Are my breast just never going to develop? At 20 they are still puffy triangle nubs I got at 13. Would surgery even fix this?

Question

What is wrong with my breasts? I’m 20 y/o and my breasts haven’t changed their puffy triangular shape at all since I hit puberty at age 13. They are also very lacking in length and width, and overall are very small and unproportionate to my chest. I have no lower breast and really none on top either. My breast don’t really round out, it just narrows into a point, giving me these odd triangular extremely flat large nipples. I can’t even fill out the smallest size bra because I have no real shape.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It appears you have tubular breasts. This is caused by a constriction of tissue around the nipple/sareolae, giving you an undefined breast fold and areola puffiness. It isn’t generally considered a health issue, if you dislike the appearance surgery can be performed to release the constricted tissue. This would give you a rounder breast shape.

Eric Pugash, MD · Answer

Mother Nature, for whatever reason, decided to give you small breasts. They have mildly tuberous features including narrow dimensions, tight lower poles and slightly puffy areolas. You may want to consider breast augmentation surgery. I suggest you consult with an experienced aesthetic breast surgeon to explore your options. All the best.

Jimmy S. Firouz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photos. You do appear to have something we call “tuberous breasts”. To correct this, you will need more than a basic breast augmentation procedure. Tuberous breast correction is a very meticulous and specialized procedure, which should only be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in this area. My technique uses a breast implant in conjunction with a periareolar incision for reconstructive tubular breast surgery, as provides the highest degree of control and accuracy when placing the implant. This surgical technique results in a natural, symmetrical, and full breast appearance. In order to restore a more ideal and rounded breast shape, you may also recommend a breast lift along with the augmentation. Each patient with tuberous breasts is unique, and so is their surgery. I would need to consult with you in person to determine the best tuberous breast correction surgery approach.

Matthew J. Nykiel, MD · Answer

Hello and Great Question. I appreciate the time you are spending researching this procedure. My name is Dr. Matthew J. Nykiel. I am a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, a Fellowship Trained Cosmetic Surgeon, and a Cosmetic Breast Augmentation Specialist. 
Based off your photos your breast are tuberous, its very common and can be improved with release of the breast tissue and breast implants , I would highly suggest you do an in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in this procedure and who can go more in depth on what is needed as well as do a full evaluation.
I hope that helps! Best of Luck! 
Matthew J. Nykiel, MD #CoreAesthetic Breast Augmentation Specialist Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Any breasts that have an element of constriction or tuberous characteristics can be released and filled with either an implant or fat. Find a board certified PS who has performed similar surgeries, or even one that specializes in tubular breast modification.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, there are surgical options to increase the size of your breasts and improve the shape.  One of the most common methods is to insert breast implants.  If you seek an in-person assessment with a plastic surgeon who is comfortable and experienced with cosmetic breast surgery they will be able to do a proper breast examination then review all of your options.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for our question.  Looking at the photos you have provided it seems to be that you have what we call a tuberous breast.  A breast augmentation will help with giving you better shape and fullness to the breast. I would recommend seeing a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who has experience dealing with tuberous breasts and having a consultation with them to discuss your options, goals and recommendations.  Best of luck to you.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. Although your breasts will not develop further, there are options at improving upon your current appearance with the use of implants and internal breast scoring.  Hope this helps.

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello
and thank you for the question and sharing your photos. Your breasts are under-developed and also do appear to have some elements of tuberous deformity. There is also some degree of asymmetry. I do believe your are a good candidate for breast augmentation. Topics to discuss with your surgeon
are type of implant (gel vs. saline), location of incision (peri-areolar,
inframammary crease, arm-pit) and location of the implant (above or under the
muscle). There are advantages and disadvantages to each technique. During your
consultation, your surgeon will discuss all these with you and the final
decision will be a shared decision between you and your surgeon after
learning all the facts.
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.
  
Johns Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your frustration, however the only thing wrong with your breasts is that they are fairly small and a bit asymmetrical. Bilateral breast augmentation with placement of implants under the muscle would be an excellent option for you and this would increase the size and improve the shape and symmetry of your breasts. Be certain to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. Good luck.