Tuberous breasts, also called tubular breasts, are characteristic of an abnormal developmental condition which changes the look of the breasts to resemble an elongated tube shape. In this condition, the breasts are squeezed at the base, pushing the breast tissue forward into a narrow and constricted form, rather than the traditional mound shape. The breast tissue often projects into the areola, giving it a puffy, engorged appearance.
Tubular breasts most often appear smaller than equal volume rounded breasts and have a tendency to sag with the nipple at or below the inframammary fold.
Tubular Breasts Definition
In tubular breast conditions, the breasts have not developed normally.
A traditional breast shape is wider at the base and narrows towards the nipple. Typical breasts feature a mostly outward projection with a flat areola and protruding nipple.
Tubular breasts have a long, narrow shape often pointing downwards, due to a lack of supporting base mass. The inframammary fold is often tight and close to the nipple. The breast tissue does not have the room to expand in the width of the breast and most commonly herniates through into the areola, giving the nipple/areola complex a puffy and swollen appearance.
Some women actually experience an areolar double bubble effect, causing the profile of the breast to look as if the areola is an additional bump growing off the main breast mound, rather than an integrated part of a smooth contour.
Read more about the variations of tuberous breast surgery.
Learn about having implants in tubular breasts.
Tuberous Breast Concerns
While tubular breasts are not harmful in any way, and usually function just fine in every aspect, some women are disturbed by their unusual appearance or downward projection.
Tubular breasts are more likely to be noticeably asymmetrical than rounded breasts.
Many women describe their tubular breast shape as deflated or saggy and it is common for tube-shaped breasts to be abnormally ptotic, even at a young age.
Women who experience problematic emotional or body image concerns due to their tube-shaped breasts can get help by undergoing corrective cosmetic surgery.
Tuberous Breast Therapy
Many women are perfectly content with tubular breasts and do nothing to change the appearance of their natural bosom. Other women become self conscious of their unusual breast shape and seek help to achieve a more typical appearance.
Many cosmetic surgeons specialize in the restructuring of tubular breasts, using a combination approach of modified mastopexy and breast augmentation procedures. Results can be incredible and are definitely life changing for women with severely tube-shaped breasts.
If you are having emotional issues with your tubular breasts, talk to a qualified plastic surgeon about what can be done to re-sculpt your breast shape, size and profile.