Tuberous breasts (sometimes called tubular breasts) occur when the breast is constricted at the base as it develops. The smaller base causes the breast tissue to push forward and sometimes down.
Many times, a tuberous breast has herniated tissue pushing it against the areola, causing it to bulge or enlarge. A higher than normal inframammary fold (where the breast attaches to the chest wall) is also likely to be present, and that will further exacerbate the tube-like shape.
The best surgical technique for you depends on the appearance of your breast tissue. In general, however, the base of the breast will be treated by internal release of the constricting tissue and insertion of a breast implant.
The release of the tissue widens the base of the breast, which is then maintained with the increased volume from the breast implant. The breast implant will descend slightly with time, stretching the constricted bottom of your breast tissue. A Tissue Expander (Inflatable Implant) can be used in cases of severe constriction. The implant is blown up on a weekly basis with injections, which will gradually stretch your skin tissue.
The breast implant or tissue expander will correct the volume of the breast and stretch the base. However, further surgery may be necessary to correct the appearance of the nipple. In many cases the nipple is domed (raised from the skin and wider than normal). Surgery to this area will aim to reduce the prominence and doming of the nipple, and possibly its diameter. If you have excess skin in the area around the nipple, this can be tightened during this procedure. This will involve scars which will be located around the edge of the areola.
Want to learn more about the correction of tuberous breasts in Indianapolis or Santa Rosa? Contact us today!