Understanding Tubular Breasts

Tubular breast (also known as tuberous breast) is a relatively rare congenital breast deformity characterized by a narrow base, a high inframammary fold (the fold underneath the breasts), a constricted lower pole, and a herniated or protuberant areola. This results in a breast that is elongated and cylindrical in shape, rather than round and full.

Patients with this condition may also experience breast asymmetry, an enlarged areola (areola hypertrophy), a “collapsed” appearance in the skin around the nipple and/or a pointed-shaped breast. 

What Causes Tubular Breasts?

Tubular breasts are caused by an underdevelopment of the breast tissue and mammary glands during puberty. The exact root cause of the condition is still being researched, but some studies suggest that the condition may be inherited.

Is A Tubular Breast Dangerous?

Tubular breasts are not considered dangerous, but they can cause physical and emotional discomfort for those who suffer from the condition. Women with tubular breasts may feel self-conscious or anxious about their appearance and may avoid physical activities or clothing styles that highlight their breast shape.

Can You Breastfeed With Tubular Breasts?

This is dependent on the severity of the tuberous breast. Women with mild cases may be able to breastfeed due to the amount of glandular tissue they have successfully developed. However, even if you are able to produce enough breast milk, the process can still be an uncomfortable challenge.

How To Correct Tubular Breasts With Surgery

There are several options available for correcting tubular breasts, including breast augmentation, breast lift, and fat transfer breast lift. At Donaldson Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in performing breast augmentation surgery to successfully correct mild cases of tubular breasts.

Breast Augmentation To Fix Tubular Breasts

Breast augmentation is the most common solution for women with tubular breasts. This surgical procedure involves the placement of implants to add volume and improve the shape of the breast, enhancing the complete appearance of tubular breasts. However, in some cases, a breast augmentation may not be sufficient to fully correct the deformity, and a combination of procedures, such as a breast lift or fat transfer, may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

It is important to note that each case of tubular breasts is unique and requires a personalized treatment plan. An experienced plastic surgeon will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the best course of action to meet the patient’s unique goals and expectations.

Can Tubular Breasts Be Fixed Without Implants?

In some cases, tubular breasts can be corrected through a breast lift or fat transfer alone. However, many women opt for a combination of these procedures along with breast augmentation for a more comprehensive solution. Your plastic surgeon will assess your individual case and recommend the best treatment plan to achieve your aesthetic goals in a way that you feel most comfortable with.

Does Insurance Cover Tuberous Breast Deformity?

Insurance coverage for tuberous breast deformity will depend on the specific policy and the reason for treatment. In some cases, insurance may cover the cost of surgery only if it is deemed medically necessary to correct a functional issue or alleviate physical discomfort. It is very rare for an insurance policy to cover this condition based on cosmetic merits alone. 

How Much Does Tubular Breast Correction Surgery Cost? 

Without insurance, the total cost for this procedure ranges between $6,000 and $10,000. This price includes all facets of the surgery, including consultations, follow-up appointments, operating room fees, anesthesia costs and more. The range is dependent on the surgical method chosen for correction; a breast lift (or “mastopexy”) alone will fall on the lower end, while a breast augmentation will land on the higher end — especially if both breasts are being augmented to achieve optimal symmetry. 

About The Author

Jeffrey Donaldson, MD is an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon in Columbus, Ohio. Throughout his multi-decade career in the industry, Dr. Donaldson has performed thousands of successful breast augmentation and breast lift surgeries — many of which were completed to correct the appearance of tubular breasts. He continues to hone his craft and educate patients everywhere about the latest breast surgery techniques. 

Tubular breasts can cause physical and emotional discomfort for those affected by the condition. If you are suffering from tubular breasts, consider seeking the expertise of a qualified plastic surgeon. At Donaldson Plastic Surgery, our team of experts will work with you to create a customized treatment plan to achieve your desired results.