Tuberous Breast Correction Surgery

Before you undergo any cosmetic surgery procedure at Karidis Clinic, you will have a consultation and a pre-operative assessment with your plastic surgeon. They will listen carefully to your concerns and what you expect to achieve and discuss which procedure, or combination of procedures, is appropriate.

At this stage, they will also ensure you are fully aware of the potential risks and complications inherent in that specific procedure and explain to you what you can expect immediately after surgery, throughout the recovery process, and when you will likely see the final results.

During the pre-operative assessment, the surgeon may take measurements of the area to be operated on and assess your skin tissue quality and the degree of skin laxity. The position of the incisions will also be decided upon.

A full medical history will be taken to ensure you are fit and well and can undergo surgery at this time.

After the initial consultation, there will be a two-week ‘cooling-off’ period before you can decide to proceed with surgery. You are welcome to return for further consultations with your Karidis Clinic surgeon, free of charge, if you have more questions.

If you make the decision to proceed with surgery, you’ll be given advice on how best to prepare for your operation, and you will have a dedicated Patient Coordinator who can answer any queries you may have.

Any pre-surgery tests can occur at the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth, a leading London private hospital where Karidis Clinic is based. The hospital has recently built a new wing including a diagnostic department with the latest X-ray, MRI, CT and ultrasound technology.

We advise patients to stop smoking as soon as possible as nicotine acts as a vasoconstrictor, which impedes the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the surgical site. This can slow down healing, increase the chance of infection and even cause tissue to die. Smoking also increases the risks of a general anaesthetic, and smokers are more likely to suffer ill effects from an anaesthetic.

You will also be advised when to discontinue taking aspirin or other blood-thinning medication in advance of your operation. You will be asked to fast six hours before surgery.

All Karidis Clinic procedures are performed at the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted and taken to your stylish and luxurious private room with its spacious ensuite bathroom.

The nursing team will take your blood pressure and relevant vitals, and you will see your Karidis Clinic surgeon, who will make the final mark-ups. Our anaesthetist will also visit you.

Clinical photography will be taken to assist in your care and to enable clinical assessments to be made. These become part of your confidential medical record. These include photographs of the operation site and any distinguishing features and will be taken pre-op and post-op. 

Your procedure will be performed under a general anaesthetic, and once the surgeon has sutured the incision site, you will be taken to a specialist recovery room.

Once the hospital nursing team has ensured your recovery is complete, you will be taken to your hospital room for your overnight stay. The hospital nursing team will be on hand throughout the night, and you will be fitted with compression stockings and a compression device if required.

The following day, you will be visited by your Karidis Clinic surgeon or nurse and then discharged into the care of a friend or family member by the hospital nursing staff.

The pain and discomfort experienced after surgery are unique to the individual patient and the extent of their procedure. However, it should start to subside in the first week and should be easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers.

If necessary, you’ll be advised to wear a specially designed surgical support garment for approximately six weeks after surgery to support you during the healing process.

Depending on the nature of your job, you can usually expect to be able to return to work and normal activities between one to two weeks.

You’ll be given a comprehensive plan for the recovery process, including dates for your cast or suture removal and your check-ups with your Karidis Clinic surgeon. However, we are always on hand throughout this period, and you have access to our dedicated surgical nurse 24/7 if you have any concerns.

The precise cause of tuberous breasts is unknown, and although it’s thought there’s a genetic link, this hasn’t been proven. It’s a congenital deformity, which means it is present from birth but only becomes evident during puberty when your breast tissue fails to develop correctly.

The type of surgery you require depends on your unique concerns. Tuberous breast augmentation with implants can be a highly effective solution, but your Karidis Clinic surgeon may also combine augmentation with uplift because another common issue with tubular breasts is significant ptosis or drooping of the breast tissue. A breast uplift can reshape and reposition your breast tissue higher on the chest wall, and the areola can be resized and reshaped simultaneously.

Tubular breasts are also often asymmetrical, with one being significantly larger or drooping than the other. Your nipples may also be similarly affected. A highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon is required to ensure that your breasts are as symmetrical as possible.

If your breasts have an elongated shape with a narrow base and wide gap between the breasts or appear asymmetrical, with puffy and enlarged nipples, you are likely a suitable candidate for tuberous breast correction. Patients typically experience a considerable improvement in self-esteem and confidence.

Tuberous breast surgery risks are the same as any cosmetic breast surgery procedure. These include bleeding, infection, fluid build-up, and nipple and breast sensation changes. If breast implants are used, there are risks of rupture and capsular contracture, although these are relatively rare.

Although it’s essential to rest and recuperate during your initial recovery period, we advise you to start moving around as soon as you feel comfortable. This can help boost your immune system and support the healing process. It’s crucial to avoid any strenuous lifting or stretching during the first two weeks. Depending on your occupation, you should be able to return to work after a couple of weeks and resume light exercise after four weeks.

Tuberous breast correction surgery aims to produce a natural, symmetrical appearance to your breasts, so a normal bra should fit perfectly. However, we recommend you wear a specially designed post-surgery garment for at least six weeks before you can wear a regular bra.