Do I Have Tubular Breasts and Ptosis?

Whatever terminology you choose your breasts are ptotic (droopy), they lack upper pole fullness and the areolas are overly large.

Here in Canada we have fairly unrestricted access to all the silicone gel implants. I prefer to use a tear-drop silicone gel implant (the so-called 'gummy bear' implant) combined with a vertical (or 'lollipop') breast lift. I like to place the implant over the muscle, as over time it stays together with the breast much better than when it is under the muscle.

I would discourage you from the donut mastopexy, where there is only a scar around the areola. This operation can cause a great deal of areolar distortion and has a flattening effect on the breast. I can honestly state that some of the worst results I have seen in breast surgery have come with the donut breast lift.

Whatever you decide on, make sure you see a very experienced plastic surgeon with expertise in aesthetic breast surgery.

Tubular breasts come in all
shapes and sizes. Significant variations
in breast contour do occur in women with this condition.Tubular breasts occur because of constriction of the skin
at the base of the breast.This often
results in herniation of breast tissue through the areola which creates a
unique breast shape.A variety of
approaches may be used to correct this problem.Treatment should be individualized based on the specifics of the
anatomic deformity and aesthetic goals of the patient.When patients have mild tubular breast deformities,
correction can occur without an implant.Severe cases of this condition usually require treatment with an implant
because of the magnitude of the deformity.If you’re concerned about a tubular breast deformity, it’s
important to consult a board certified plastic surgeon.This surgeon will develop a treatment plan
that not only considers your unique anatomy but your aesthetic goals as
well.Unfortunately, since no tissue is
removed, this procedure will probably not be covered by your insurance carrier.

Thanks for the photos.  Your breasts are ptotic (droopy) but not as bad as the classic tubular deformities.  This can be improved with a mastopexy procedure, and I would recommend a vertical technique to make them perky.  You will not likely get approved by an insurance company because a true breast reduction requires 350 to 500 grams of tissue removed from each side depending on your height and weight.  This will leave you very small and, from my perspective, will unbalance your figure. Best to save up for a cosmetic lift with a qualified surgeon.

Dear Angelteddy

If you want a reduction in size, the amount of tissue to be removed will determine the insurance coverage. The shaping of you breasts can be done with several different techniques including, lifting only, lifting with breast implant, and lfting with micro fat grafting.

Considerations include- scarring, change in sensation, breast feeding and changes with pregnancy.

With Warm Regards,

Trevor M Born MD

I believe you do have a tubular breast deformity, best treated with a specialized lift and augmentation if you desire a larger size.

Your surgery is not a breast reduction, so would probably not quality under any insurance guidelines.

This surgery is technically more difficult than straightforward augmentation or lifts, so make sure your prospective surgeon has experience and a good series of photographs to show you.

I would suggest that you go in for a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.  it appears that you would benefit from a mastopexy / breast lift and possibly a small implant to improve upper pole fullness.  At your consultation, your plastic surgeon can examine you and explain all of your options.

 

Good Luck.

Thank you for the photos. Tubular breasts and ptosis can coexist. Your breast bases do not look constricted, but you have some characteristics of tubular breasts. Looking at you photos, you have grade  ptosis with enlarged nipple areolar complexes. You will not qualify for a reduction as per insurance co. criteria, but you would benefit from a short scar breast lift. This would make your areolae smaller, lift them and will give you perkier breasts with a rounder and fuller lower pole.

You do not have tubular breast. You have ptosis. If you like the size of your breasts within a bra, then a simple vertical lift with inner suspensions will do with minimal scars. Only a scar around your areola and a scar straight down to your fold. No horizontal scars. I hope this helps. Luis vinas md

Thank you for the question and good quality pictures.

Yes, I think your breasts do demonstrate some of the qualities seen with mildly tuberous (constricted) breasts. Your  pictures definitely demonstrate breast ptosis.

Some of the characteristics seen with tuberous breasts include a very narrow base, short distance from areola to inframammary fold, tight (constricted) lower pole of the breasts, relatively wide space between the breasts, "puffy" and areola and some degree of ptosis (drooping).  

Generally,  correction of tuberous breast anomalies involves breast augmentation with areola reduction / mastopexy procedure. The distance from the inframammary fold is increased (to create a more rounded out appearance). Proper implant positioning improves the distance (cleavage) between the breasts. The areola reduction helps to treat the pointed and "puffy" appearance of the areola.

In your case  more complete breast lift will also be necessary.  You should be aware that the final result will take months to see and that they will need to be patient and that revisionary surgery is more likely than in patients who do not present with tuberous (constricted) breasts.

In your case, if the appearance/shape/size of the breasts are a concern,  you may be an excellent candidate for corrective surgery. This would best be done when you are ( and you may already be there)  close to your long-term stable weight.  

When you are ready, please make sure you consult with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons who have significant experience with this type of surgery.

I hope this helps.

You would not qualify for breast reduction because the breasts are too small to meet insurance criteria. You could consider a mastopexy with regard to the sagging but this would be cosmetic and not covered by insurance.