Tuberous Breast Correction

The term tuberous breast describes a particular range of breast shapes that some women develop. Whilst there can be a range of breast shapes that can be described as tuberous, the common factor they all share is an enlarged areola with a bulge of breast tissue into the areola. Many tuberous breasts also are asymmetric and have a high and tight breast crease.

Each patient’s breasts must be evaluated carefully as they are all different, and all the features required need to be addressed. The breast may be enlarged using a carefully chosen breast implant or alternatively using fat grafting. A breast tightening procedure is then often performed using a scar around the areola. The goal is to tighten the breast to stop the tissue bulging through the areola.

HOW IS A TUBEROUS BREAST CORRECTED?

Surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic usually with an overnight stay in hospital. Surgical tapes are used along the scars, and you will wake up wearing a supportive post-surgical bra.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TUBEROUS BREAST CORRECTION?

The development of tuberous breasts can have profound psychological effects on those who develop them and a good correction makes a huge difference to self confidence and self-esteem. A variety of procedures have been described to correct them, and Mr Pacifico has a particular interest in this surgery. The aim is to try to correct the shape in one operation, but occasionally further procedures might be required (at extra cost).

HOW LONG DOES TUBEROUS BREAST SURGERY TAKE?

Surgery takes around 2-3-hours.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PERIOD AFTER TUBEROUS BREAST SURGERY?

An overnight stay in hospital is usually recommended after surgery. The post-surgical bra needs to be worn day-and-night for at least 6-weeks after surgery.

HOW LONG BEFORE GETTING BACK TO NORMAL?

It is important to avoid strenuous activity for at least 2-weeks after surgery, but you should be able to get back to all sporting activity by around 6-weeks. You should wait until 2-weeks after surgery before driving.

WHAT ARE THE SUCCESS RATES OF TUBEROUS BREAST CORRECTION?

Correcting a tuberous breast can be challenging, but the outcomes can be excellent. Occasionally, minor revisional surgery is needed to perfect the outcome.

What Are The Risks Of Tuberous Breast Surgery?

• Like all surgery, there are risks of wound infection & wound breakdown
• Bleeding (referred to as haematoma) can happen and if it occurs it would require a return to the operating theatre
• If a breast implant is used in surgery, there is a risk of capsular contracture developing – a tightening of the naturally forming scar tissue around the implant which can change the shape of the breast or cause discomfort. If this occurs, it would require further surgery (at extra cost) in the future
• Poor scarring (hypertrophic or keloid)
• Nipple issues can occur. It is not uncommon for nipple sensation to change. Rarely complete or partial death of the nipple has been described
• Breast asymmetry – all women have differences between their breasts, and those with tuberous breasts often have marked asymmetry. Whilst surgery will improve the symmetry, there will always be a degree of breast asymmetry after surgery.
• Blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolus (PE) can occasionally occur in surgery
• Revision surgery can be required to improve imperfections in the surgical outcome