I thought my breasts were just pointy--are they actually tubular? (photo)

Question

Sorry the pictures aren't great...I've always had serious hatred for my breasts. I thought they were just pointy. I decided to google to see if other people had breasts like mine, and came across this site and some similar posts. I'm kind of thinking I do, but it's hard for me to tell. I don't have health insurance yet so I can't talk to my doctor.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The picture demonstrates intermediate tubularity of the breast. Silicone gel implant placed in a sub glandular position should yield an excellent result if breast augmentation is desired.

Kenneth Dembny, II, MD · Answer

Yes you
have tuberous breasts.

Tuberous
breasts are not just small breasts, but are the result of some change in breast
development. The definition and characteristic appearance of tuberous breasts
generally includes the following features related to the underdevelopment: - A
contracted or deficient skin envelope - A
constricted breast base (the breast occupies a smaller size on the chest wall) - A
reduced volume and amount of breast tissue - Abnormal
elevation of the inframammary fold - Wide
spacing between the breasts - An
enlarged nipple-areolar size compared to the breast size - Pseudoherniation
of breast tissue into the nipple-areolar complex (puffy areola) - Although
the shape can vary based upon the type, the moderate to severe forms tend to
have a more narrowed cylindrical shape; the milder varieties tend to have a bit
more of a conical shape

The
etiology of the tuberous breast deformity is unknown. This condition can affect
some women’s ability to breast feed.

There are
four classifications of the tuberous breast:

Type I –
underdevelopment (hypoplasia) of the lower medial quadrant

Type II –
underdevelopment of the lower medial and the lower lateral quadrants, but with
sufficient skin in the region below the areola.

Type III –
underdevelopment of the lower medial and the lower lateral quadrants, but with
a deficiency of skin in the region below the areola. (This is similar to Type
II but with less skin below the areola, and a tight inframammary fold)

Type IV –
Severe breast constriction, with a very minimal breast base.

I would
classify your breast shape as closer to a Type III since you have less skin
below the nipple-areolar complex (a tighter lower pole). You have a small amount
of breast tissue with at least a mildly constricted base, and subsequently a
contracted skin envelope; your breasts lack fullness and roundness in the lower
quadrants; your breasts are widely spaced because of their small size; and you
have an elevated inframammary fold.

The
appearance of tuberous breasts can be altered with breast augmentation. Some
women require a breast lift, but you should not. The more mild forms are easier
to correct than the more severe forms. Consult with a plastic surgeon about
your options.

Best
wishes, Ken Dembny

Asif Pirani, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

You have some characteristics of tubular breasts but not all of them.  It is best that you see a BC PS in your area to discuss your surgical options.

Luis Macias, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on the photos that you provide you do seem to have tubular breasts.   Insurance will not cover any procedure related to the tuberous breasts, so you are best served by seeing a plastic surgeon.  Many, including myself, offer complimentary consulations so there is no need to wait. Best wishes.

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

The requirements for a diagnosis of tubular breasts are constricted lower pole of the breast, large areola, herniated areola, narrow and low breast width and take offYou satisfy many of these and could benefit from surgery if you would like

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It looks like you may have some components of a tuberous deformity.  Best to be seen in person for the best evaluation.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

The tuberous breast question is very common on this site and we bet on a Google search you will see more of them than you could imagine. You do have a very mild constricted breast with mild nipple herniation, yes, tuberous. There are variations as some will be severely affected as you probably now have seen. Your breast however will "work" just fine and insurance does not consider the shape variation in need of correction.

David Janssen, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree that you do, indeed have evidence of tuberous breasts. I also agree that insurance will not cover the augmentation nor the release of the "internal web" that makes your breast look tuberous.

Lee E. Corbett, MD · Answer

I think based on your photos that you do have tuberous breasts. Based on what I see in my practice, your chances of having insurance pay for your breast augmentation is slim. Correcting tuberous breasts is usually not covered, at least not in my area. Check with your plastic surgeon and they can tell you what their practice experiences.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

You might have some element of tuberous breasts, but the best thing to do is to see some plastic surgeons in person. None of this is covered by any insurance so no need to wait.

I thought my breasts were just pointy--are they actually tubular? (photo)

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