What is the Tuberous Breast Deformity?

Tuberous breast deformity (also known as tubular breasts or constricted breasts) are a result of a congenital deformity or abnormality which occurs in women . During puberty, breast development fails to occur normally and fully. The exact cause of this is as yet unclear. The condition is thought to affect one to five per cent of patients seeking breast augmentation.

Tuberous breasts are not simply small or underdeveloped breasts. It is an actual deformity that occurs during the process of breast bud maturation that results in herniation of the nipple-areola complex through a fibrous band of breast tissue. The effect of the deformity on the appearance of the breast can range from mild to severe, and typical characteristics include:

* enlarged, puffy areola
* unusually wide spacing between the breasts
* scant amounts of breast tissue (especially in the lower poles)
* sagging (or ptosis) of a portion or entirety of the breast
* higher than normal breast fold
* narrow breast base

The condition can affect the ability of women to breastfeed as in some cases the breasts, including the milk glands, have not developed enough to produce breast milk. Fortunately, other physical aspects of fertility and pregnancy are not affected by the condition. The appearance of tuberous breasts can potentially be treated surgically, with a variety of techniques including: tissue expansion, breast augmentation, breast lifting and breast parenchymal re-shaping. The procedure to correct the appearance of tuberous breasts can be more complicated than a regular breast augmentation, and commonly requires a combination of techniques. In rare cases, tissue expansion of the breast skin envelope may be required prior to definitive augmentation.

If you have think you have this problem, your next step is to contact Dr. Brenner’s office for an in-depth, in-person consultation.