Tuberous breast correction is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to reshape the breasts, creating a rounder, more balanced appearance. Tuberous breasts are characterized by underdeveloped breasts that have a narrow base, malpositioned breast crease, enlarged areola, herniated breast tissue, and/or asymmetrical appearance. (1) Many women with tuberous breasts are dissatisfied with their appearance, and tuberous breast correction treatments have helped many individuals reshape their breasts with long-lasting, natural-looking results.

Joseph Michaels, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon with an established reputation for success in the greater Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia areas. He has helped thousands of patients improve the appearance of tuberous breasts through specialized treatments and tailored procedures.

If you are interested in restoring the appearance and shape of your breasts, please schedule a consultation by contacting us online or reaching out to the office most convenient for you:

About Tuberous Breast Correction

Tuberous breast correction is a specialized cosmetic surgical procedure that is performed to correct and improve the size, shape, and overall proportions of the breasts and nipple-areolar complexes in women with tuberous breast deformity. The condition can begin to be noticed around puberty as the breasts are developing. While not physically harmful, it can cause embarrassment or self-consciousness. (2) Dr. Michaels can perform this procedure using different surgical strategies, including fat transfer, the use of breast implants, and breast lifting techniques.

Benefits of Tuberous Breast Correction

There are many benefits to undergoing tuberous breast correction, including:

  • Improved Aesthetic Appeal: The breasts can appear fuller, rounder, and more shapely, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
  • Improved Symmetry: Dr. Michaels can reshape the breasts for a more balanced and symmetrical appearance, improving one’s overall body proportions.
  • Corrected Nipple Placement: This procedure can reposition the nipples to a more natural location.
  • Areola Resizing: Dr. Michaels can reduce the size of enlarged or misshapen areolas, creating a more balanced and proportionate appearance.
  • Enhanced Self-Esteem: Many patients experience an improvement in their self-esteem and confidence following their procedure.
  • Customized Results: Your treatment plan will be tailored to address your concerns and anatomy.
  • Natural-Looking Outcomes: Dr. Michaels employs multiple advanced surgical techniques to achieve natural-looking results, ensuring that any enhancements do not appear artificial.
  • Lasting Results: With proper post-operative care, the results from each tuberous breast correction can last for years.

To learn more about how you can benefit from tuberous breast correction, please contact us online.

Who Makes a Suitable Candidate?

Women with this condition who are unsatisfied with the shape and appearance of their breasts and are interested in a rounder, more proportionate appearance make ideal candidates for correction. All candidates interested in tuberous breast correction should be in good overall health, free from any underlying conditions that may impair healing. Patients should also be nonsmokers or willing to quit smoking temporarily. Dr. Michaels will determine your candidacy during your consultation.

Personal Consultation

A consultation with Dr. Michaels is the first step in your tuberous breast correction. To schedule your personal consultation, please contact us online. To speak to a member of our team or schedule your consultation over the phone, please contact our Rockville office at (301) 468-5991 or our Fairfax office at (703) 957-8610.

Preparation

Dr. Michaels will provide you with a set of pre-operative instructions to help you prepare properly for your tuberous breast correction procedure. Instructions may vary between individuals depending on their goals, medical history, and treatment plan, but you must follow your instructions closely to help facilitate a smooth recovery with the most optimal results.

Generally speaking, you will need to temporarily discontinue the use of certain medications and supplements that contain blood-thinning properties. You will need to arrange for transportation home after your procedure, and we recommend that you arrange for someone to help you around the house for the first 24-72 hours of healing. You will also need to take time away from work and other social commitments to focus on healing.

Procedure

Dr. Michaels can employ a variety of different surgical strategies to correct tuberous breasts. Your procedure will begin with the cleansing and sanitization of your skin, as well as the administration of anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Dr. Michaels can correct tuberous breasts using artificial implants, fat grafting, or breast-lifting techniques. The strategy and methods used will be predetermined at your personal consultation.

Tuberous Breast Corrections with Implants

If you are receiving a tuberous breast correction with implants, you will have the choice between saline and silicone breast implants. Dr. Michaels will first create an incision on the breasts to create a pocket to place the implant in. He can either make the breast pocket above the pectoral muscle (subglandular placement) or below the muscle (submuscular placement), depending on your anatomy and goals. Dr. Michaels will then place the implant before carefully closing the incisions.

Tuberous Breast Corrections with Fat Transfer

Dr. Michaels can correct tuberous breasts by using liposuction techniques to remove fat from other places in the body before purifying it and reinjecting it into the breasts. Common donor sites include the abdomen, flanks, thighs, or hips. We will administer tumescent fluid to the treatment area to help minimize bleeding, swell fat transfer, and enhance post-procedural comfort. Dr. Michaels will then carefully remove the targeted fat with suction before purifying it and injecting it into the breasts.

Tuberous Breast Corrections with Breast Lift

A breast lift, also referred to as a mastopexy, is a procedure that physically repositions the breasts to a higher, more natural placement. Dr. Michaels can also reshape and/or reposition the nipples for harmonious results.

Recovery

After your tuberous breast correction, you will be released home to continue resting. Most patients can return to work within 1-2 weeks, but you should avoid physical activities and strenuous tasks for several weeks. Dr. Michaels will monitor your progress during your follow-up appointments to ensure that you are healing properly, as well as provide additional instructions.

Results

After your procedure, you can expect a drastic transformation in the appearance and shape of your breasts. You can enjoy a natural-looking improvement in the sculpt and contour of your breasts, as well as an enhancement in symmetry and overall appearance. Many women also report an improvement in their self-esteem and self-confidence after seeing their new look. The results of tuberous breast correction are essentially permanent, with many patients enjoying their results for years afterward. Implants, however, will eventually need to be replaced.

Cost

The cost of each tuberous breast correction procedure can vary, as each treatment is designed to address your specific concerns and individual anatomy. The total cost of the procedure can depend on several factors, including the surgical strategies employed, the extent of corrections, facility fees, and more. Dr. Michaels will provide you with an estimated cost during your consultation once a treatment plan has been established. Additionally, our practice offers multiple financing options to help you address your concerns without the financial burden of a one-time payment.

To discover the cost of your tuberous breast correction procedure, please contact us online or reach out to the office most convenient for you.

FAQ

What are tuberous breasts?

Tuberous breasts refer to a condition that causes the breasts to develop atypically, resulting in a constricted base, enlarged areolas, and breast asymmetry. The condition is not harmful, but it can cause patients to feel self-conscious about their appearance.

How long will recovery take after my tuberous breast corrections?

Recovery will vary between patients, but most individuals can return to work within 1-2 weeks. Dr. Michaels will discuss your personal recovery timeline with you during your consultation.

Are implants necessary to correct my tuberous breasts?

Not every patient requires implants for corrections. Dr. Michaels can also perform grafting and breast lift techniques to help each patient achieve their desired results.

Will there be visible scarring after my tuberous breast correction?

Scarring will occur; however, we place incisions in discreet, easily hidden areas. We can discuss any concerns you have about scarring or recovery during your personal consultation.

What type of anesthesia is typically used in tuberous breast corrections?

Our practice typically uses general anesthesia to ensure each patient is comfortable and pain-free throughout the entirety of their procedure.

Can my tuberous breast correction be combined with another procedure for more cohesive results?

Yes, we can combine tuberous breast correction with other procedures for optimal results. For more information, we recommend reaching out to the office to schedule a consultation.

References

  1. van Durme J, Cooreman A, Paternoster J, Vranckx JJ. The Different Surgical Strategies for Treating Tuberous Breast Deformity: A Scoping Review. JPRAS Open. 2024;42:315-328. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpra.2024.07.011
  2. Grella R, D’Andrea F, Giovanni Francesco Nicoletti, Lanzano G. Tuberous Breast Management: A Review of Literature and Novel Technique Refinements. 2022;10(12):e4708-e4708. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000004708