to correct the BREAST tubular component also, then do implants at the same time and correct the entire process.  Your case is 2 hours or so and it is done.

	  Make sure you see someone that does a lot of tubular breasts and is not afraid of your case.  Nothing against the breast surgeon that is hesitant with your case but some breast surgeons just do not feel comfortable with tuberous breasts.  Your case is not difficult.

	              Steven M. Lynch, M.D.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures.

	Yes, I think your breasts do demonstrate many of the qualities seen with tuberous (constricted) breasts.
	Some of the characteristics seen with tuberous breasts include a very narrow base, short distance from areola to inframammary fold, tight (constricted) lower pole of the breasts, relatively wide space between the breasts, "puffy" areola and some degree of ptosis (drooping).  
	Generally,  correction of tuberous breast anomalies involves breast augmentation with areola reduction / mastopexy procedure. The distance from the inframammary fold is increased (to create a more rounded out appearance). Proper implant positioning improves the distance (cleavage) between the breasts. The areola reduction helps to treat the pointed and "puffy" appearance of the areola.

	In your case, if the appearance/shape/size of the breasts are a concern,  you may be an excellent candidate for corrective surgery.   You may also be a good candidate for laser hair removal.
	When you are ready, please make sure you consult with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons who have significant experience with this type of surgery.
	I hope this, and the attached link, help.

What is Wrong with my Nipples? My Nipples Are Constantly Swollen? (photo)

Answers (4)