Lexicon

Tubular breasts / Trunk breasts

Beauty features such as a balanced height ratio of the breast and a protruding breast are disadvantageously altered in congenital tubular malformation. For unexplained reasons, tubular breasts have a rigid fibrous tissue that prevents the formation of shapely breasts during puberty. The different manifestations are divided into 4 or 3 degrees of severity (according to von Heimburg and Grolleau respectively). Minor forms of tubular breast malformation are often only recognizable to trained eyes. However, mild forms of tubular breasts affect a large number of people. Colloquially, it is also referred to as the trunk breast.

In mild cases, the breasts are small and characterized by underdevelopment in the inner breast area. If the deformity is moderately pronounced, the entire lower half of the breast is reduced in size and the skin mantle is shortened. In this case, the underbust crease is too high. In two thirds of cases, the breasts are of different sizes. In pronounced forms, the glandular tissue on the entire breast is barely present and the areolas of the breast are enlarged like tubes.

There are many techniques that can be used for correction, including:

A displacement of the glandular tissue
A cleavage of the glandular body
An interruption of the constricting breast tissue ring
An implant insert
An autologous fat treatment
Reduction of the areola

The challenge is to choose the right surgical technique from the many available in order to achieve optimal correction. Here, not only the different characteristics of the malformation, but also the patient’s goals, age and overall physique must be taken into account. The treatment techniques often complement each other. The combination of autologous fat treatment and augmentation with breast implants, for example, is known as hybrid breast augmentation. This combination is particularly useful for tubular breast malformations, as implants are ready-made and do not adapt to the very different individual malformations.

How is tubular breast correction performed?

Before every surgical procedure, the specialists at CenterPlast meticulously check several times that the greatest possible patient safety is guaranteed. Only when all the requirements have actually been met after going through the checklist will the procedure begin.

Before the operation, the breasts are marked with a special pen while the patient is standing. If the operation is performed under twilight sedation, you will be given medication to take away your anxiety and reduce your sensitivity to pain. If you are not already in a deep sleep, you may only feel touches on the surface of your body.

The new areola is marked and the excess areola skin is removed. The altered glandular tissue and the fibrous ring are split. The autologous fat treatment and/or the breast implant is then inserted into the previously determined and prepared site. Depending on the findings, the treating surgeon inserts drainage tubes into the wound. However, they can be removed again after a short time. The wound is then closed with very fine stitches, which dissolve after about 3 weeks. The patient is also given a bandage and a special support bra.

The duration of the outpatient procedure is approx. 45 to 180 minutes. Immediately after the operation, you will be taken to a recovery room and continuously monitored medically. You may drink something after you have fully woken up and eat something if you feel well. Check-up appointments will be arranged with you before you leave the practice. In addition, you will receive a comprehensive written report, the behavioral measures for aftercare will be explained to you and you will be given an emergency telephone number. You can reach the surgeon 24 hours a day in an emergency.

Thanks to virtual reality goggles, you can watch movies or your favorite series at CenterPlast while you are being operated on. On the one hand, this is entertaining, but the positive effect goes far beyond that: the distraction caused by the glasses has been proven to reduce sensitivity to pain.

How can you prepare for the correction of a tubular breast?

All your questions about possible complications and alternative treatments should be answered before the operation.
Shower with a disinfectant soap (e.g. HiBiScrub® Plus, Octenisan® Wash Lotion, Prontoderm® Shower Gel) on the day of the operation.
Keep nicotine and alcohol consumption to a minimum.
You may need to temporarily stop taking hormone-containing medication (the pill).
Blood-thinning medication (e.g. ASA, Thomapyrin®) must be discontinued at least ten days before the operation after consultation with your doctor.
Vitamin preparations (A, E) and dietary supplements (omega-3 fatty acids, St. John’s wort preparations, etc.) must be discontinued at least four weeks before the operation.
Surgeries restrict the ability to travel by air. Therefore, do not plan any air travel for business or pleasure in the four weeks following the operation.
Follow-up cost insurance should be taken out before aesthetic procedures are carried out.

What do you need to consider after correction of a tubular breast?

This is followed by regular checks on your well-being and the results of the operation.
Keeping the upper body elevated at around 30 degrees (even when sleeping) for five days is beneficial for reducing swelling and healing the wound.
To prevent the implants from slipping or twisting, it is important to only sleep on your back for six weeks.
Showering is possible from the third postoperative day immediately before the wound check.
Previously fitted support bras should be worn continuously for six weeks.
From the third postoperative week, massaging several times a day for a few minutes in a circular pattern and along and across the course of the scar with greasy creams (e.g. Bepanthen® ointment or Linola® fat) helps to make the scars less noticeable.
Bending over, lifting heavy loads, swimming, saunas, sexual intercourse and sporting activities should be avoided for four weeks, possibly longer if swelling persists.