Correction of Tuberous (Tubular or Constricted) Breast Deformity

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Tuberous breast deformity also known as tubular, snoopy breast, herniated areola complex, constricted breast, narrow based breast, lower pole hypoplasia is a deformity that usually becomes evident at puberty in young women. It is characterized by a wide spectrum of presentation including constriction of the breast base, glandular and skin hypoplasia (especially at the lower quadrants), mal-position of the infra-mammary fold, breast tissue herniation into the areola region and sometimes increased areola diameter. The condition may be unilateral or bilateral and is often asymmetric. It may present as a severe mal-formation and is extremely physically and psychosocially relevant; the patient sometimes avoids medical check ups, give up outdoor sports, wear clothing hiding their shape and avoid sexual intercourse. Treatment can be a surgical challenge. The main goals are to correct the deformity in a one stage operation, restore the mammary base dimensions, correct the hypoplasia of the lower quadrant of the breasts, re-position the infra-mammary fold, reduce the areola dimensions and achieve good symmetry.

The procedure begins with marking of the “new” infra-mammary fold by projection of the unilateral breast in unilateral cases or by using a sixth rib as a landmark in bilateral cases. In severe constriction, the location of the new infra-mammary fold is selected so that approximately 50-60% of the planned breast implant will fit from the nipple to the fold. Again, treatment is based on the anatomic deformity of deficiency in the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the breast characterized by underdevelopment of the breasts with “herniation” of breast tissue into the areola associated with hypertrophy of the areola. Access is through a circumareola approach. This access allows for correction of disproportionate diameter of the areola and closure of the lower pole of the breast. The lower pole of the breast is addressed with radial incisions on the deeper aspect of the breast.

This results in the release of the constricting ring at the breast space. This release allows for the rounding out of the lower pole of the breast which will be maintained with a breast implant. Size adjustment of the breast may include reduction and/or lifting of the larger breast. This glandular resection of the larger breast may allow for placement of implants of same or similar size. These maneuvers are used to achieve as much symmetry as possible.

Testimonial: I have struggled with the insecurity of having small, misshapen breasts for years. Shopping for clothes was a nightmare and nothing ever fit or looked the way I wanted. I swam competitively for many years and the humiliation of wearing a speedo swimsuit as an AA cup size was almost unbearable. After years of wearing padded bras and praying every night that my boobs would grow I finally decided to explore the option of plastic surgery. I toyed with the idea on and off for about 4 years and finally last December became very serious and started researching plastic surgeons. I didn’t limit my search to just SD and ended up visiting with doctors in both northern and southern CA. I am a complete Type A so I had folders and folders of information about the procedure, doctors, testimonials, side effects- everything. I saw quite a few plastic surgeons and was looking for someone special. Someone who was not only a top expert in their field but who also had the ability to understand my wants and needs and work with me to achieve them. After meeting Dr. Pousti for the first time I was positive I had met my match. He is not only a phenomenal surgeon but he is also extremely dedicated to his patients and in touch with their wants and needs. I didn’t feel like just another number as I had in other offices. Given I was not having just a straight forward breast augmentation because of my tuberous breasts, I was anxious and ended up coming in numerous times for long question and answer sessions before even scheduling surgery. When I came into the offices his staff was so friendly and always greeted me by name. Dr. was always prepared and willing to spend as much time as I needed to discuss my questions and concerns. He was sensitive to the look and shape I desired and was also honest and realistic with me about what he thought he would be able to achieve. By the time the surgery date came around I had nothing but the utmost confidence and trust in Dr. Pousti and I was not
disappointed. The surgery went smoothly, the recovery was manageable, and the results are beyond my wildest dreams. I try not to be overly emotional but I couldn’t help but tear up the first time I saw my new “additions” because they exceeded all my expectations. I have not had any complications despite such an involved surgery and they look so natural and real that not one person I know had a clue they are not my own because they are so proportionate to my body. I have a confidence I never had before and in large part I owe that to Dr. Pousti. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Pousti to anyone even considering any type of plastic surgery as you would be doing yourself a disservice not to choose the best! Update: I am currently 4 months out and everything has exceeded my expectations. My healing process has been incredible. I was initially very worried about having incisions around the entire areola and was worried about both sensitivity and scarring. After surgery I only had feeling in one nipple and was concerned I wouldn’t gain sensation back in the other side however, about 3 months post-op, I regained full feeling in the other side as well. In addition, my scars had scared me a little when I first saw them, as they were still quite red and the skin had to re-attach itself after surgery. But despite my first reaction everything has healed really well. My scars started to improve quite quickly after surgery and although they still have some lightening to do they are fairly discreet and blend very well into the natural ridges and texture of the nipple area. I am also so happy I chose to go with silicone implants. They were probably the best choice I ever made. I had gone back and forth about getting silicone since they were just released last year but they have looked and felt so natural from just a few weeks out and only continue to improve with time. Overall, there is nothing I would change. Thanks to Dr. Pousti the surgery results were incredible. My breasts have a round full shape instead of the pointy look they had before. They feel extremely natural and the scars are healing extremely well. I have not regretted having the surgery for even a second!

This is a 27 year old patient interested in breast augmentation for many years. She found double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Tom Pousti over the internet. The patient wanted the implants to enhance and to correct her tuberous (tubular) constricted breasts. The patient was concerned with the scarring but as you can see her scars have faded and healed very nicely. The patient has 320cc saline implants. A very natural look. She is wonderfully happy with her results.

This is a 19 year old patient interested in breast augmentation to help with her constricted breasts. She is from Riverside, California. The patient found Dr. Tom Pousti on the internet and was pleased to know that he was a board certified plastic surgeon. Tuberous breasts have a very narrow base and usually a long skin envelope. Sometimes people refer to “tubular breast” shape as the shape similar to “snoopy’s nose”. In the most severe cases of tuberous (tubular) breasts, a breast lift can be done through an incision around the areola, making the breast into a more rounded shape that the patient will be happy with. In many cases however, a lift is not necessary. She wanted breast implants to give her more fullness all around her breasts. Also she wanted a larger but natural look. The patient was very happy Dr. Pousti could correct her tubular breasts. The patient has 575cc saline implants.