Tubular Breasts: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Tubular Breasts

Tubular breasts, sometimes called tuberous breasts or constricted breasts, are a type of breast shape variation that can cause emotional distress and self-consciousness for many individuals. While not harmful to your health, tubular breasts often lead people to seek medical advice and cosmetic correction. Here’s what you need to know about the symptoms, causes, and available treatment options for tubular breasts.

What Are Tubular Breasts?

Tubular breasts are a congenital breast shape anomaly that typically becomes apparent during puberty when the breasts develop. Instead of rounding out evenly, the breast tissue stays tight and narrow at the base, giving the breasts a tube-like or cone-shaped appearance. This condition can affect one or both breasts and vary in severity.

Symptoms of Tubular Breasts

Common characteristics of tubular breasts include:

• Narrow base: The breast has a small or tight base, causing a constricted look.

• Elongated or conical shape: Instead of a round or teardrop shape, the breast may appear long and tube-like.

• Large, puffy areolas: The areola may be disproportionately large or protrude due to herniation of breast tissue.

• Wide spacing: Breasts may sit far apart on the chest.

• Asymmetry: One breast may be noticeably larger or shaped differently than the other.

While tubular breasts do not pose a health risk, they can impact body confidence, bra fit, and breastfeeding for some women.

What Causes Tubular Breasts?

Tubular breasts are believed to develop due to abnormal connective tissue during puberty. The tissue around the base of the breast restricts the normal outward expansion of breast tissue, resulting in a constricted base and herniation through the nipple area.

The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is generally accepted as a developmental variation rather than something caused by lifestyle or environmental factors.

How Are Tubular Breasts Treated?

Treatment for tubular breasts is elective and primarily cosmetic. Many people with mild cases choose to accept their breast shape, while others opt for surgical correction to improve symmetry and fullness.

Common surgical treatments include:

• Breast augmentation: Implants can add volume and help round out the shape.

• Tissue expansion: A surgeon may release the constricted tissue at the base to allow the breast to expand more naturally.

• Areola reduction: If the areola is large or puffy, it can be resized and reshaped.

• Breast lift (mastopexy): This may be combined with other procedures to improve overall contour and position.

Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in tubular breast correction is essential for the best outcome, as the surgery requires specialized techniques.

Does Insurance Cover Tubular Breast Correction?

Insurance coverage for tubular breast surgery can vary. Generally, because tubular breast correction is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by most health insurance plans. However, if the deformity is severe and causing significant functional issues, like serious asymmetry or difficulties with breastfeeding, partial coverage might be possible. Always check with your insurance provider and get a detailed estimate from your surgeon.

Tubular breasts are more common than many realize and are simply a variation in breast shape.

If they affect your self-esteem or comfort, know that surgical options are available and can produce excellent results when performed by a skilled surgeon. Consulting with a trusted board-certified plastic surgeon is the best first step to learn what approach is right for you.

For More Information on the Treatments and Procedures offered, contact award-winning Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Fiala at Fiala Aesthetics in Greater Orlando to Schedule Your Consultation:

Voted the #1 Best Plastic Surgeon in Orlando, Florida by the readers of Orlando Magazine.

Serving patients in and around Greater Central Florida: Orlando, Altamonte, Lake Mary, Maitland, Winter Park, Clermont, Casselberry, Lake Mary, Longwood, Celebration, Heathrow, Windermere, Dr. Phillips, Sanford, Deltona, Deland, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Ocala, The Villages and more.