Effective Treatment for Puffy Nipples and Smaller, Pointy Breasts
It’s true that the natural breast shape varies between one woman and another. However, women who have “tuberous” or “tubular” breasts may show a more extreme difference in one or both breasts. If your breasts are smaller than normal, with pointy or puffy nipples, you may have this condition. Although it’s not a threat to physical health, having tuberous breasts can affect your emotional condition. Women with misshapen breasts might lose confidence in their body image and beauty causing them embarrassment or distress during intimate situations.
Dr Mark Gittos is a breast surgery expert and Plastic Surgeon in New Zealand who has helped hundreds of patients achieve their aesthetic goals.
Download Dr Mark Gittos’ Guide to Cosmetic Breast Surgery
The good news is that tuberous breast correction can be successfully performed by an experienced plastic surgeon to achieve a more natural look that meets your expectations. If you’re concerned that you might have tuberous breasts, read along to learn more about diagnose and treatment.
What Are Tuberous Breasts?
Women with tuberous breasts have breasts that look smaller-than-normal, or underdeveloped at first glance. This does not mean, however, that every small or sagging breast is a tuberous breast. Tuberous breasts look narrow, “square” or “shelf-like” and are minimally projecting with a pointy or “snoopy-like” appearance. The nipples often appear pointy, narrow, or puffy and are many times asymmetric or out of balance with the breast mound.
Tubular breasts are also known as:
- Tuberal breasts
- Conical breasts
- Cone-shaped breasts
- Constricted breast
- Narrow breast
- Snoopy-looking breasts
- Puffy nipples
- Pointy nipples
What Causes Tuberous Breasts?
Doctors are still working on understanding how tuberous breasts form. According to some, the problem starts during the development of breast tissue when in the mother’s womb. There’s still inconclusive evidence on whether there’s a genetic link to this condition.
Regardless of the initiating factor, tuberous breasts start to become apparent during puberty, when the breasts are completing their development. During this period, the breasts do not form enough breast tissue, and the connective tissue ring surrounding the nipple forms abnormally, resulting in the “snoopy” or pointy appearance of the breast.
Tubular Breasts Diagnosis
If you have small breasts, here are some ways you can tell if they are tuberous:
- Breasts are cylindrical and narrow instead of round or teardrop-shaped
- Breasts are droopy or small, especially on their upper poles
- Areola (the pigmented skin around your nipple) looks large in proportion to your breast
- Nipples are not in balance with the surrounding small breast
- Nipples are puffy or pointy
- Nipples are pointing in an odd direction
If you think your breasts’ appearance fits this description, then you might want to consider getting an expert opinion and exploring your options.
Who can diagnose the condition?
Tuberous breasts are best diagnosed by a plastic surgeon with experience in diagnosing and treating the condition. By performing a thorough physical examination, the plastic surgeon can discover the problem without the need for any further testing.
*Your GP might also be able to identify tuberous breast upon examination, however, referral to a plastic surgeon might be adequate, since the latter can better diagnose the condition and offer you treatment options. If you meet certain strict criteria, the corrective procedure might be eligible for a minor rebate from your health insurer or Medicare. However, in some cases, the surgery is considered cosmetic, and no rebate is granted.
Treatment Options for Tuberous Breasts
Tuberous breasts are not considered a health threat, however, surgical correction is an option if you have cosmetic concerns. Tuberous Breast Correction is different from the usual breast augmentation surgery and entails a surgical release of the constricted breast tissue to achieve satisfactory cosmetic outcomes. Therefore, proper diagnosis is vital to achieving optimal results.
The surgery is performed with the patient under general anaesthesia. Dr Gittos makes a small incision in your breast and inserts a tissue expander or a breast implant. Usually, you will be discharged the next day and prescribed painkillers, but you might need a few days of home rest. The recovery period after tuberous breasts surgery can take one to two weeks, depending on the complexity of the procedure and your body’s ability to heal.
Finding the Best Breast Surgeon in NZ
Whether you’ve been diagnosed by your GP, or just have concerns about having tuberous breasts and are looking to explore your options, visiting a physician that’s most qualified in diagnosing and treating this condition is the rational thing to do. Tuberous breasts can be a challenge to treat because:
- Breast augmentation is more technically demanding in tuberous breasts
- Follow-up procedures and corrections may be needed
- A relatively small area on the chest wall for breast implants, making their use alone without proper surgical correction less than ideal
The general recommendation is to avoid choosing cheap overseas breast augmentation surgery that’s not specifically designed for tuberous breasts. Specialist Plastic surgeons, especially experienced ones, are highly qualified in treating tuberous breasts and offer breast surgery that’s specifically designed for tuberous breasts and can deliver the best cosmetic results.
Further Reading about Breast Surgery
Medical References about Tuberous Breasts
- What you should know about tubular breasts
- Tuberous breast: Morphological study and overview of a borderline entity
- What Causes Tubular Breasts and How to Fix the Condition
For more information on plastic surgery for pointy breasts, puffy nipples, or under-developed breasts, visit this Tuberous Breast Surgery page.
About Dr Mark Gittos FRACS (Plast) – New Zealand Plastic Surgeon
Practice locations in Herne Bay Auckland, Northland and Bay of Plenty – Kerikeri, Whangarei, New Plymouth & Tauranga
Dr Mark Gittos is a leading Specialist Plastic Surgeon and operates a practice in Herne Bay, Auckland and in the UK. The practice focuses on both surgical and non-surgical procedures, each designed to help restore, improve or change a physical characteristic or problem. The first step in every case is to talk through your personal requirements and explore all the options, before deciding on the most effective solution.
Dr Mark Gittos offers high quality, natural-looking cosmetic surgery results and is highly experienced in Breast, Body and Face Surgery having performed over 4000 Surgeries in the last 26 years. With worldwide expertise Dr Gittos is an expert in breast, face and body surgery for men & women.
Naturally, before any treatment is begun, we will explain clearly the advantages and risk factors; so that you have the information you need to make an informed decision that is best for you. Visit the practice to find out more.
NEXT STEPS
Please NOTE: Dr Gittos only performs surgery on non-smoker patients with a BMI less than 30. To check your BMI please visit the NZ Heart Foundation website. For help giving up smoking before surgery visit the Smoke Free website
Do your Research
- Read the Website and Blogs relevant to your procedure
- Browse our Frequently Asked Questions including how to choose a Surgeon for your procedure
- Download and read the FREE Guides to Surgery
What to Bring to your Plastic Surgeon Consultation
- Bring a friend or relative to help discuss the information and your choices
- Take lots of notes and read the documents provided thoroughly
- Dress in simple clothes as you may need to undress for examination
- Bring your medical referral and any relevant medical documents or test results
Book your Initial Surgery Consultation
- A Referral from your GP or specialist is helpful but NOT essential – you can have a consultation without a GP Referral
- Email us or Call on 09 529 5352 to arrange your surgeon consultation appointment.
- Book a consultation with Dr Gittos by paying the Consultation Fee – $350 incl GST
Traveling for Surgery? – Consider post-surgery luxury recovery in a Hotel with LuxeCare
Please contact us to arrange to book a consultation with our Specialist Plastic Surgeon or to speak with our Patient Care Advisor.
Send an enquiry form today or phone 09 529 5352 during Clinic Hours
