Tuberous Breast Classification

Tuberous breast deformity is a congenital breast anomaly (the result of abnormal development) which can present itself from a mild to a severe occurrence.

Features that make up tuberous breasts are:

• constricted(narrow) breast width
• underdeveloped breast volume
• breast fold sitting high
• herniation or puffy areola
• asymmetry of breasts

Correction of this problem can be challenging and requires a very careful surgical plan.  Various approaches have been used, from trying to reshape the constricted breast tissue to complete removal of the breast tissue and replacement with an implant.

Correction of an elevated breast fold is complex as it may result in bottoming out or double bubble formation, and future touch-ups may be required to complete the repair.

My preferred approach is to remove the constricted tissue at the time of the breast augmentation, to allow for the soft skin to stretch and accommodate the breast implant which then helps to reshape the breast.

When patients have only one tuberous breast, achieving symmetry is exceptionally difficult and patients need to understand that the goal of the surgery is to improve, not completely correct the asymmetry.