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.