Breast Augmentation for Tuberous Breasts

The appearance of a woman’s breasts can greatly impact her self-esteem. This is especially true in cases of tuberous breasts. Tuberous breasts can have a significant effect on a patient’s quality of life. In this condition, a problem occurs during puberty that results in the deformity or improper development of the breast tissues. Otherwise normal in every other way (including normal sensation), tuberous breasts jut out from the chest wall in a tubular fashion. Constricted, and narrow at the base, tuberous breasts are typically small and droopy. The base of a tuberous breast is often severely constricted, causing it to herniate behind the areola. It is common for tuberous breasts to have bulging areolas. It is also normal for the inframammary fold to be severely restricted and for the nipples to point downward in tuberous breasts.

While plastic surgery can improve the appearance of tuberous breasts, it is a complex condition to treat. It is essential that a patient considering breast augmentation to address tuberous breasts find an experienced plastic surgeon that is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and specializes in treatment of the condition. San Francisco plastic surgeon Kimberly Henry customizes treatment for tuberous breasts to the individual patient. Dr. Henry may perform one procedure or a combination of procedures to improve the aesthetics of tuberous breasts. For a patient to achieve the best results, breast augmentation with implants, mastopexy (breast lift), and fat grafting may be used alone or in conjunction.

Breast Augmentation for Tuberous Breasts

In the case of mild tuberous breasts, breast augmentation may correct the condition. For the majority of patients with tuberous breasts, breast augmentation by itself will not be enough to improve the aesthetics of the breasts. The inframammary fold of the breast is typically higher than normal in cases of tuberous breasts. The breasts will also appear to be unnaturally far apart on the chest wall with tuberous breasts. The majority of patients with tuberous breasts cannot achieve their desired results through breast augmentation with breast implants alone.

The complex nature of the condition can make it difficult to correct. It is a more challenging procedure to perform than normal breast augmentation. Breast augmentation with implants performed in conjunction with breast lift surgery can dramatically improve and enhance the contours of tuberous breasts. With the help of a skilled, experienced surgeon, a patient can achieve the symmetrical, full breast contours she desires.

It is common for the lower pole of the breast to be underdeveloped in a tuberous breast. In such cases, there is not adequate room for a breast implant. In order to create room for a breast implant, the surgeon must expand the tissues. Breast lift surgery may be utilized to create a better position of the areola, and to reduce herniation. During surgery, the inframammary fold may be lowered to create better positioning of the breasts on the chest.

Another treatment option is fat grafting. Fat grafting may be used in conjunction with breast augmentation in the treatment of tuberous breasts. Fat grafting may be used to enlarge the shape of the breast. In fat grafting, fat may be placed in the areas of the breasts that need enlarging and to improve the shape of the breast. It may also be used to increase the thickness of the tissue of the breast. In the case of tuberous breasts, the breast tissue over the breast implant may be thin. Fat grafting may be used to improve the thickness of the breast tissue over the breast implant.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about how breast augmentation for tuberous breasts may benefit you, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Kimberly Henry today.