All Procedures
Correction of Constricted (Tuberous) Breasts
Useful information for patients on Tuberous Breast Surgery
What Is Correction of Constricted (Tuberous) Breasts?
Tuberous breasts are a developmental condition where the breasts do not form normally during puberty, affecting breast shape, size, and symmetry.
Common features include:
- Limited development of the lower breast
- A narrow or tubular breast shape
- Enlarged areolas due to tissue herniation
- A high and tight breast crease
- Breast asymmetry (present in over 70% of cases)
Surgical treatment aims to restore a more natural breast shape and proportion.
Being treated by a qualified professional means they have the necessary knowledge and experience to minimize risks and achieve an effective outcome. However, even the best and most experienced specialists can still encounter setbacks and complications.
Who Is It For?
This procedure may be suitable for patients who:
- Have congenital breast shape differences
- Experience breast asymmetry or underdevelopment
- Are in good general health
- Have realistic expectations
Some conditions, such as high blood pressure or clotting disorders, may require additional medical assessment before surgery.
How Is the Condition Corrected?
Treatment is always surgical and tailored to the severity of the condition. The main goals include:
- Redistributing breast tissue
- Improving breast shape and symmetry
- Correcting areola size and position
- Restoring a natural breast contour
Surgical techniques may include:
- Breast implants
- Fat transfer (lipofilling)
- Breast tissue reshaping
- Flap techniques
Implants may be placed:
- Behind the breast tissue
- Behind the chest muscle
- Beneath the muscle covering (subfascial)
Incisions are typically made around the areola or in the breast crease.
What Is the Fat Transfer (Lipofilling) Option?
Ideal candidates:
- Stable body weight
- Adequate fat in areas such as abdomen, hips, thighs, or flanks
- on-smokers
Fat is removed by liposuction, processed, and reinjected into the breast.
Important considerations:
- Usually increases breast size by about one cup per session
- More than one session may be required
- Fat volume changes with weight gain or loss
Preparation
Preparation includes a thorough consultation with a qualified professional, necessary imaging, surgical planning tailored to the condition's severity, and a medical assessment of general health.
Useful Information
Ensure you consider all aspects of a procedure. You can speak to your surgeon about these areas of the surgery in more detail during a consultation.
Length
How Long Is the Procedure?
1-2 hours with implants, and 2-2.5 hours with fat transfer.
Anesthesia
Do I Need Anesthesia?
General anesthesia is typically used for this surgery to ensure patient comfort and optimal results.
Inpatient/Outpatient
Is The Procedure Inpatient or Outpatient?
Depending on the complexity of the surgery, it may be performed as day surgery or require an overnight stay.
Additional Information
Possible side effects include:
- Swelling and bruising
- Temporary tenderness
- Temporary sensation changes
Possible risks with implants include:
- Infection
- Bruising
- Stitch reactions
Because a breast implant is a foreign body, the body forms a protective layer around it known as the capsule. Normally, this capsule remains soft, painless, and unnoticeable. When it tightens, it becomes firmer and can sometimes cause pain; this condition is known as capsular contracture.
With fat transfer:
- Fat cysts
- Seromas (a collection of fluid that can build up under the skin)
- Oil cysts
Rest is advised for 48-72 hours. Most patients return to normal activities within 5-7 days. Exercise should be avoided for 4-6 weeks. Support garments are required.
Your plastic surgeon will advise you on the appropriate recovery time and when you can safely return to your normal activities.
With the right surgical technique, surgery can achieve very satisfying results, helping to improve breast appearance, confidence and quality of life. However, results vary from person to person depending on factors such as age, skin quality, body shape and overall health. Your surgeon will discuss the results you can realistically expect based on your individual circumstances.
It is important to know that tuberous breasts often affect both breasts, but the breasts may differ significantly in shape and size. After surgery, they may also change differently over time, depending on their composition, such as whether they contain implants, transferred fat or natural breast tissue. If the breasts have different compositions after surgery, they may age and change at different rates. If they have a similar composition and structure, they are more likely to change in a similar way over time. Your surgeon can explain what this may mean for your individual results.