What are Tubular Breasts?

What Are Tubular Breasts? Understanding a Common Yet Misunderstood Condition

Tubular breasts, also known as tuberous breasts, are a congenital condition that affects the shape, size, and symmetry of the breasts. While not often talked about openly, tubular breasts are more common than many realize and can vary widely in appearance. Understanding this condition can help individuals recognize the signs and explore their options for treatment if desired.

What Are Tuberous Breasts?

Tubular/tuberous breasts develop during puberty when breast tissue doesn’t grow normally. Instead of expanding evenly across the chest, the breast tissue is restricted — often by a tight ring of connective tissue at the base — causing the breasts to take on a narrow, elongated, or cone-like shape.

What do tubular breasts look like?

Features of tubular breasts could include:

• A gap larger than 1.5 inches between your breasts.
• Large areolas.
• Narrow base of your breasts.
• Wide spacing between the breasts
• enlarged, puffy, or protruding areolas
• Nipples point downward.
• Shorter-than-average distance between your nipple and the fold under your breast
• Breasts aren’t round; they’re tube-like, oval or triangular.
• Breasts are asymmetrical.
• Breasts lack volume and are droopy.

What Causes Tubular Breasts?

Tubular breasts are a result of a developmental anomaly that begins during puberty. While the exact cause is not fully understood, it’s believed to involve a connective tissue disorder that limits the normal outward expansion of breast tissue.

It is not caused by anything a person did or did not do, and it is not related to weight, diet, or lifestyle.

Are Tubular Breasts a Health Concern?

Tubular breasts are not a medical threat and do not usually pose any risks to physical health. However, the condition can cause emotional distress and self-consciousness, particularly during adolescence or early adulthood when body image is still developing.

Some women may also encounter challenges with breastfeeding, depending on the amount of glandular tissue and how the ducts are developed.

How Are Tubular Breasts Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made during a physical examination by a board-certified plastic surgeon or medical professional with experience in breast anomalies.

Imaging tests like ultrasounds or MRIs are rarely needed unless another condition is suspected.

Can Tubular Breasts Be Treated?

Yes, tubular breasts can be corrected through cosmetic breast surgery, which is highly individualized and tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals.

Common surgical options include:

• Breast augmentation to add volume and reshape the breast

• Tissue expansion to create a more natural breast base

• Areola reduction to correct puffiness or enlargement

• Fat grafting or mastopexy (breast lift) techniques to improve contour and symmetry

Correction of tubular breasts is considered one of the more complex types of breast surgery due to the need to address both form and symmetry, so choosing an experienced plastic surgeon is essential.

Living with Tubular Breasts

It’s important to remember that tubular breasts are a natural variation of breast development, not a deformity.

While some people choose surgery to feel more confident or balanced, others embrace their natural shape without treatment.

Education, body positivity, and open dialogue about conditions like this can help reduce stigma and empower those affected to make the best decision for their bodies.

Tubular breasts are a common yet often misunderstood condition resulting from abnormal breast development.

Though not harmful, they can impact self-image and breast function for some. Fortunately, safe and effective surgical treatments are available for those who seek correction.

Whether or not you pursue treatment, understanding this condition is the first step in embracing or improving your natural form.

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.