Tuberous breast correction surgery in Brisbane is a popular procedure here at Brisbane Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery. In recent years, the surgery has become more prominent as patients become more educated and aware of the condition and how it is treated. In the past year alone, Dr. Richardson has performed a greater number of surgeries to correct tuberous breasts than any years previous.

This blog post aims to answer the following questions:

What is tuberous breast disorder?
How is tuberous breast disorder diagnosed?
How do I know if I have tuberous breasts?
Will Medicare cover tuberous breast correction surgery?
How do I get started with tuberous breast correction surgery?

Understanding these questions will help patients understand whether tuberous breast correction surgery is right for them.

What is tuberous breast disorder?

Tuberous breast disorder, is also known as “tubular breasts” and scientifically termed “breast hypoplasia”. Developmental issues in the breasts during puberty are the cause of this congenital condition. Tuberous breast disorder is likely more common than we think. Why? Because it is almost entirely an aesthetic issue and does not pose any adverse health risks. For this reason, many women are likely unaware their breasts are tubular and do not seek treatment to correct the condition. In some cases, tuberous breast disorder may present problems for women who wish to breastfeed. However, these complications are not common.

Tuberous breast disorder is diagnosed purely through the appearance of the breasts. As such, diagnoses can be subjective in their interpretation at times. Some of the key characteristics of tuberous breast disorder are as follows:

Breast tissue is cylindrical instead of rounded
Breasts appear to pull downwards due to an abnormally elevated lower breast fold.
The areola is larger than normal (areola hypertrophy)
The breast tissue is constricted at the base of the breast
Sometimes only one breast is affected and the tubular breast can appear undeveloped in comparison.

The following image provides an overview of 4 types of tuberous beast deformity classifications.

As discussed, tuberous breast deformity is subjective. The deformity can present in unique ways beyond those listed in this classification chart. Many women with tuberous breast deformity feel they are unable to wear the clothing and bras they would like, and are unhappy with the aesthetics of their breasts. For these women, tuberous breast correction surgery can help change the shape and size of the breasts. Correctional surgery helps to create a fuller, more symmetrical breast without a tubular appearance. Results will vary, however, which means you should seek advice from a qualified surgeon before proceeding with surgery.

What does tuberous breast correction surgery involve?

Dr Phil Richardson from Brisbane Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery performs tuberous breast correction surgery on a regular basis and experienced in these correctional procedures. Dr. Richardson can employ a number of surgical approaches to conduct tuberous breast correction surgery. The most common surgical approaches are as follows:

•Breast augmentation mammoplasty for tuberous breasts
•Breast lift mastopexy & augmentation mammoplasty for tuberous breasts
•Breast reduction mammoplasty or breast lift mastopexy for tuberous breasts

A consultation with Dr. Richardson can be a good way to attain guidance on which procedure is most suitable for you. Dr. Richardson considers both your starting anatomy and end goal to provide you with a personalized treatment plan. The majority of patients will have a standard breast augmentation mammoplasty to correct tuberous breast deformity. If the patient has a larger amount of breast tissue they may be recommended either a breast lift mastopexy and augmentation mammoplasty or a breast reduction mammoplasty. If you’d like to view some before and after photos following tuberous breast correction surgery you can click here, or visit our Instagram for exclusive content.

Nipple Diathermy for Tuberous Breast Deformity

Nipple diathermy is a treatment that can be performed intra-operatively to correct puffiness of the areola which is a characteristic of tuberous breast deformity. The procedure involves small holes made in the areola administering an energy source that the body converts into heat below the surface of the skin. This nipple diathermy treatment leaves no scars and is effective in flattening puffy areola that can affect both men and women. Dr. Richardson performs nipple diathermy on patients having tuberous breast correction surgery if puffiness in the areola is a concern for them. Nipple diathermy can also be performed as a standalone procedure under local anaesthetic.

Tuberous breasts and Medicare

Tuberous breast correction is considered a medical procedure and as such, there are Medicare and private health rebates available to patients. To claim the rebates, patients must have a tuberous breast deformity diagnosis from their surgeon and referral from their GP. The private health fund may cover hospital fees if the patient has an appropriate level of cover. Tuberous breast correction is one of very few instances wherein a breast augmentation mammoplasty is classed as a medical procedure.

How to get started with tuberous breast correction surgery?

Tuberous breast correction surgery is a common procedure and Dr. Richardson is the trusted name in tuberous breast correction in Brisbane. Having performed over 7,000 breast procedures in the past decade, Dr. Richardson is experienced in all areas of cosmetic breast surgery and caters to women from all walks of life. If you’re interested in tuberous breast correction surgery, you are welcome to organise a consultation. Consultations are totally obligation-free and the most valuable resource for understanding your breasts, figuring out your recommended treatment plan, and getting an idea of financial costs.

If you would like to organise a consultation, contact us today!