Tuberous breast, also called tubular breast, is a shape abnormality in which restricted development of the lower breast causes the areola to protrude and the fold beneath the breast to form high.
Tuberous breast is a shape abnormality that arises when the tissue of the lower breast fails to expand sufficiently as the breast develops during puberty. The base of the breast is narrow and the fold beneath it (the inframammary fold) sits high, and the tissue growing within is pushed toward the areola, which widens and protrudes like a dome. It often affects only one side or differs in degree between the two, so asymmetry is common.
Because tuberous breast is a problem of structure rather than simply of small size, placing an implant alone leaves the narrow base, the high fold and the protruding areola as they are. The approach has to follow a sequence: release the constricted tissue to expand the lower breast, lower the fold to the right height, refine the size and protrusion of the areola, and then add the volume that is needed.
Atelier Plastic Surgery published a technique for contouring the dome-shaped nipple of tuberous breasts with a petal pattern in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2024). Depending on the degree, correction is done in a single surgery or in stages, and at the consultation we use 3D simulation to review the difference between the two sides and the expected shape together with you.
Through an areolar incision, radial incisions are made in the constricted tissue of the lower breast to spread it out. This is the basic step in tuberous breast correction: it widens the narrowed base and allows the lower tissue to come down.
The high fold is lowered to match the other side or the target position, and an implant suited to the widened base is placed to fill the lower volume. The shape of the implant and the plane are decided by tissue thickness and the difference between the two sides.
The protruding areola is reduced, and the nipple that has risen with it is refined with a petal-shaped excision pattern. This is done through the same incision as a periareolar lift, applying the technique published in a journal paper.
Autologous fat is used to supplement the lower and inner contour, or differences between the two sides, that an implant alone cannot fill. In some cases correction is done with fat grafting alone and no implant, but tissue release is often needed as well.
When skin and tissue are severely lacking, correction is difficult to complete in one surgery, so it is divided into two stages: the tissue is first expanded or the shape established, and after a period of time the volume is added. Whether stages are needed is decided at the consultation according to the degree.
Surgical designs and results are drawings based on photos; results vary by individual.
These may vary depending on your condition; we will give you precise details at your consultation.
A narrow base, a high fold and a protruding areola are not resolved by an implant alone. We plan in sequence: first release the constricted tissue, then reset the fold, and then add volume.
The degree ranges from a deficiency in only part of the lower breast to a narrow base throughout with a markedly raised areola. At the consultation we measure the width of the breast, the height of the fold, the diameter and protrusion of the areola and the difference between the two sides to decide which steps are needed.
The technique of contouring the dome-shaped nipple with a petal pattern and the technique of refining the nipple and areola contour with a crown-shaped excision are methods Dr. Go has published in international journals and presented at conferences in Korea and abroad.
Tuberous breasts often differ in degree between the two sides, so performing the same surgery on both leaves asymmetry. The implant size, the fold position and the amount of areola excised are planned separately for each side, and the expected shape is checked with 3D simulation.
After general anesthesia, your progress is monitored in the recovery room. You rest in a private recovery room and, depending on your condition, go home the same day or stay one night.
This is the period of swelling, pain and a feeling of tightness. You wear a compression support garment, take the prescribed medication and avoid raising your arms high.
You visit for a check of the wound, the implant position and the areola. Showering becomes possible depending on the wound, and you return to light daily activities.
Stitches are removed. Much of the swelling subsides, and scar care for the areolar incision begins.
The lowered fold and the widened base begin to settle. The condition is checked with ultrasound, and light exercise can begin.
The implant stabilizes and the shape settles. The balance between the two sides and the shape of the areola are checked, and if staged correction is needed the next stage is planned.
After tuberous breast correction, bleeding, infection, hematoma and seroma, swelling and pain may occur. The areolar incision and tissue release may leave the nipple and areola with reduced or heightened sensation, and the milk ducts may be affected, making breastfeeding difficult. When an implant is used, capsular contracture, implant malposition, rippling and rotation may occur, and the outline of the implant may show in the lower breast where the tissue is thin. If the constricted tissue does not spread sufficiently, the fold may appear doubled or the lower breast may remain flat; the areola may widen again, the nipple may tend to rise again, and there may be asymmetry and widening of the scar around the areola. Depending on the degree, staged surgery or revision may be needed, results vary by individual, and all of this is explained fully at the consultation.
The content on this page is general medical information provided in accordance with the Medical Service Act. The results of surgery and treatments and the recovery period may vary by individual. All surgeries and treatments carry a risk of side effects, so please decide after a thorough consultation with a specialist.
Nipple deformity correction with a method for each shape
Learn more Related Implant breast augmentationImplant breast augmentation with size and pocket plane chosen by body type and tissue thickness
Learn more Related Areola reductionAreola reduction that sets the diameter to fit the size of the breast
Learn more Related Non-implant breast augmentationNon-implant breast augmentation with the material chosen by the enlargement needed and your body fat
Learn moreConsultations are conducted by the Director herself. Schedule one by phone or KakaoTalk, or leave an online consultation request.
