Tuberous Breasts

Tuberous Breasts

Tuberous breasts are a condition that appears during puberty. The base of the breast is restricted by fibrous (hard) tissues, resulting in excessive growth around the nipple–areola complex.

The mammary gland tries to grow only through the areola. The breast is small and has a tubular shape with a swollen tip at the level of the areola and nipple.

The degree of deformity varies from patient to patient, and even from one breast to the other in the same individual. This characteristic tube-like shape gives the condition its name.

Types

We can imagine the breast divided into quadrants. With this in mind, there are three types:

  • Only the lower inner quadrant is absent, the inner edge of the breast forms an “S” shape, and the outer side is larger than the inner.
  • Both lower quadrants are underdeveloped, the areola and nipple point downward, and the lower pole of the breast is tight.
  • All quadrants are underdeveloped, with the breast base tightened on both horizontal and vertical axes, giving it a tubular appearance.

Causes

While the exact causes are unclear, the most accepted theory is that strong connective tissue fibers anchor the skin to the chest muscles during breast development, preventing normal growth.

Tuberous breasts do not cause functional or health issues, only aesthetic ones, which can significantly affect the psychological wellbeing of teenage girls and young women.

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates are women who:

  • Have completed breast development.
  • Are in good general health.
  • Have a stable body weight.
  • Do not smoke or can quit at least two weeks before and after surgery.
  • Have breast hypoplasia or asymmetry.
  • Have nipples located below the inframammary fold.
  • Have one breast lower than the other.
  • Have breasts of different shapes and sizes.

Consultation

During your consultation with Dr. Daskalakis, a detailed medical history will be taken (including medications, previous surgeries or hospitalizations, and any allergies), a clinical examination will be performed, and preoperative photos will be taken (with your consent). Your treatment options will be discussed and personalized to your specific case.

Before Surgery

  • Preoperative tests will be recommended: basic blood work, ECG, and chest X-ray. Further tests may be required based on individual needs.
  • Smoking should ideally be stopped, but at least two weeks before and after surgery is strongly advised.
  • Medications and supplements that increase bleeding risk or affect blood clotting should be discontinued with your doctor’s approval.

The Procedure

Depending on the type (I, II, III) of tuberous breast and the condition of the other breast, various methods may be used. These include:

  • Breast augmentation with silicone implants
  • Fat grafting
  • Mastopexy
  • Reduction of the areola diameter

Often, a combination of these methods is needed for optimal results. For more details, refer to our article sections.

Postoperative Instructions

Post-surgery, a special elastic bandage or support bra should be worn to reduce swelling and support the breasts during recovery. Medication (pain relievers, antibiotics) will be prescribed for a few days. Carefully follow medical advice to ensure the best results. Recovery is similar to other aesthetic breast surgeries.

Complications

  • Temporary nipple numbness, usually improving over time
  • Hypertrophic scarring, depending on individual healing
  • Infection, which may require additional antibiotics
  • Hematoma
  • Breast asymmetry
  • Reduced ability to breastfeed
  • Fat necrosis
  • Partial or total nipple loss
  • Capsular contracture, and other implant-related complications
  • General surgery risks like deep vein thrombosis, heart or lung complications

Do not hesitate to contact Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeon Dr. Daskalakis for any questions regarding the correction of tuberous breasts or any other plastic surgery concerns you may have.

References

  1. Alvaro AI., Willet JW., Dounas GD., et al. (2023). A Systematic Review of Outcomes and Complications of Tuberous Breast Surgery. Aesthetic Surgery Journal.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37439225/
  2. Grella R., D’Andrea F., Nicoletti GF., et al. (2022). Tuberous Breast Management: A Review of Literature and Novel Technique Refinements. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open.
    https://journals.lww.com/prsgo/fulltext/2022/12000/tuberous_breast_management__a_review_of_literature.17.aspx
  3. Surcel ES., Merkkola-von Schantz PA., Öhman H., et al. (2024). Long-Term Results of the Tuberous Breast: What to Expect After the Primary Correction Process? Scandinavian Journal of Surgery.
    https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/14574969241250213