Tuberous Breast Malformation

Description of the Problem


Tubular breast or tuberous breast is a more complex problem which has many variations. The lower part (one or both lower quadrants of the breast) of the breast does not fully form and appears constricted by tight overlying skin. The fold under the breast can be shifted upwards and the remaining tissue tilts downwards. The nipple and areola may also be stretched. If the dermis of the areola is thin, breast gland may herniate through the areola creating a prolaps of the nipple-areola complex.


In its mildest form, the breast may simply be slightly flattened in the lower half. Many forms exist, but it is useful to distinguish between those of normal volume (normovolemic type) and those with small breasts (hypoplastic type) where the gland is also underdeveloped.


The surgical options depend on how the shape and size need to be altered.

Normovolemic type Hypoplastic type

Figure 1: Two different degrees of tubular breasts in the same patient. The right breast shows a moderate form with particular abnormality of the areola. The left breast is more hypoplastic with very limited developement of the lower quadrants. The left breast has a clear tube-like shape.

 

Goals of the Surgery


The more complex forms of tuberous breast should be addressed in one or more operations. The skin of the lower part must be released and stretched. The areola may need reduction and/or lifting. Sometimes a simple breast lift is all that is required.

 

Surgical Technique


Three major steps comprise the approach to the tuberous breast.

 

  1. Expansion of the breast base: this may be achieved in one visit with a fixed volume implant or may require the use of an expander. If an expander is used, the breast can be gradually stretched into shape and then exchanged for a permanent implant some months later.
  2. Filling of the lower half of the breast: After expansion, or if the patient already has enough skin, the lower pole volume can be addressed. This can either be done with an implant or, in some cases, by moving tissue from elsewhere in the breast into this position. This leaves a scar around the nipple and a short vertical scar on the lower part of the breast.
  3. Repositioning of the nipple: The areola may also need to be reduced during this process.
    In the majority of patients, all three steps can be achieved through an areola incision.

Figure 2: (above) Mild presentation of bilateral tubular breasts. (below) Final result after expansion, permanent implant and lipofilling.

Figure 3: (a) Severe bilateral tubular breast deformation. (below) Final result after conventional breast lift on the left breast and tissue expansion followed by lipofilling only in the right breast.

 

What to expect after the operation


Dressings vary depending on the exact nature of the surgery. There will often be drainage tubes in both sides which can be removed after 1-2 days. Your recovery following surgery greatly depends on how extensive an operation was necessary.


Normal symptoms after surgery include:

  • Bruising
  • Temporary loss of sensation to the nipple, areola or surrounding skin
  • Swelling
  • Pain and discomfort
  • Restricted movement

 

Length of Stay

 

Minor corrections can be performed as day cases, whilst larger operations will require a stay of 1-2 days. A complete correction may need more than one procedure.

 

What to expect after discharge


If the wounds have been sealed with glue, the area can be showered the day afterwards. In other cases, you may have to wait for the wound to heal. Advice regarding bra use will be given on a tailored basis to taking into account the requirements of your operation. Sports and heavy work should be avoided for 4 weeks. Sleeping on your stomach should also be avoided during this time. It will be possible to do some normal housework within a few days

 

Potential Complications


Early:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Wound healing problems
  • Skin irritation


Late:

  • Permanent sensory loss in the nipple, areola or surrounding skin
  • Scar hypertrophy (thickening)
  • Asymmetry
  • Dissatisfaction with the final volume
  • Late effects of ageing
  • Implant problems (discussed in the augmentation section)

 

Financial Considerations


Tuberous breast is not a medical problem and does not cause any functional impairment per se. Depending on your health service or insurance, the operation may or may not be funded. It is important to clarify your funding status and the costs of the surgery with the surgeon and your insurer prior to surgery.