Do I Have Tuberous Breasts, or Poland's Syndrome? (photo)

Question

I have two children, and my breasts stopped growing when I was 16. They have always been this way, and it's made me very self conscious. I do not know why they are like they are, and it upsets me tremendously. Do I have Tuberous breasts or Poland's Syndrome, or just lopsided breasts? I didn't know if it was a medical problem or just my imagination. Thank you!

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.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is difficult to tell from the photograph if you have Poland's Syndrome. This often means that a portion to all of the pec muscle is missing, the nipple is hypo plastic or missing,t he breast is missing or hypo plastic, there may be a latissimus deformity , and finger and arm deformities as well. You may have a component of tuberous in the photo.  An exam in person is key.

Mia E. Skourtis, MD · Answer

There is a whole spectrum of developmental conditions that may result in breast asymmetry.  Poland's syndrome can most easily be diagnosed by confirming absence of your major chest muscle, the pectoralis major.  While it is not possible to diagnose you without performing a physical exam, your appearance in photos does not clearly indicate the absence of that muscle.  I DO believe that you do have a form of asymmetric tuberous breast deformity.  This is a developmental condition where the lower portion of the breast is constricted by fibrous, dense, scar-like  tissue that narrows the breast and creates an unusual shape.  While your breasts do not have a classic tuberous shape (think of a yam), you do have some classic features such as flattening and tightening of the lower, inner pole of the breast, and a classic rounded, bulging appearance of the outer aspects of the breasts that end in a crease or fold toward the arm pit.  I consider treatment of this condition a reconstructive procedure, as it is treatment of a developmental abnormality.  Some insurance companies will indeed cover this type of reconstructive surgery, so it would benefit you to see a plastic surgeon who has experience with reconstruction of this condition.

	All the best,

	Dr. Skourtis

	DrMSkourtisPlasticSurgery .com

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

The photos demonstrate tuberous asymmetric deformity not Poland's Syndrome. Only surgery/ies can correct this deformity. Seek in person evaluations.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

There is definitely an asymmetry. Poland's syndrome is a genetic condition in which either the absence of the breast or failure to develop is associated with the absence of the pectorals major muscle, chest asymmetry and often a disparity in size between the hand and arm of the affected side versus the other side.  Based on the photograph, I do not believe that you have Poland syndrome.  I will say, however, that insurance companies are extremely recalcitrant in terms of paying to correct developmental disorders which, in my opinion, is tragic.

Do I Have Tuberous Breasts, or Poland's Syndrome? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Do I Have Tuberous Breasts, or Poland's Syndrome?

Answer: Do I Have Tuberous Breasts, or Poland's Syndrome?

Answer: Poland's syndrome v. developmental breast asymmetry

Answer: Poland's syndrome v. developmental breast asymmetry

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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Do I Have Tuberous Breasts, or Poland's Syndrome? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Do I Have Tuberous Breasts, or Poland's Syndrome?

Answer: Do I Have Tuberous Breasts, or Poland's Syndrome?

Answer: Poland's syndrome v. developmental breast asymmetry

Answer: Poland's syndrome v. developmental breast asymmetry

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.