The size and shape of your breasts can significantly impact your confidence and self-esteem. While it’s common to have irregularities, for some women, the differences can be significant. Tuberous breasts for example, appear more tubular or narrower than usual, and can have a negative impact on quality of life.
If you’re looking for ways to improve the look and feel of tuberous breasts, the good news is there are several treatment options available. Here, we’ll look at their causes and symptoms, and reveal the best treatment options to consider.
What causes tuberous breasts?
Tuberous breasts are a result of a congenital abnormality that affects breast development during puberty. This condition is characterised by breasts that develop in a more tubular or narrow shape rather than the typical round shape.
The primary cause of tuberous breasts is a constriction of the connective tissue in the breast, which prevents it from developing normally and fully expanding. This constriction can vary in severity, often leading to a wide range of breast shapes and sizes.
The condition is not linked to any known health risks or lifestyle factors. It is simply a variation in breast development that can occur randomly. Women with tuberous breasts often find that their breasts have a more elongated or droopy appearance, with a higher-than-normal breast fold. The condition can also affect one or both breasts, leading to asymmetry.
Symptoms of tuberous breasts
Tuberous breasts can be identified by several key symptoms:
- Narrow, tube-like breast shape
- Enlarged, puffy areolas
- Breast asymmetry
- Higher than normal breast fold
- Minimal breast tissue
- Drooping or sagging appearance
These symptoms result from the restricted growth in the lower part of the breasts, leading to a more conical shape than round. You’ll notice that your breasts have a significantly different shape compared to typical breast development. The enlarged areolas occur due to the constricted breast tissue pushing forward.
The degree of asymmetry and sagging can vary significantly from one person to another, influencing the psychological and emotional well-being of those affected.
What are the treatment options?
There are several surgical options that can effectively reshape and enhance the appearance of tuberous breasts.
A breast lift, or mastopexy, can raise and reshape sagging breasts, creating a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing breast contour. Breast augmentation, involving the use of implants, can add volume and improve symmetry, offering a more balanced and rounded shape.
For men who experience gynecomastia, a condition that can resemble tuberous breasts, surgical reduction of breast tissue can be carried out. This can restore a more traditionally masculine chest contour.
Each treatment option is tailored to your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. To determine which option is right for you, schedule an appointment with leading cosmetic surgeon Mr Nigel Horlock.
