Tuberous Breast

Tuberous breasts (or tubular breasts) are a result of a congenital abnormality of the breasts which can occur in one breast or both. This condition happens when breast development is stymied during puberty and the breasts fail to normally and fully develop, causing constricted breast tissue and skin envelope.

The general characteristics of tuberous breasts include: minimal breast tissue, unusually wide spacing between the breasts, enlarged/puffy areolae, sagging, higher than normal breast fold, or a narrow base at the chest wall and this condition can result in a low milk supply in breastfeeding women. Those that seek tuberous breast correction generally experience areolae that are larger than normal, with breast tissue ‘herniating’ through into the areola. Tubular breasts affect young girls/women and can severely impact their self-confidence and esteem, including profound psychological implications.

The deformity caused by tuberous breasts can include conditions from mild tubular deformity, to severe whereby the breast is totally deformed and appears small (hypoplastic) and abnormal. Tuberous breast surgery is the only option and the procedure varies from simple placement of an implant in mild cases, to more extensive and complicated operations involving excision of skin and areola size reduction.

Tuberous breasts result from a constricted breast tissue and skin envelope. The areola is larger than normal with the breast tissue ‘herniating’ through into the areola. It affects young girls/women and impacts severely on their confidence and self-esteem, with profound psychological implications. It can be unilateral (one-sided) or bilateral and the breasts can be totally asymmetrical. The deformity can be mild with mild tubular deformity, to severe, whereby the breast is totally deformed and appears small ( hypoplastic) and abnormal. Surgical treatment is the only option and this varies from simple placement of an implant in mild cases to more extensive and complicated operations, involving excision of skin and areola size reduction.

Causes:

Genetic

Surgical Treatment:

Surgical Treatment: Your surgeon will take an elaborate history, examine you and carry out investigations if necessary. Prior to surgical intervention, the procedure of choice will be comprehensively explained to you by your surgeon. Depending on your age, a mammogram and ultrasound may be requested.

Surgical treatments vary according to:

• Size of breast and skin envelope
• Breast asymmetry
• Areola size and position

The surgical choice will be explained to you at the time of your consultation.

Duration of Procedure:

Approx 2-3 hours depending on the degree of the breast deformity and asymmetry.

Anaesthesia:

General anaesthesia is the preferred choice. Local anaesthesia with or without intravenous sedation, on request (if suitable)

Recovery: 

Augmentation alone: discharged on same day Augmentation with skin envelope lift and reconstruction: same day discharge or one night overstay at the recovery facility. Back to work within 5-7 days. Gentle exercise within 10 days. Strenuous exercise within 6-8 weeks. (Level of exercise depends on the extent of the surgery)

Results:

Restoration of a normal breast shape and symmetry. You will wear tight T-shirts and go to the beach feeling good. Improved self-esteem.