Tubular breast: causes, characteristics and treatment

What is a tubular breast?

Tubular breast is a congenital anomaly due to incomplete development of the breast tissue. This means that the breast cannot develop as normal during puberty: Instead of expanding evenly, it takes on a narrow and elongated shape, creating the tubular, tubular impression.

Characteristics and degrees of expression

The physical characteristics of tubular breasts usually appear during puberty. In mild cases, the breasts are small and characterized by underdevelopment in the inner breast area. If the malformation is moderate, the entire lower half of the breast is reduced in size and the skin mantle is shortened. In this case, the underbust fold is too high.

In most cases, the breasts vary in size. In pronounced forms, the glandular tissue on the entire breast is barely present and the areolas of the breast are enlarged like tubes.

The different manifestations are divided into 4 degrees of severity.

• Grade 1: Slight malformation, usually only visible in a lower breast quadrant, with a predominantly normal breast shape.
• Grade 2: Asymmetrical breast shape with underdevelopment of the entire lower half of the breast.
• Grade 3: Reduced breast size with sagging, with a clearly protruding nipple.
• Grade 4: The nipple and areola are significantly enlarged, the breast hangs downwards in a tubular shape. The underbust fold is displaced upwards.

Causes and effects of tubular breast

The tubular breast is the result of maldevelopment during the embryonic phase. The lower breast quadrant does not develop completely. When the breast begins to grow during puberty, the tubular breast can be recognized. There is an uneven expansion of the breast tissue. This can occur on one or both sides.

Tubular breasts are primarily seen as an aesthetic problem. However, this deformity can make affected women feel very ashamed, especially in their love life. For example, certain items of clothing are not worn, meaning that tubular breasts can significantly diminish a woman’s self-esteem.

If severe, tubular breasts can cause problems when breastfeeding. The underdevelopment of the breast tissue can restrict milk production.

Tubular breast: What treatment options are there?

The treatment takes the form of a breast correction. The method used depends on the degree of severity and the patient’s individual wishes and physique. There are various techniques that can be used for correction and, depending on the severity, can also be combined with each other.

Breast correction with implants:

Breast augmentation with implants compensates for the lack of volume and gives the breast a symmetrical and aesthetic shape.

Breast correction with autologous fat:

As part of breast augmentation with autologous fat, the body’s own fatty tissue is transplanted to sculpt the breast. This is a natural alternative to implants.

Combined breast augmentation and breast lift:

Breast augmentation can also be combined with a breast lift. This allows volume and shape to be adjusted at the same time.

Hybrid breast augmentation:

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.

Reduction of the areola:

Areola correction can also contribute to a harmonious overall appearance. The enlarged areola is reduced in size and repositioned.

Displacement and splitting of the glandular tissue:

In addition, the mammary gland can be brought into a natural position by cutting through the ring-shaped breast tissue. This gives the breast a rounder shape.

Procedure of the operation

The first step is a comprehensive consultation and examination to determine the optimal treatment for tubular breasts. Breast correction is usually performed under twilight sedation and on an outpatient basis.

Depending on the method used, the procedure takes between 45 minutes and 3 hours. The aim of the procedure is to tighten the sagging tissue and compensate for the missing volume.

Preparation and aftercare: What should you pay attention to?

It is advisable to stop taking blood-thinning medication about 2 weeks before the procedure. It is also best to avoid nicotine and alcohol consumption.

You should give your body a few weeks rest after the procedure: Sports and other strenuous activities should be avoided for 4 weeks. You will be given a special support bra to wear for the next 6 weeks to provide optimum support for healing. If possible, sleep on your back for the first few weeks. Depending on the procedure, you will be able to socialize again in up to 2 weeks.

Risks of surgery for tubular breasts

At CenterPlast, you can expect a team of highly experienced specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery. Breast correction is one of our standard procedures, so we can offer you safe treatment. However, risks cannot be completely ruled out with any operation. The following are possible:

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Mild pain
• Sensory disturbances
• Wound healing disorders

However, such side effects are temporary and should subside after a short time.

Costs and financing of breast surgery for tubular breasts

The amount of the costs depends on the treatment method. As this is usually an aesthetic procedure, health insurance companies do not cover the costs for tubular breasts, so you will have to pay them yourself. However, we offer flexible financing options, which we will be happy to advise you on during our consultation hours. If medically indicated, the costs may be covered depending on your health insurance.

Empathetic advice in our practice in Saarbrücken

We understand that tubular breasts are not only an aesthetic flaw for affected women, but also have a profound impact on their quality of life. However, modern medicine offers effective treatment methods that can be individually tailored to the needs of each patient.

Would you like to find out more about the treatment options for tubular breast? Then we are here for you. Arrange your personal consultation and together we will see which surgical procedure is the best solution for you. We will be happy to accompany you on your way to greater well-being. With a tummy tuck, we can achieve a harmonious overall appearance and help you feel better again. Arrange your personal consultation now.