Tuberous Breast Correction
Transform Congenital Breast Irregularities into Natural Beauty
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Tuberous breast correction is a specialized plastic surgery procedure designed to treat tuberous breasts (also known as tubular breasts or constricted breasts), a developmental condition that affects the size, shape, and appearance of the breasts. This condition becomes noticeable during puberty and can cause significant distress due to the unique appearance it creates.
At Dr. Kelly Killeen's Beverly Hills practice, we specialize in advanced tuberous breast correction techniques tailored to each patient's unique anatomy. With advanced surgical expertise, tuberous breasts can be successfully corrected, providing patients with natural-looking, symmetrical breasts and renewed confidence.
Dr. Killeen is double board-certified (American Board of Surgery and American Board of Plastic Surgery), specializing in complex reconstructive and cosmetic breast procedures, ensuring precision, safety, and superior aesthetic results.
Tuberous Breast Correction at a Glance
Procedure Type:
Specialized reconstructive and cosmetic breast surgery
Techniques:
Combination of tissue release, augmentation, lift, and recontouring
Surgery Length:
2–6 hours, depending on complexity
Anesthesia:
General anesthesia
Recovery Time:
1–2 weeks initial; 3–6 months for full results
Results:
Long-lasting improvement in breast shape, size, and symmetry
Customization:
Treatment plans tailored to your specific anatomy and aesthetic goals
What Are Tuberous Breasts?
Tuberous breast deformity, also known as tubular breasts or constricted breasts, results from an abnormality or congenital deformity that occurs during female breast development. When a woman goes through puberty, the breasts occasionally fail to develop normally and fully. Tuberous breasts are not simply small or underdeveloped breasts—this is an actual deformity that occurs during the breast bud maturation process, resulting in a herniation of the nipple-areola complex due to a fibrous band of breast tissue.
Most researchers believe tuberous breasts develop congenitally due to genetics or developmental factors that affect breast tissue formation in the womb. While the exact cause remains unclear, one theory suggests that the superficial fascia (a connective tissue layer) develops abnormally, causing the breast to grow outward narrowly instead of rounder and fuller. Another theory attributes the condition to tight fibrous bands that constrict tissue at the base of the breast, restricting normal breast development.
It is estimated that only one to five percent of patients seeking breast augmentation have this condition, though some experts believe the actual prevalence may be higher. The effect this deformity has on breast appearance varies from individual to individual and can range from mild to severe.
Common Characteristics of Tuberous Breasts
- Narrow breast base with limited breast tissue, especially in the lower poles
- Cone-shaped or tube-shaped appearance rather than round and full
- Enlarged, puffy, or protruding areolas (nipple-areola complex herniation)
- Higher than normal inframammary fold (breast crease)
- Short distance between the nipple and breast crease (short lower pole)
- Unusually wide spacing between the breasts
- Significant asymmetry between breasts
- Lack of tissue development in the lower or outer portions of the breast
Tuberous breast abnormalities are classified into different types based on severity:
- Type I: Minor constriction of tissue in the lower breast
- Type II: Moderate constriction and deficiency of breast tissue in the lower breast
- Type III: Severe constriction and deficiency of breast tissue in both the upper and lower breast
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Why Choose Specialized Tuberous Breast Correction?
Tuberous breast correction can be more complicated than regular breast augmentation and frequently requires a combination of specialized techniques. Traditional breast augmentation alone will not fully correct tuberous breasts. Simply placing an implant without addressing the underlying structural abnormalities can result in a "double bubble" deformity or persistence of the cone shape on top of the implant.
Correcting tuberous breasts requires achieving a balance between restructuring, reshaping, augmentation, and areolar repositioning. This correction is much more than simple augmentation or breast implantation and can only be performed by a highly skilled, specialized plastic surgeon with extensive experience in this complex procedure.
A thorough understanding of breast anatomy and the unique challenges of tuberous breast deformity is essential to creating natural-looking, lasting results. Since each case is different, your plastic surgeon will tailor the procedure to address the particular problems unique to your individual anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Benefits of Tuberous Breast Correction Surgery
Tuberous breast correction is one of the most dramatic and rewarding breast procedures, often producing truly life-changing results.
Physical Benefits
- Rounder, fuller breast shape: Improved projection and natural contours
- Correction of breast asymmetry: Better balance and harmony
- Smaller, properly positioned areolas: Proportionate to your body
- Nipples that point outward: Natural positioning instead of downward
- Improved breast size: Overall proportions enhanced
Emotional and Lifestyle Benefits
- Enhanced self-confidence: Improved quality of life and body image
- Greater comfort and confidence: In swimwear, clothing, and intimate situations
- Natural-looking results: Tailored specifically to your body
- Life-changing transformation: In both appearance and self-image
- Renewed sense of femininity: Feel complete and whole again
Surgical Techniques for Tuberous Breast Correction
Surgery to correct tuberous breasts is a highly customized procedure that may involve several different techniques. A complete evaluation involves assessing the inframammary crease position, evaluating the degree of areolar herniation, assessing lack of tissue development in specific areas, and measuring breast asymmetry.
Breast Augmentation with Implants
Breast implants are often used to achieve symmetry, improve volume, and create a proportionate size. For tuberous breast correction, implants are typically placed in the subfascial or subpectoral position to ensure they stay at the new inframammary crease position.
Implant options include:
- • Saline or silicone implants
- • Textured or smooth surface implants
- • Round or teardrop (anatomical) shaped implants
- • Various sizes and projections for highly customizable results
- • "Gummy bear" implants with high-cohesive silicone for durability and natural appearance
Periareolar Mastopexy (Breast Lift)
A periareolar mastopexy is usually a necessary component of tuberous breast correction since the condition is often characterized by downward-pointing breasts and enlarged areolas. An incision is made around the areola, through which excess areolar and breast skin is removed. The breast tissue is then lifted, reshaped, and contoured to create a rounder, perkier shape. The areola is simultaneously reduced in size and repositioned for a more proportionate, aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Internal Tissue Release and Breast Unrolling
One of the most critical steps in tuberous breast correction is releasing the tight fibrous bands that constrict the breast base. During surgery, these internal fibers are carefully incised to allow the breast tissue to expand and develop a more natural shape. In cases where there is too short a distance between the nipple and the breast crease with excess tissue behind the nipple, the breast tissue can be "unrolled" to enable it to drop into a lower position—similar to unrolling a window shade.
Crease Release and Reconstruction
The existing inframammary crease is often too high in tuberous breasts and must be released and reconstructed at a lower position. Advanced techniques ensure the new crease is smooth and natural-looking without any visible dent or irregularity.
Fat Grafting
Fat grafting uses your own natural fat, harvested through liposuction, to fill out areas where breast tissue never developed. The fat is purified and carefully reinjected to round out the breast shape and improve overall contour.
Breast Reduction
In cases of asymmetry where one breast is larger, a breast reduction may be performed on the larger breast. The same implant size can then be used in both breasts for better long-term symmetry.
Tissue Expansion
In rare cases of severe tubular breast deformity with very tight skin, tissue expansion may be recommended. This staged approach allows for adequate tissue development before final implant placement.
The Tuberous Breast Correction Procedure
Consultation and Planning
Your surgeon will take detailed measurements, thoroughly evaluate your specific breast shape and anatomy, and may use digital imaging to help visualize your desired outcome.
Single or Two-Stage Surgery
Depending on the severity of asymmetry and complexity of the deformity, correction can be performed as a single surgery or two-stage surgery. Most patients can have a single-stage procedure.
Surgery
Performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The procedure may last between 2 to 6 hours depending on the extent of repair and specific techniques required.
During the procedure, releasing the tissue in the lower breast pole helps expand the base of the breast. An incision is made around the areola, and a precise pocket is created for the implant. The internal fibrous bands are carefully cut, and the breast tissues are shaped to create a rounder appearance. After the implants are placed, the periareolar lift is performed, excess areolar and breast skin is removed, and the breast is carefully contoured to create a rounder, perkier shape with optimal projection.
Recovery Timeline: What to Expect
Tuberous breast correction uses gentle surgical techniques that result in minimal pain and a quick recovery. Your breasts will feel tight and sore with some swelling immediately after surgery, but any mild discomfort can be easily managed with medication.
First 2 Weeks
Minimize arm movement, wear supportive compression bra, light walking encouraged. Return to light work within a few days.
2–4 Weeks
Return to normal day-to-day activities with limited exercise. Resume moderate exercise such as walking or stationary biking.
4–8 Weeks
Resume vigorous exercise like jogging. Continue wearing supportive bra for approximately 2 months after surgery.
2–6 Months
Scars start fading, swelling subsides, implants drop into final shape. Final result evaluated at six-month follow-up.
Your Results
Tuberous breast correction produces significant improvement in overall breast shape, nipple position and size, symmetry, and overall body proportions. Results are often truly life-changing, with patients experiencing dramatic enhancement in their appearance and self-confidence. When implants are placed, they take about 3 months to fully adapt to your body and settle into their natural position. By 3 to 4 months, swelling has typically resolved completely, and you can fully appreciate your final results.
Who is a Good Candidate?
Ideal candidates for tuberous breast correction include women who:
- Are bothered by protruding nipples and asymmetrical, narrow breasts
- Have had droopy breasts (ptosis) since breast development during puberty
- Desire rounder, fuller, more symmetrical breasts
- Have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes
- Are in good general health
- Are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking before surgery
- Have completed breast development (typically age 18 or older)
- Are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
Frequently Asked Questions
Begin Your Tuberous Breast Correction Journey
Transform Your Confidence with Natural Results
If you have tuberous breasts and desire a more aesthetically pleasing breast appearance, tuberous breast correction surgery may be the right solution for you.
Schedule a personal consultation to have your breasts evaluated and discuss your unique aesthetic goals and expectations. Your surgeon will determine which procedures will work best for you and create a comprehensive surgical plan designed to deliver beautiful, natural-looking results.
Discover how tuberous breast correction can enhance your confidence and quality of life.
Schedule Your ConsultationTransform Your Confidence with Natural Results
If you have tuberous breasts and desire a more aesthetically pleasing breast appearance, tuberous breast correction surgery may be the right solution for you.
Schedule a personal consultation to have your breasts evaluated and discuss your unique aesthetic goals and expectations. Your surgeon will determine which procedures will work best for you and create a comprehensive surgical plan designed to deliver beautiful, natural-looking results.
Discover how tuberous breast correction can enhance your confidence and quality of life.
Schedule Your Consultation