Tubular breast or just saggy? (photo)

Question

I feel like my breast have always been heavy towards the bottom. But especially since having my first child. I am currently pregnant with #2 and trying to decide how to “fix” them after the baby

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

At that time you will have a better idea of the final size and shape of your breasts.  Then, I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements and with implants if desired. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

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 do not demonstrate features of a classically "tuberous" breast. Irrespective, you would benefit from a lift.

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

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

You have what we call major ptosis (sag) with macromastia. You are an ideal candidate for a breast lift/reduction. A proper reduction will significantly lift and reshape your breasts with excellent proportion. I would not hesitate to proceed; the satisfaction rates are universally high. Thank you for the inquriy!

Emre Guvercin, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

This situation is common along woman with different degrees. Can be fixed tiwh a push-up lift technique, without need of a breast implant, with your own tissue alone. You can plan for the surgery 6 months after you finish breastfeeding.

Gulcin Nujen Cardak, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hi, it’s seems like you have tubular breast. After you finish with childbirth, breast lift and augmentation will be perfect solution for you.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Congratulations on your second child! Once you’ve waited about 6 months after you’ve given birth or stopped breastfeeding (whichever happens last) you can consider cosmetic breast surgery. This waiting period allows your breasts to return to as close to their pre-pregnancy shape as possible, so results from surgery will be more predictable and longer lasting. At that time, you can consider a breast lift, which can reshape your breasts so that they’re perkier and have more fullness in the upper portion.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your query. You do seem to have tubular breasts with a narrow base. Having a breast lift can certainly improve both the sagginess and the shape of the breast, once you are ready. Please find an experienced board  certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you at that time and help you with all your concerns. All the best.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear JadeN2025,

my preferred lift is a lollipop lift when a periareolar won't do (ie greater than 2cm lift required). The lollipop technique was created by a Canadian plastic surgeon named Elizabeth Hall-Findley and treats the breast as a three dimensional structure instead of two dimensions (anchor - lift). Most importantly it does not require the horizontal component scars that the anchor-lift requires and breasts appear much more natural, lifted, and less boxy. Lastly, the lift lasts longer because the lollipop doesn't rely on the skin to hold the breast up, its actually breast tissue thats being brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kevin Brenner, MD, FACS · Answer

JadeM2025- In these photos, you certainly have significant breast sagging (ptosis).  I think that ultimately you will benefit from a breast lift, or even reduction after you deliver.  Although it is possible that you have a mild tuberous breast deformity, it is mild at best and can easily be corrected.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

Your photos reveal prominent sagging and breast asymmetry. To improve the appearance would require breast lifts and probably implants as well to add volume.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photographs. You have an underdevelopment of the inner aspect of both breasts making the outer aspect appear larger and heavier.  You also have a grade 3 ptosis, meaning the nipple sits at the bottom of the breast and points downward.  This is a form of tubular breast deformity. This can be improved, after you’re done having children and a minimum of six months after you finish breast-feeding, with a breast lift, or if you wish to reduce the size of your breast, a breast reduction. Both operations will elevate the nipple/areolar complex to its correct position and shape the breast to a more youthful appearance.   To discuss the various options and choices, you should have a detailed consultation with a plastic surgeon.