What is a Tubular Breast? What Causes It?

tubular breasts anatomical model narrow base

The breast tissue doesn’t grow properly.

What Are Tubular Breasts?

Tubular breasts or tuberous breasts as they are more commonly called, are not normal breast tissue which develops due to some weird turn of the congenital condition. The shape is very different from the usual and thus easily recognizable. Abnormal development of tissue in one or both breasts, etc. are attributes which describe this condition quite well. One of the most common visual manifestations is the breasts exhibiting cone-like forms or some sort of narrow shapes instead of the usual round forms, the bottoms of the breasts are flat or even concave. Sometimes the base of the breast looks so small that the breast tissue is forced upward which causes the nipple to be very prominent or locates the protruding part. It can happen that tubular breasts are severely affected while others are only mildly, but even in the latter case, there can be such significant gut problems that they take up too much space in the physical and emotional side of the individual, for example, they tend to feel discomfort about their appearance. The situation is not only a cosmetic problem but also dangerous in the sense that it may cause underdevelopment of the breast which is why the majority of people who deal with it choose surgery as a way out to get more natural and symmetrical breasts.

Causes of Tubular Breasts and Genetic Factors

tubular breasts 3d diagram asymmetry lower pole
tubular breasts 3d diagram asymmetry lower pole

The reason for the malformation of the breast into a tubular structure is not very clear but it is considered a developmental issue resulting from puberty when breast development is hormonally induced. That condition is most commonly congenital and therefore during early stages of puberty, fighting changes in the body is when it develops. It is considered a consequence of failure of the breast to enlarge fully and hence most times it is a situation of the tissue being constricted at the lower pole of the breast. Heredity appears to be an important factor influencing the onset of the disease, as the condition can be inherited from the family. If father or mother (or both) have tubular breasts, then their children are more likely to have the same problem. Among the causes, hormonal imbalance that may include irregular estrogen levels can also lead to tuberous breast formation. Besides this, condition could be further intensified by tight skin or connective tissue which thus restricts natural breast expansion with surgery being the only way to fix it.

The Difference Between Tubular and Normal Breast Shapes

Tubular breasts have a number of characteristics which distinguish them from normal breast shapes. Usually, healthy breasts are characterized by a round shape and fullness in the lower part of the breast thus the silhouette is smooth and symmetrical. On the other hand, tubular breasts normally have smaller bases and their shapes are usually more similar to cones or are elongated. This may lead to an obviously marked gap between the nipple and the breast tissue which in turn results in the disproportionate look of the breasts. Among the main features of breast tubercles can be listed the absence of natural fullness in the lower pole of a breast which causes the breast base to be narrow and a lack of volume in the bottom part of the breast. Besides this, they may also be more prone to asymmetry, with one breast appearing smaller or more deformed than the other. The size and shape of the areolae may also change becoming bigger or distorted, and thus even further irregular breast shape problems coming from thegeries.

Symptoms and Features of Tubular Breasts

tubular breasts developmental genetic origins
tubular breasts developmental genetic origins

The symptoms of tubular breasts can be especially distressing to those who are suffering from this condition. Some of the most common features include:

  • Narrow Base: The base of the breast is abnormally tight, and as the tissue fails to expand, this results in a narrow or elongated look of the breast.
  • Lack of Fullness in the Lower Breast: It is quite common that the lower part of the breast is flat or even appears to be underdeveloped which makes the breasts lack the fullness that can be seen in natural and healthy ones.
  • Enlarged or Distorted Areolas: In cases of tubular breasts, the areolas may look larger or misshapen. In some cases, the areolas can get more prominent, adding to the appearance of asymmetry.
  • Protruding or Irregular Nipples: The nipples may outward protrude or be larger than normal, thus making a contribution to the irregular shape of the breasts. Tubular breast defects are not linked with any medical risks but they can really lower an individual’s self-esteem and body image. The disorder is a frequent cause of mental distress, especially in the teenage years when looks and body image become a focus of concern. The abnormal breast shape may cause the affected individuals to become self-conscious and thus their confidence in social or intimate settings may be impaired. A good number of people with tubular breasts decide to go through a corrective surgery to solve these aesthetic problems.

Treatment Options for Tubular Breasts

patient inspecting breast asymmetry mirror
patient inspecting breast asymmetry mirror

In most cases, treatment for tubular breasts is surgical. With breast implants, which add volume and reshape the breast, breast augmentation is the most common and the most effective method of treating tubular breasts.

Sometimes if the results are to be achieved, solutions of these combinations include:

  • Implant-based augmentation: The majority of methods utilizing breast implants to accumulate volume, fills out the lower pole of the breast and create a more rounded and natural breast shape are done to achieve the desired effect. The implants can be saline or silicone, and the patient’s preference and anatomical requirements being the deciding factors.
  • Tissue expansion: Sometimes tissue expansion can be used to slowly stretch breast tissue and thus create a space for the implants. This is a process of placing an apparatus, like a balloon under the skin, to gradually stretch the tissue over a few months.
  • Nipple repositioning: In case the nipples are enlarged or misaligned, nipple repositioning surgery may be done to bring the nipples back into a natural place, thus not only looks but also symmetry getting better.
  • Fat transfer: Fat transfer is the method of collecting fat from one side of the body and then putting it into the breasts. For a natural augmentation, especially if the patient is not a good candidate for implants, this is a great option. Fat transfer is mostly used together with other procedures to result in the best outcome.

Deciding on treatment depends on one’s condition and the patient’s goals. A consultation with a doctor is a determining factor for the next step to take.

Breast Augmentation Surgery for Tubular Breasts

patient recovery room post tubular breast surgery
patient recovery room post tubular breast surgery

Breast augmentation surgery for tubular breasts is tailored to meet the individual requirements of the patient. The primary aim of the operation is to put an end to the breast insufficiency and to lend a more natural and aesthetic look to the breast which is achieved with the help of implants. The surgeon might also release the tight tissue to broaden the breast base, making it possible for the breast to expand naturally. In more severe cases, the surgeon may perform nipple repositioning or fat transfer to achieve symmetry and improve the overall aesthetic of the breast. Implants come in different forms, sizes, and textures and the doctor and the patient will decide together which implants suit the patient’s body type, breast size and desired results the best. After the operation, patients will be instructed on how to take care of themselves during the recovery period, which is intended to be as smooth and successful as possible. Wearing a special compression garment to aid proper healing of the breasts and prevent complications might be one of such instructions.

Breast Implants in Turkey

Turkey is well-known for breast augmentation surgeries with the combination it offers of first-class medical facilities, highly qualified surgeons, and reasonable prices. With the cutting-edge methods and technology, experienced surgeons, and advanced facilities like Lin Europe Clinic in Istanbul, excellent results of breast augmentation procedures are guaranteed. The patients flying to Turkey for such surgeries have a complete care package that covers the pre-operative consultation, post-operative follow-up, and the support which is multilingual. Besides that, Turkey has a reputation for giving the most competitive prices in the world, thus opening the gates for high-quality breast surgery ones to go for without worrying about the cost. With a modern facility and a high level of medical practice, Istanbul ranks among the best places to have a breast augmentation operation and thus it is the perfect choice for those who suffer from certain kinds of breast problems that call for the need of corrective surgery such as tubular ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌breasts.

References

  1. “Tubular Breast Deformity: A Review of the Literature and Surgical Treatment Options.” Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 2019.
  2. “Breast Augmentation and Reconstruction: Techniques and Innovations.” Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2020.
  3. “Breast Surgery Techniques: Improving Results in Tubular Breasts.” Clinics in Plastic Surgery, 2018.
  4. “Surgical Solutions for Tubular Breasts: A Comprehensive Overview.” Journal of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2021.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tubular Breasts

What are tubular breasts?

Tubular breasts refer to a condition in which the breasts have an abnormal development that generally makes them look elongated and narrow. The main feature of this defect is the insufficient volume of the lower part of the breast, which sometimes results in the breasts looking like cones with a deep hollow between the breast tissue and the nipple.

What causes tubular breasts?

Tubular breasts arise due to the abnormal development of breast tissue during puberty. The condition can be considered mostly genetic, and hormonal imbalances or restricted breast tissue growth during development may also play a role in its formation.

Can tubular breasts be corrected with surgery?

It is possible to correct tubular breasts with surgical intervention, mostly through the use of implants in a breast augmentation procedure. In certain situations, to achieve the desired outcome, one may need the assistance of additional operations such as nipple repositioning or tissue expansion.

What is the recovery time after surgery for tubular breasts?

Post-surgery recovery time for tubular breasts is 1 to 2 weeks during which the patient may experience initial healing. The complete recovery time is longer and may take a few months when the swelling is gone, the breasts have adjusted to their new shape, and the implants have settled.

Is breast augmentation the only treatment option for tubular breasts?

Although breast augmentation is the preferred method to treat tubular breasts, other options like surgical interventions such as tissue expansion or fat transfer may be available based on the extent of the condition and the patient’s requirements. There is also the possibility of nipple repositioning in some ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌cases.

Picture of Lin Europe Clinic Medical Team

Lin Europe Clinic Medical Team

Share

More Posts

Send Us A Message

Your Toughts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Schedule A FREE Appointment

Fill out the form below, and we will be in touch shortly.
Contact Information