Tuberous Breast Correction
A tuberous breast is a breast that is misshapen as a result of a congenital abnormality. Instead of developing normally, the lower portion of the breast is constricted, resulting in a breast which is larger on top than on the bottom, is narrow, and points downward. The inframammary fold (fold underneath the breast) is higher and tighter than normal, and the areola (pigmented area around the nipple) protrudes unnaturally. Most often, both breasts are affected, but sometimes it is only one breast.
Repair of tuberous breasts requires both reshaping and volumizing. Care is taken to place the fat in such a way as to enlarge the lower half of the breast without making the areola more prominent. In order to place more volume into the breasts, the constricted areas must be released. Sometimes more than one procedure is required to achieve the desired effect. We often suggest use of the BRAVA device before and after surgery to maximize the breast “envelope” or space into which fat can be grafted.
Most of our patients with tuberous breasts come to us as young women, eager to fix a problem they consider to be a deformity preventing them from experiencing a normal life. It is gratifying to see how life changes for them after corrective surgery. We generally suggest that patients take 10 days to 2 weeks off to recover after surgery, as they will be swollen, bruised and uncomfortable, particularly in the donor sites. Most patients will be able to return to full normal activities in about 2-3 weeks.
