Tuberous breasts occur more commonly than many people may think. It is a congenital breast condition that is often characterized by a narrow breast base, a large areola with herniation, and ptosis (droopiness) despite a relatively small volume of breast. It can be unilateral or bilateral, and each breast is often involved to a different extent. In a more severe variety, the nipple to the crease line of the breast (inframammary fold or IMF) can be very short. Correction of tuberous breasts addresses the improvement of this deformity, often in conjunction with breast augmentation and sometimes with breast lift.
While severe tuberous breasts may need a staged operation with possible tissue expansion, most cases can be done in a single operation. The more complicated cases will also more likely require revisions. In general, the operation needs to address the narrow bases of tuberous breasts by scoring the underside of the breast tissue. This helps to expand the narrower lower poles and the constricting IMF of the tuberous breasts. The IMF needs to be lower too. The implants will then be inserted. Finally, the large and often herniating areolae will also need to be addressed by areola reduction and breast lift. All these procedures need to work in concert to give us the desired results. Also, remember the changes do not usually take place right after surgery. The stretching and expansion of the lower poles often take time to happen.
Bear in mind that surgery to correct tuberous breasts is not a simple surgery. Furthermore, the breasts are often very asymmetric, which adds to complexity of procedure. Despite this, the patient satisfaction rate after correction of tuberous breasts is generally high. If you would to have a consultation with me, please contact my office.