Tuberous breast deformity is a congenital disability that affects how the breasts grow and look. The condition is also known as tubular breasts, constricted breasts, snoopy breasts, and conical breasts. Fortunately, current research does not indicate that tuberous breast deformity runs in families.

Those with tuberous breast deformity usually have a narrow chest base at the chest wall and bust tissue that sticks out into the areola (pigmented skin around the nipple). This makes the areola big and puffy, with breasts resembling tubes. Furthermore, it makes the breasts seem small with a high chest crease. Typically, the breasts are not of the same size or shape and are far apart. The condition can range from mild to severe. In mild cases, tuberous breast deformity often remains undiagnosed, so many women do not realize the issue. In severe cases, glands and ducts may not be fully formed, making it difficult to breastfeed.

Tuberous Breast Deformity – What you need to know?

In most cases, tuberous breasts become noticeable after puberty. Girls who face such changes can have serious self-esteem issues and difficult social lives. Though not life-threatening, the abnormality can be very hard to deal with for those affected.

What are Tuberous Breast Deformity Symptoms?

Tuberous breast deformity can present in different ways. Some of the most common signs are:

1. Breast shaped like a cone, with an enlarged areola

2. Bust base is very narrow

3. A lot of space between the breasts

4. Tight breast skin under the nipple

5. Poorly defined or absent inframammary fold

6. Upper half of the chest looks flat

7. The breast tissue seems to bulge out of the areola and nipple

Some women only have the problem in one breast, making them look very different and hard to fix. However, cosmetic surgery can help correct their shape and position and ensure a symmetrical body profile, whether the deformity is in one or both breasts.

Treatment for Tubular breast deformity

Most women with tubular breast deformity get implants for breast enhancement. With proper placement, silicone or saline implants can give tuberous breasts the fullness they lack. At the same time, some women may need a breast lift to position their breasts more naturally.

Some might need surgery to reshape the areola and nipple proportionate to the breast. Women with breasts that are too narrow or small may need a tissue expander before getting implants.

In severe cases, a 2-stage procedure may be needed. First, a tissue expander is inserted to stretch the breast skin and muscle and create space for the implant. Then, the tissue expander is swapped out for a breast implant, and further steps are done.

Two-stage surgery to fix tuberous breasts –

Correction may necessitate two separate surgeries if the tube-shaped breasts are more severely deformed.

1. During the first surgery, tight tissue around the nipples or the base of the breast is cut away. Then, tissue expanders are placed to make them bigger.

2. These are kept for weeks or months and slowly inflated to stretch the breast skin and muscles and make room for future breast implants.

3. Consequently, a second surgery is performed to place permanent chest implants substituting the expanders. Also, the breasts and nipples are reshaped to make them look more natural.

This two-step breast reconstruction procedure can fix uneven breasts, fill the cleavage, add volume, and bring them closer together.

What are the risks involved in tuberous breast surgery?

Tuberous breasts rarely have complications after breast augmentation. Among the risks involved are:

1. Hematoma (blood buildup under the skin)

2. Seroma (fluid buildup under the skin)

3. Infection in a wound (causes pain and redness of the skin and fever)

4. Loss of sensation in the nipple

5. Uneven breasts

6. Skin necrosis (a rare complication)

7. Capsular contracture (development of scar tissue around the implant in the long run)

8. Implant rupture

9. Implant drop

Summary

While tuberous breasts can affect a woman’s self-image and confidence, the more concerning issue can be an inability to breastfeed. There are multiple surgical approaches to treating the condition; therefore, choosing a surgeon and center experienced in tuberous breast correction surgery using the latest and safest techniques is vital.