Many women are dissatisfied with their breasts which is why they seek out cosmetic breast surgery to address issues with their size, shape, projection, and position. Yet, for some women, a relatively common congenital disorder causes the breasts to develop abnormally.
What are Tubular Breasts?
It is not clear what causes tubular breasts to develop but it typically becomes evident during puberty and is a result of the breast tissue not proliferating normally. It is also known as breast hypoplasia.
Tubular breasts can cause issues with your ability to breastfeed, but do not affect your physical health negatively. However, they can cause a great deal of distress and embarrassment and many women chose not to talk about the problem, so it is unclear how many women are affected.
What are the features of tubular breasts?
Tubular breast deformity presents in several ways. Breast tissue fails to develop properly, typically leaving a large gap between the breasts. Instead of a round appearance, the breasts are constricted at the base, meaning they appear tubular and point downwards with an abnormal-looking inframammary fold.
The areola often appears enlarged and puffy as the skin around the nipple is also constricted. Often tubular breasts lack symmetry as one breast may have developed normally and one breast is often noticeably larger than the other.
You are suitable for tubular breast deformity correction if you have asymmetrical breasts, breasts with a significant gap and/or breasts that have failed to develop fully. Each patient can differ slightly in presentation and severity and our plastic surgeons will be able to advise you which cosmetic breast procedure or combination of techniques are required to correct the problem.
What procedures treat tubular breasts?
Breast Augmentation:
Breast implants can be used during tuberous breast correction surgery to fill the breasts if there is a lack of development. If the base of the breast is constricted, it is important that this is released to ensure a normal breast appearance.
Breast Uplift:
Another common issue with tubular breasts is significant ptosis or drooping of the breast tissue, so a breast uplift is often required to reshape and reposition the breast tissue higher on the chest wall. The areola can be resized and reshaped at the same time.
Breast Augmentation with an Uplift:
Often Mr Alex Karidis will combine a breast augmentation with a breast uplift as multiple issues need to be addressed. This is known as an augmentation mastopexy and is a very popular procedure.
Asymmetry Correction:
Tubular breasts are often asymmetrical with one being significantly larger or drooping than the other. The nipples may also be similarly affected. A highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon is required to ensure that the breasts are as symmetrical as possible post-procedure. Here at Karidis, we offer a few options for breast asymmetry correction: breast augmentation surgery, breast reduction surgery and/or a breast lift, alongside nipple reduction and areola reduction procedures too.
For more advice on tubular breast deformity, call 0207 432 8727 to arrange a consultation with Karidis Clinic today.Â
