Are my breasts abnormal? How can they be improved? (Photos)

Question

I have never seen breasts that look like mine. I have fat that is connected to my breast tissue that extends under my arms and into my back. I had a baby 2 years ago. Prior to that I had virtually no breast tissue at all. But still the connection under my arms. One of my breasts and nipple is substantially smaller than the other. I have never been so insecure

Paul E. Chasan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You definitely have an unusual body type and habitus.  You have a tubular breast on the right and significant asymmetry as well as an unusual distribution of fat/lipodystrophy.  I have been in practice over 30 years and revisionary breast surgery is a large portion of my practice.  I have written approximately 20 papers on the topic.  I believe that you should be able have an excellent result.  My recommendation would be to perform breast augmentation, mastopexy/lift, and liposuction of the inferior lateral chest and upper abdomen on both sides.  You should be able to have an excellent result.  Best wishes to you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Giving79633,

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

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

It seems each of your different concerns about your breasts can be managed to some extent, to give you a more aesthetically pleasing chest wall.  It might a good time to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon who specializes in breast surgery.  Good luck with everything.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

You appear to have some degree of tuberous breast deformity.

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 have tuberous deformity on the right with associated asymmetry. This can be corrected with augmentation and mastopexy. Liposuction can be considered as an adjunct.

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

Donovan Rosas MD

Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

RealSelf Verified Member

RealSelf Top 100

RealSelf Hall of Fame

Yucel Sarialtin, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for sharing your concerns. What you’re describing is actually more common than you might think.
A very effective approach is a combination of breast implants to correct size difference and improve shape, along with liposuction to the side area to remove the excess fullness and create a more balanced, symmetric contour.
This combination can restore proportion, improve symmetry, and help you feel much more confident in your appearance. A consultation will allow us to determine the exact volume and shaping needed for the best result.
Warm regards,Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın

Eric Chang, MD · Answer

Your photos suggest some features commonly seen in mild tubular breast shape, such as a tighter lower pole, a higher-sitting fold, and a more projected nipple-areolar complex. This is nothing to be embarrassed about, but it can affect how implants or lifts behave if not properly addressed.
Improvement is possible with a tailored surgical plan. The breast fold can be lowered, the breast tissue can be reshaped, and implants can add volume and roundness. The goal is to create a more balanced, rounded breast shape that still looks natural on your frame.

Treating tubular characteristics requires an experienced surgeon, because standard augmentation alone may not correct the shape. Schedule a consultation with a surgeon who has experience with this type of procedure for personalized recommendations.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Breasts come in all shapes and sizes.  From the submitted photos you have some asymmetry of size and shape as well as some constriction.  You can consider implants with a lift to help bring your breasts into better balance and symmetry.  The implants would help to address the volume discrepancies and the lift can address shape and nipple size differences.  The best place to begin is a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

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