Why Can't Tubular Breasts Be Corrected with Hormone Treatment?

Question

if tubular breast are the result of breast developement stopping shortly after puberty onset, then why cant hormone treatment be given to resume what had started?

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

In many case estrogen in the form of birth control pills increase breast size however this is not the purpose of the BCP and you have to weigh pros and cons which your gynecologist can discuss with you. More importantly, this is a variable response and not all women will respond the same way and many do not see an appreciable size change. For a larger breast consider a breast augmentation from a board certified plastic surgeon

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  In general, there may be other risks associated with hormone therapy to change breast size or shape.  In addition, there are some internal constrictions with tuberous breast that cannot be corrected without surgery.  A safer and more predictable approach would be to use fat grafting or breast implants.  I would visit with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options in more detail.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

That is not the only cause of tuberous breasts and therefore it is not the best solution. Any hormone that can enhance or stimulate breast growth may also increase the potential for breast cancer stimulation.

Aaron Stone, MD · Answer

If the problem were due to decreased sensitivity to hormones or insufficient body production of hormones it would be correctable by hormone treatments. Because it is an architectural problem in that the lower half of the breast is attached to the chest wall and there is a constricting ring at the base of the breast the correction requires surgery to release the attachment and the constriction. The closest analogy would be that of a child who was burned on one side of the chest. The unburned breast may develop normally but the burn scar on the affected side can prevent breast development. No amount of hormone treatments will correct the burn scar.

Why Can't Tubular Breasts Be Corrected with Hormone Treatment?

Answers (4)

Answer: Hormone treatment for tuberous breasts

Answer: Hormone treatment for tuberous breasts

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tuberous Breast Correction Surgery

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

Why Can't Tubular Breasts Be Corrected with Hormone Treatment?

Answers (4)

Answer: Hormone treatment for tuberous breasts

Answer: Hormone treatment for tuberous breasts

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tuberous Breast Correction Surgery

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