That's a great question! There are lots of ways to treat tuberous breasts, since there are so many variations on the tuberous breast's appearance.

Aesthetic correction of the tuberous breast demands that all elements of the deformity are addressed, including the skin, the breast tissue, and the nipple-areolar complex. It is important that the presence of the tuberous deformity is recognized by your surgeon prior to surgery, as inadequate correction of any of these elements typically results in a worsening of the appearance of the breast.

If the skin on the lower pole of the breast is tight or deficient, a tissue expander, which is a temporary implant, may be placed to stretch out the tissues prior to definitive implant placement. If the breast tissue itself is deficient in volume, an implant can be very helpful as it not only adds volume, but also provides an aesthetic, round shape to the base of the breast. The size of the nipple-areolar complex frequently requires reduction, and any breast tissue which has herniated through this region must be reduced and returned to the lower pole of the breast.

Patients frequently request that the tuberous breast be corrected without the use of implants. This is possible if there is an adequate volume of breast tissue which requires only release at the lower aspect of the breast. In these cases, a breast lift alone may suffice. In most cases, however, an implant is requires to provide a rounded shape to the lower portion of the breast. Fat grafting to the breast is another option if patients wish to avoid an implant. While this is a good option for some patients, it does require that the patient have enough of her own bodily fat to provide for the grafting procedure. In addition, most patients require at least two procedures for fat grafting, as 30% of the grafted fat is typically absorbed by the body. The optimal technique for a given patient is determined by both her physical examination and her goals.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I do like to use a highly cohesive implant in hopes that it will hold its shape enough to assist with stretching the breast out to be as round as possible. I do not think there is a specific study on this, but it just makes sense to me. Good luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Tuberous breasts require that the posterior gland capsule be radially incised, allowing the breast to splay into a round shape and usually benefits from a Benelli areolar reduction for size and flattening of a herniated nipple. I strongly recommend saline high profile under the muscle.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There are specific techniques for tuberous breasts. Sometimes the areolar has to be reduced and the base diameter increased. Best to contact a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with tuberous breasts.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The treatment of a tuberous breast is more complicated than a non-tuberous breast. It is best to select a surgeon with experience in treating tuberous breast. It is even more complicated if the breasts do not look alike. Look at before and after photos of your doctor's patients. You have to be realistic if your breasts are very different or they are very tuberous. Good luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Because there is a wide range of appearances, from mild to severe, the surgical treatment for tuberous breast deformity (TBD) must address the following elements for a successful result:

• Breast Base Grade: l, ll, or lll
• Asymmetry (left and right)
• Skin envelope
• Areola size, shape, herniation, and position
• Breast volume
• Ptosis (drooping)
• Breast fold position and size

Mild forms of TBD can be undiagnosed often, leading to incorrect or incomplete surgery. The surgery must address all of the anatomical problems, including breast fold malposition and constricted or narrow breast base. Surgical procedures may include the following:

• Implant
• Type and shape of implant
• One or more stages
• The use of tissue expansion and implants
• Pocket placement
• Placement of incisions
• Breast lift and type
• Correction of the breast base and breast fold
• Correction of the areola
• The use of fat grafting or natural breast enhancement to help shape the breast with or without implants

Published on Jul 11, 2012

For a tuberous breast, it is not the implant that will help make them round. Rather, actually doing something with the breasts themselves, like a modified uplift, will do just that.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes. With tuberous breasts, several things are done specifically to round out the shape. Implants are placed and I prefer highly cohesive gel implants which are more likely to impart a shape onto the breast than traditional implants. Radial scoring is done to open up the breast tissue you have around the implant. Also a periareolar mastopexy is often performed to reduce the size of the areola and to help with herniation of breast tissue into the areola.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The key in a tuberous breast is to pick an implant that matches the bass width of the breast with the corresponding volume to match. If it's extremely tuberous you unfortunately need to make incisions on the breast and inside the breast to allow it to stretch out. How much tuberous breast deformity you have will dictate to your surgeon which way he has to treat you. Part of this is also how big you would like to be. Make an appointment with a plastic surgeon that is a member of the American Society for aesthetic plastic surgery for your best results

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your questions.
I recommend visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon who has significant experience with patients with tuberous breasts. I always tell patients that they need to have realistic expectations as their results will not resemble a patient who had a straight forward breast surgery. The link below may help with additional information as you do your research.
Best wishes,

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes their is. Usually a differential breast augmentation is performed with SCORING of the tuberous breast or breasts

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Tuberous breasts can present a unique set of challenges that often require multiple techniques at the same time. Which implant is best really depends on what needs to be done to the breasts themselves to get them where you would like them to be. The best thing to do is to go for a consultation and see what is recommended since there is no single ideal implant for everyone. I hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Good morning!
Typically tuberous breasts are treated with a combination procedure of donut mastopexy, radial scoring of the breast tissue to release the tightness, and submuscular augmentation!

Published on Jul 11, 2012