Tubular breasts, also known as tuberous breasts, tubular breast deformity (TBD), or “snoopy breasts,” is a congenital abnormality in which one or both breasts fail to develop fully and normally during puberty. The severity of symptoms associated with tubular breasts can range from moderate to severe and typically include:
- “Puffy” areolas
- Minimal breast tissue
- Sagging
- Excessive gap between breasts
- Higher than average breast crease
As a result of these varying conditions, the appearance of the tuberous breasts can have a huge impact on a patient’s self-confidence.
“I am so happy I finally made the decision to have surgery to correct the shape of my tuberous breasts. I haven’t worn a bikini for years because I was so self-conscious of my appearance. I am thrilled to say that for the first time in as long as I can remember, I wore a bikini to the beach and felt so confident! Thank you for changing my life Dr. Firouz!!!”
-Jessica L.
Luckily, the symptoms of tuberous breasts (shape, symmetry and size) can be easily corrected by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon through minimally invasive breast surgery. Located in Beverly Hills, Jimmy S. Firouz, MD, FACS is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in tubular breast reconstruction surgery.
Candidates for Tubular Breast Corrective Surgery
If you have the physical characteristics of tubular breasts, as well as the emotional side effects of misshapen breasts, you may be a candidate for corrective surgery.
Below are some of the most common symptoms of tubular breasts that can be corrected with surgery:
- Breast hypoplasia (small breasts or underdeveloped)
- One or both breasts have an excessively thin base
- The inframammary fold (breast crease) is too high or tight
- Breasts are asymmetrical
- Breast constriction
- Breasts have an abnormal shape and projection, almost resembling a cone.
Women may experience just one or multiple of these symptoms. Regardless of the degree of your condition, you should schedule a consultation with Dr. Firouz to evaluate your need for surgery. Dr. Firouz specializes in tubular breast correction and augmentation so that his patients can have their perfect breasts.
Tubular breasts can be defined in four levels of classification:
- Type I - indicated by hypoplasia of the lower medial quadrant
- Type II – indicated by hypoplasia of the lower medial and lateral quadrants, sufficient skin in the subareolar region
- Type III - indicated by hypoplasia of the lower medial and lateral quadrants, deficiency of skin in the subareolar region and severe breast constriction, minimal breast base.
- Type IV- indicated by significant breast constriction with a minimal breast base.
Dr. Firouz will examine your breasts during a consultation and determine which type of tuberous breast deformity you have and what method of correction is therefore best for you.
How are Tubular Breasts Corrected During Surgery?
Given that malformed, tubular breasts are often accompanied by lowered self-esteem and increased psychological stress, many individuals elect to undergo corrective surgery. A number of treatment options are available for patients seeking corrective surgery, including tissue expansion and breast augmentation. It is important to understand that a tuberous breast reconstruction with augmentation is much more complex than a normal breast augmentation.
Tuberous breast correction is a very meticulous and specialized procedure and should only be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in this area. As a breast enhancement expert, Dr. Firouz specializes in successfully correcting tubular breasts and creating beautiful results for his patients. Dr. Firouz has mastered this procedure and has found that a breast implant in conjunction with a periareolar incision allows for the highest degree of control and accuracy when placing the implant. This surgical technique results in a natural, symmetrical, and full breast appearance. In order to restore a more ideal and rounded breast shape, Dr. Firouz may also recommend a breast lift along with the augmentation. As mentioned before, each patient with tuberous breasts is unique, and so is their surgery with Dr. Firouz. After consulting with Dr. Firouz in person, he will tailor your tuberous breast correction surgery to your specific needs so that you have the best breast shape and size for your body.
If you have mild symptoms of tubular breasts, it is especially important to find an expert surgeon to perform your surgery. Unfortunately, many surgeons are inexperienced with tubular breasts and the condition goes undiagnosed, so a “normal” breast augmentation will be performed improperly on the patient, resulting in a less than satisfactory appearance. To avoid this, schedule your consultation with Dr. Firouz.
Finally, in addition to Dr. Firouz’s surgical expertise, our entire team is here to support you and care for you during your surgical journey. Our number one priority is to provide our patients with the dedicated and compassionate care they deserve from their initial consultation all the way through their follow-up appointments and beyond!
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon of the Breasts
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jimmy S. Firouz specializes in face, breast, and body procedures with a heavy emphasis on breast enhancement. With years of experience, Dr. Firouz provides beautiful results for his patients.
To speak with a member of our team or schedule a consultation regarding corrective surgery for tubular breasts, give us a call at 310-274-4321 at your earliest convenience.
*Tubular Breast Illustrations*
Tuberous Breast Deformity: Classification and Treatment Strategy for Improving Consistency in Aesthetic Correction Kolker, Adam R.; Collins, Meredith S. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 135(1):73-86, January 2015.