Surgery for Tuberous Breasts

What is tuberous breast correction surgery?

Tuberous breast disorder, also known as “tubular breasts” or “tuberous breasts” and scientifically termed “breast hypoplasia” is a developmental variation of the breasts, and is typically characterised by the breasts appearing more elongated or conical in shape, rather than round. Tuberous breasts, are an anomaly that can affect both men and women, and may develop in one or both breasts. The condition arises during puberty when normal breast development is hindered, leading to incomplete and abnormal breast development.

Adolescent girls are often most affected by breast asymmetry, as it becomes increasingly more noticeable during puberty when their breasts begin to develop. While slight asymmetry between breasts is common for all women, those with tuberous breast deformity will experience a more pronounced difference in the appearance and shape of their breasts.

Tuberous breast surgery is a medical procedure and medical rebates are available. The best surgical approach for tuberous breast correction will depend on the patient’s personal circumstances and customised to suit the patient’s unique needs and natural breast anatomy, all of which will be discussed during a consultation. This tailored approach ensures the removal process aligns with the patient’s goals and desired outcomes, while addressing any specific concerns the patient may have.

As with any surgical procedure, tuberous breast correction surgery carries potential risks and complications that need to be considered. It is important to consult with an experienced specialist plastic surgeon to discuss the best treatment options, expected outcomes, what to expect during recovery and cover any potential risks associated with tuberous breast surgery, including how these will be managed in the case complications do arise.

Our experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeons provide personalised consultations to create a tailored plan that is best suited to achieve the patient’s goals.

How do I know if I have tuberous breasts?

Many women are unaware they have tuberous breasts. Some women may have noticed that their breast shape is unbalanced or asymmetrical, but are unaware of the underlying developmental condition and how or why this has occurred.

Tuberous breast deformity is typically characterised by a narrow breast base, enlarged areolas, high inframammary fold with moderate to significant breast asymmetry. There are several corrective options available to address tuberous breasts, including breast augmentation, breast lift, areolar correction, and fat grafting procedures.

Some common signs that indicate you may have tuberous breasts are:

• Areola (the darker pigmented area around the nipples) is large and puffy
• Flat appearance to top half of breast (upper breast pole)
• Breast tissue appears to project into the nipple
• Small and/or unevenly developed breasts
• Drooped, triangular-shaped breasts
• Nipples are pointing downwards or inwards

If you suspect that you may have tuberous breasts, the first step would be to visit your GP for a clinical diagnosis and referral to come and see one of our specialist plastic surgeons to discuss your concerns and surgical options.

Tuberous breast correction surgery | what to expect

Why consider tuberous breast correction surgery

The choice to undergo tuberous breast correction is a highly personal decision that can be driven by medical, aesthetic or lifestyle factors, and the decision to proceed with tuberous breast surgery should be a well informed and considered process.

While not all tuberous breast cases are obvious, patients may seek surgery to create more symmetrical and proportionate breasts, that present less tubular in appearance. There are no health issues associated with tuberous breasts and surgery can be sought for aesthetic reasons.

Common reasons patients may consider tuberous breast surgery include:

Improved Breast Shape: Breast shape and asymmetry can be improved and corrected through releasing the constricted tissue around the base of the breast and lowering the typical high, constricted inframammary fold through breast implants and/or fat grafting

Improved Symmetry: Breast volume asymmetry can be improved with a combination of asymmetrical breast implants, fat grafting and/or breast lift procedures

Improved Areola: The reduction in the size and flattening of the enlarged or “puffy” areolar nipple complex is an important aspect in tuberous breast correction

Improved Cleavage: The gap between the breasts can be reduced with breast implants and/or fat grafting to create a closer and fuller breast cleavage

Individuals considering tuberous correction surgery are encouraged to know that tuberous breasts are normal breasts, and is a very common condition. Other than personal reasons, there is no pressing medical concern to undergo tuberous breast surgery unless otherwise advised.

Am I a suitable candidate for tuberous breast correction surgery?

It is important to correctly diagnose tuberous breasts before undergoing tuberous correction surgery as the individual classification of the patient’s breasts will influence the suitability and surgical approach.

There are four classifications of tuberous breasts:

Grade I (Mild)

Surgical correction for Grade I tuberous breasts may involve a less invasive procedure, such as periareolar mastopexy (aesthetic breast lift) or the use of breast implants

Grade II (Moderate)

Surgical correction often involves a combination of procedures, including releasing constricted breast tissue, reshaping the breast, and repositioning the areolas, sometimes with the addition of breast implant

Grade III (Severe)

Correcting Grade III tuberous breasts typically requires more extensive surgery, which may include a combination of tissue release, reshaping, areolar repositioning, and breast augmentation with implants

Grade IV (Severe with Pseudoptosis)

Grade IV tubular breasts are the most severe form of this deformity and often involve pseudoptosis, which means the breasts sag in addition to having the typical tubular features. Correction requires comprehensive surgery, including addressing the pseudoptosis by lifting the breasts (mastopexy) in addition to the procedures mentioned for lower-grade classifications.

If you suspect you have tubular breasts, the only sure way to get a definitive diagnosis is by consulting a medical specialist, GP or specialist plastic surgeon.

It is important to distinguish tuberous breasts from small breasts, as tuberous breasts often exhibit constricted tissue that requires surgical correction. Seeking the expertise of a specialist plastic surgeon who is experienced in tuberous breast correction is essential for optimal results.

What procedures are involved with tuberous breast correction surgery?

Tuberous breast correction surgery can be performed using a number of different techniques in order to improve the shape and size of the breasts to achieve a more symmetrical, and rounded breast shape. The most common approaches for tuberous breast surgery include:

• Breast augmentation
• Breast augmentation mastopexy
• Breast augmentation & Breast fat grafting
• Reduction mammaplasty
• Mastopexy

All of these techniques have their unique attributes and limitations and are suitable for different patients dependent on their individual circumstances and anatomy. A thorough assessment will be conducted during your consultation to determine the most appropriate surgical approach for you to best achieve your aesthetic breast goals.

Following surgery, patients will be provided with specific post-operative aftercare instructions to support optimum healing and recovery. Our nursing team will be in touch the day after your surgery to check in on your recovery and answer any questions or concerns you may have following your procedure. Our patient care team will organise your follow-up care and complimentary review appointments to monitor recovery and address any concerns.

It is important for patients to follow post-operative care instructions to help aid a smooth recovery and to achieve the best possible results from their corrective tuberous breast procedure. Adherence to appropriate post-surgery care is essential for optimal healing and results.