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.
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.
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:
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.
If you have small breasts, here are some ways you can tell if they are tuberous:
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.
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.
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:
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.
For more information on plastic surgery for pointy breasts, puffy nipples, or under-developed breasts, visit this Tuberous Breast Surgery page.
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.
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
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