Tuberous breasts: structural or hormonal?

Question

I keep reading that tuberous breasts are caused by hormonal issues, like PCOS, which can result in poor development of the breast due to lack of progesterone. It was even reported that one woman with TBD who had insufficient glandular tissue took natural progesterone during pregnancy and her breasts grew. However, the plastic surgeons I've talked to say it's a structural defect hat occurs in the womb and there's no way to fix it without surgery.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Tuberous Breasts have been labeled with a variety of names and conditions. These include the following: Tubular Breasts, Constricted Breasts, Puffy Nipples, Snoopy Breasts, and Conical Breasts What is a Tuberous Breast? This breast condition is a developmental problem of the breast. This can be improved with surgery.

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

Tuberous breasts are truly a structural issue with the breast tissue not developing in the normal way.  The tissues are usually constricted in the lower portion of the breast, pushing the breast tissue into the nipple areola area.  This often leads to both a puffy/ pointy areola, as well as a high breast fold.  Unfortunately, the only way to correct this is surgical.  Usually a combination of breast implants, releasing of the internal tissues, areola reshaping, and a breast lift (when needed) does the best job.  The best thing to do is to have a few consultations with board certified plastic surgeons and see what will work best for you.  Please see the below link for examples of tuberous breast correction.  I hope this helps.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Tuberous breasts are a structural issue deformity. This can be corrected with different sized implants. I would advise you to
schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed
examination to discuss all possible treatment options and what your
expectations are.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear kgalin,
tuberous breasts are not simply small or underdeveloped breasts. The appearance of 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.
Tuberous breasts can rarely be corrected without implants or at least a small one. The breast needs to be scored radially from the inside to expand it. If you don't place an implant behind the radial scoring it will fall back to its original state. You could theoretically remove the implant at a later day and graft with fat but that would be a separate surgery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

David Shifrin, MD · Answer

It is in fact a structural issue once breasts are developed that needs surgical attention to adjust if desired. It may occur in response to hormonal influences during pregnancy or development but once puberty is complete there is no adjusting without surgery.Best

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and sharing your photos. I tend to agree with your plastic surgeon that currently surgery is the only available treatment to improve the appearance of tuberous breasts. Typically, surgery involves breast augmentation using implants with release of lower pole for better expansion. I would seek consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a full evaluation and advice. Best,
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.
  
Johns Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

kgalinI appreciate your frustration and concerns, however I am unaware of any form of hormonal treatment for tuberous breasts that are already present in a patient. Photographs would help, but often times treatment of tuberous breasts include placement of breast implants under the muscle and release of constricted breast tissue within the lower poles of the breasts. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to explore the best options for you. Good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Tuberous breasts are mainly structural in nature, although hormones and genetics may play some roll in development. Surgery, not hormones, is needed to reshape the breasts.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi kgalinTuberous breast deformity is structural in nature.  It is due to fiberous tissue that constricts the breast and causes the appearance.  The bands must be surgically addressed in order to allow the breast assume a more aesthetic appearance.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Tuberous breasts are a structural issue.  Typically patients with this condition find greatly improved shape with a lift and breast implants.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you if you are interested in learning more.

Tuberous breasts: structural or hormonal?

Answers (14)

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