I have tubular breasts. Can they be corrected? (Photo)

I see this question often. The condition you're asking about is known as tuberous breast or tubular breast deformity. The best way for me to describe this is that it is not an "all or nothing " phenomenon. In other words, if not as if the patient either "has it" or "does not ". This is because "tuberous breast "is a spectrum of characteristics that often go together. They include:#1 large, puffy nipple/areolas. This is known as areolar or nipple herniation.#2 small breasts lacking much tissue#3 small base diameter or "footprint" of the breast, also known as "constriction". This makes the breast shape itself appeared too small for the chest it is on#4 a high-riding or absent breast fold, which is the defining crease at the base of your breast. The "classic tuberous breast deformity" involves all four deformities together to a significant degree. However, some women have only two or three of the characteristics. Other women have all four of the characteristics but to a very slight degree. So, it is less a "black-and-white " issue, rather many shades of gray. The surgical solution depends upon the specific constellation of symptoms that a given patient has.You seem to have some evidence of #3 and #4. But overall, I would not describe your breasts as tubular. A well executed augmentation with lowering of the inframammary fold and release of the lower breast tissues should give you a nice result.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

First, you are a great candidate for implants alone.  Second you don't have tuberous breasts.  A lactation consultant has ABSOLUTELY NO TRAINING, CREDENTIALS OR IDEA WHAT TUBEROUS BREAST ARE, AS EVIDENCED BY THE FACT THEY TOLD YOU YOU HAD TUBEROUS BREASTS!!!!  There is not much to be gained by labeling someone with
tuberous breasts. An operative plan should be developed based on your
anatomy. Whether that is breast implantation, lift or reduction,
symmetrization or some combination of procedures, there is no particular point
in stigmatizing your breast shape. A properly trained, skilled and
ethical plastic surgeon can develop a plan based on your anatomy and give you
the outcome that you desire. I see absolutely no point in diagnosing
someone with tuberous breasts or restricted base deformity. Stigmatizing
a young person can have an effect on the way they perceive the outcome, even if
it is outstanding.

They do not appear tuberous. Implants will help the shape, but not the breast feeding.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to discuss your options and expectations.

Hello,Thank you for your question and photo. There are a few different characteristics for  Tuberous breasts and you do not have all of them but you do appear to have some constriction, specifically in the lower poles. I recommend that you meet with a board certified Plastic Surgeon in person. They will examine you and talk with you about what you would like to change. You should be able to achieve a nice result with silicone cohesive gel implants.All the best

Thank you for your question. I would recommend visiting a board certified plastic surgeon for a consultation. This way, you can explain your concerns and find an option that fits your desires. All the best.Regards, 

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.After having analyzed all the information and photos provided to us, i can identify that you have a underveloped and mild tubular Breast. I recommend you perform a Tubular Breasts Correction with Breast Augmentation using silicon implants, at the same surgical time.There is a surgical technique for Tuberous Breasts correction, by which it is arranged the tuberous areolar ring from inside, without requiring areolar reduction. In this technique we also need silicon implants, to get a better Breast volume and projection.Therefore it is very important that the plastic surgeon who will perform the surgery, has the skills and vast experience in this type of procedure.Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

I appreciate your question.From your photos, you appear to have constricted breasts on the spectrum of tuberous.  Your lower pole needs to be released and the IMF lowered.  I recommend shaped implants for this.

These highly-sought-after, anatomic
implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a
breast, and, therefore, are a very attractive option for individuals seeking a
natural-looking, aesthetic primary breast augmentation. Additionally, these
implants are an especially excellent option for patients undergoing restorative
or corrective breast surgery because they provide more stability, shape, and
reduced incidence of capsular contracture. Compared to other types of silicone gel
implants, the silicone in the cohesive gel implant is more cross-linked;
therefore, should the implant shell “rupture,” it maintains its shape and
silicone does not leak.

During your breast augmentation
consultation, you should feel the different types of implants available, and
try on various implant sizers in front of a mirror to help you to get an idea
of how you will look following the surgery. You should also bring pictures of
the look you would like to achieve, as well as a favorite top to wear when
trying on implant sizers.In my office we also use the VECTRA system.  It takes photos of you from different angles to create a 3D image. It leaves you with a 3D image of your breasts you can see from angles you have never seen before. I have found it incredibly useful for my patients when discussing breast augmentation.   What I love about the VECTRA is how it helps my patients. It helps YOU see your breasts. Really see your breasts. Photos can be unforgiving, and a 3D photo really shows it like it is.VOLUME:  Is one breast larger than the other? This has 2 different ways of looking at volume, which takes into account ribcage and position differences.WIDTH: Is one breast wider? Is your chest ribcage asymmetric?CLEAVAGE:  What is the natural spacing between your breasts? Cleavage is an area many of my patient really want to improve and fill when they do an implant. For sure implants help this area, but there are natural differences in the cleavage spacing which we can’t control. Vectra does an analysis of this to show where your natural breast ends.IMF:  Our fancy doctor term for the bottom of the breast fold is the inframammary fold. The IMF is where your underwire would go, i.e. where your breast starts from. Turns out our breasts don’t usually start at the exact same place. This difference in position can make the breasts look different and affect nipple position.NIPPLE POSITION: This one tends to be more noticeable. Where are your nipples? Are they even?

The best way to assess and give true
advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic
surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Director-Beverly
Hills Breast and Body Institute

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Thank you for your question. You do not appear to have tuberous breasts. A breast augmentation would dramatically improve the shape and overall appearance of your breasts. Please have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic breast surgery. Hope this helps. 

I would say you do not have tuberous breasts.  I think you might enjoy implants.  One thing in that might be helpful is to simulate what that might look like...do a little research on the Vectra and other devices like it....you can visually "try on" the implants and see if it is to your liking!Good Luck!

Thanks for your question.  As others have mentioned, based only on these pictures, you do not appear to have tubular breasts.  If you are unhappy with the appearance of your breasts there are certainly things that can be done to enhance their appearance i.e. breast augmentation.  You should visit with a qualified plastic surgeon to undergo a complete history and physical exam in order to learn the best options for you.  You should also look for someone that has a 3-D imaging system such as Vectra XT so that you can get an idea of what you will look like after your surgery.  Best of luck to you!