Can tuberous breasts be prevented with surgery before a child reaches puberty or early on in puberty?

Question

I was born with tuberous breasts and they really affected my self esteem leading to depression and eating disorders in my teens. I now have a daughter and My worst fear is that she inherited them from me and will go through what I did. I am wondering if there is a way to tell once she's older if she has the fibrous band constricting her breasts and if there is a way that it could be removed to prevent the deformity from occurring.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Far more important than the technique is the skill and experience of your plastic surgeon. Choose your surgeon rather than the technique and let them explain why one technique may be better than another.  See the below link on some suggestions on finding the most qualified Plastic Surgeon for a Breast Augmentation.  Always insist on a board certified plastic surgeon.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, there is no way of preventing it however, there are surgical options to treat it if it is bothersome.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your excellent question. I understand how social stigma can cause many childhood developmental issues, such as what we see with kids suffering from prominent ears.  Only time will tell whether your daughter will develop along some point of the spectrum of tuberous breast deformity. If she is to develop significant enough changes, the conservative and safe decision is to allow her to fully develop before pursuing corrective surgery. Hope this helps

Joseph Franklin, MD · Answer

We appreciate your candor and rationale for asking if tuberous breasts can be prevented.Unfortunately, the answer is NO.   Most plastic surgeons avoid operating on breasts until they have fully developed in order to minimize any potential growth disturbances.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

There is no way to prevent or predict if your daughter will develop tuberous breasts. Surgery early as a child is not recommended because it could limit the growth of the breasts. Once she has reached her full breast development, usually around age 16-17, she can be evaluated to see what may be done.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the problems you experienced secondary to tuberous/constricted breasts. It is commendable that you have the concerns you have regarding your daughter.  Unfortunately, there is no way to predict or prevent the occurrence of tuberous/constricted breasts. This is one of those situations where "only time will tell". It is great that she has your support/understanding, in the event that she has concerns as she grows. Best wishes.

Fred Suess, MD (retired) · Answer

If your daughter develops tuberous breast, at the appropriate age she can have them improved in appearance. I would not recommend preemptive surgery until the diagnosis is definitely established.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

That's a very good question, but unfortunately the answer is no. It would be very nice, though, if we could prevent it. The deformity can be treated early however once the patient's size has been stable for 12 months.

Can tuberous breasts be prevented with surgery before a child reaches puberty or early on in puberty?

Answers (8)

More Tuberous Breast Correction Surgery Questions

Will my lower pole need to be lowered for breast augmentation?

Any solution for tuberous breasts and/ or herniated areoles? (photos)

Strange question: Using Brava Bra on tuberous breasts at home, need expert opinion? (photos)

I need an expert opinion on conflicting views regarding Tuberous Breasts. (photos)

Are my breasts tubular? (Photo)

Is the external "rigottomies" needle procedure with fat transfer an effective way to improve the appearance of tubular breasts?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS