Do I have tuberous breasts? What options do I have to correct them? (Photo)

Question

Wondering if my breasts would be classified as tuberous and if so what would be the preferred approach to correct them? I've considered a lollipop lift but I don't want to trade one insecurity for another with the vertical scar. Do I have any other options?

Elizabeth Kiwanuka, MD, PhD · Answer

Tuberous breasts are a condition characterized by the abnormal development of the breasts during puberty. This can result in breasts that appear elongated or constricted at the base, with a high and tight inframammary fold, and often with enlarged, puffy areolas. The shape may vary, but common features include a narrow base of the breast and a lack of fullness, especially in the lower part of the breast.
Treatment for tuberous breasts typically aims to reshape the breasts into a more typical rounded form, increase their symmetry, and correct the base width and areola size. Options vary based on the severity and specific characteristics of the condition:
Breast Implants: Often used to provide fullness, especially in the lower part of the breast.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy): This can involve different incision patterns, such as the "lollipop" lift, which you mentioned. It involves incisions around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease, allowing significant reshaping.
Fat Grafting: Involves transferring fat from another part of your body to your breasts, helping to fill out the contour without more invasive surgery.
Areolar Reduction: This can be part of the procedure to address enlarged areolas common with tuberous breasts.
If you are concerned about the scars associated with a lollipop lift, other less invasive options like fat grafting may be considered, though they might be limited in their ability to fully correct more severe cases of tuberous breasts. Each approach has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your specific anatomy and cosmetic goals.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

No, your breasts are not tuberous but simply ptotic and small. The lift technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. The areolas can be reduced to the size you desire.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. To properly evaluate you it would be necessary to examine you in person. That said, your photos show that you have moderate ptosis (sagging or drooping) along with widened areolae. The goal for most women who are not happy with their breasts is to achieve the prettiest breasts. This usually includes minimal sagging with proportionate volume, proper nipple/areolar location and size, and symmetry. If you feel you would like to be larger, implants can be included at the same time.

I wouldn’t worry too much about scars. Although that’s indeed a concern for all patients, most women find the scars an acceptable exchange for pretty and symmetrical breasts. Do your research, and consult with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon whose Before and After gallery,  and reviews appeal to you. Best of luck.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on these photos you have tuberous breasts. Correction of this deformity is complex and involves correction of breast shape, reduction of areola and, most frequently breast augmentation with implants. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon familiar with this procedure is recommended. Good luck.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concerns and it does appear that you have tuberous breasts. However, a most positive correction can be attained with sub muscular breast augmentation utilizing moderate plus round, smooth silicone implants. However, the lower poles of your breasts need to be released, and  inframammary folds need to be lowered and possibly your areolar complexes may need to be reduced.
This is a fairly complex procedure so it is important that you consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon with lots of experience in your area. Good luck.

Audrey Nguyen, MD · Answer

Hi there,Based on the photos, you look to have some tuberous characteristics but I would not categorize this as severe. There are several options including breast augmentation with (augmentation-mastopexy) or without lift (mastopexy alone) or lift without breast implants. The type of lift you get depends on your anatomy, your expectations, and your aesthetic desires. There are limits to a periareolar lift only (meaning the scar is around the areola only). Some patients may want a certain type of lift but may only be a candidate for a lift with more incisions, such as lollipop or anchor. Because there are different options in this scenario, it is always recommended to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to go over this in detail.

Justin Booth, MD · Answer

Hello there! Thank you for your question and for sharing because tuberous breast (TB) is much more common than many think.
Yes, your breasts do show features of TB. There are several ways to treat this - some of which do involve a vertical scar, others do not. Most at least involve a scar around the areola. Augmentation with implants and/or fat is common as well.
The key to success in achieving your goals is discussing them with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can examine your breasts and customize a treatment plan that best addresses your anatomy and achieves your cosmetic goals.
Hope this helps! 
Best wishes,
Justin Booth MD FACSAustin Plastic Surgery Institute

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