Dra. Luísa Magalhães Ramos
Fast Recovery
In our clinic, we have been using this surgical method for over 10 years, with experience and proven results demonstrated by the low percentage of complications.
Our goal is to make the recovery as comfortable and quick as possible, always prioritizing safety and minimizing complications.
More important than recovering quickly is that everything goes well without avoidable complications.
What is Tuberous Breast?
Tuberous breasts, also known as tubular breasts, are caused by a congenital alteration of the breast that gives it a tube-like appearance. The shape of the tuberous breast includes a reduced breast base, an elevated inframammary fold, and the accumulation of breast contents through the areola, resulting in a disproportionally large areola.
Patients may display any combination of these characteristics, ranging from mild to severe. In these cases, breast asymmetry is common, especially in the most severe instances.
Breast Tubular Deformity is also know
by the following names:
- Tuberous breasts;
- Tubular breasts;
- “Tube-shaped breasts”;
- “Cone-shaped breasts”.
Who is a candidate
for a breast reduction?
Individuals who are good candidates for tuberous breast correction surgery typically have the following characteristics:
- Fully developed breast (usually by the age of 18);
- They are not pregnant or breastfeeding;
- Good overall health;
- Non-smokers;
- Emotionally stable;
- Realistic expectations regarding the outcome of the surgery;
- They have one or more characteristics of a tuberous breast.
The surgical approach should be determined on an individual basis, taking into account the extent of changes and their degree of severity. When breast enlargement is performed on a normal breast, the goal is not to significantly alter the (normal) shape, but only the breast volume.
Tuberous breasts often require the placement of a breast implant and other procedures to improve the tubular appearance of the gland. A breast lift or areola reduction, for example, may be used to correct the sagging appearance of the breast.
What results can I expect
from a Tuberous Breast Correction?
The patient will immediately notice the result of tuberous breast surgery, but the final result will appear after a few months. Patients who have had this surgery report an immense boost in self-confidence and self-esteem, as well as starting to have a more healthy relationship with their own body.
Surgery procedure
for tubular breast correction
The process of tuberous breasts correction requires several steps:
1. Consultation with the plastic surgeon
During your consultation with the medical team, you will discuss what bothers you as well as the results you hope to achieve.
2. 3D Simulation
A 3D simulation can be performed to visualize possible results. Different sizes and shapes of implants can be used to simulate the result.
3. Details and plan of actions
In addition to clearing up all your questions about the surgery, a tailored plan is drawn up.
4. Cost of surgery
After your medical consultation, you will be given the precise procedure cost. The price will be based on the complexity of the case. You may then schedule your surgery.
Causes of Tuberous Breasts
Tuberous breast is a congenital deformity of the breast. The mammary gland develops improperly because of a change in collagen in the tissue surrounding it. Tubular breast deformities are not medically problematic, but surgical correction is required whenever they negatively impact the patient’s confidence.
Characteristics of
Tuberous Breasts
Patients with tuberous breasts have an altered vertical and horizontal development of the mammary gland. It can appear in only one breast or in both symmetrically or asymmetrically. Typically, patients have a reduced breast volume and one or more of the following changes:
- The breasts are tubular rather than rounded in shape;
- The base of the breast is narrow;
- The inframammary fold is located very high;
- Areolas are larger and wider.
Diferentes Graus da Mama Tuberosa
A mama tuberosa pode classificar-se em diferentes graus de acordo à severidade dos sintomas apresentados:
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is used in combination with sedation to perform tuberous breast correction surgery. The patient is first sedated by an anesthesiologist, and then a local anesthesia is administered so the procedure is performed without causing the patient any discomfort.
Type of Incision - Scar
The kind and severity of scars are determined by the type and extent of alterations. In the least severe cases, only an incision around the areola is made. Usually, the areola must be reduced in size and its conical projection retracted, resulting in a scar around the entire areola. In rarer cases, when the breasts are very saggy, an inverted T scar or a vertical scar may be required.
Tuberous Breast
Correction Step by Step
A tuberous breast correction surgery is an important decision. As such, the woman must be aware of the surgical procedure, step by step:
MARKINGS
The incisions are made with the patient standing, allowing for accurate visualization of the chest position, asymmetry, and sag, as well as the exact incision location..
SEDATION
Local anesthesia and sedation are usually used to perform tuberous breast correction. The anesthesiologist, who is present throughout the procedure, administers sedation intravenously.
STERILISATION AND PLACEMENT OF OPERATIVE FIELDS
The entire area that will be operated on is antiseptically disinfected to reduce the risk of infection. Surrounding operative fields are placed around the area to isolate it from the surrounding environment to ensure sterile conditions.
LOCAL ANAESTHETIC
The patient is already asleep when local anesthesia is injected into the intervention area. Local anesthesia injection or any discomfort during the surgery will not be felt.
THE INCISIONS
A surgical incision is made using the selected technique —typically circumareolar or partial areolar.
DETACHMENT FROM THE PURSE
A pocket is created to place the implants in the previously defined position.
PLACEMENT OF SIZERS
Prior to placing the real implants, the sizers are placed to make a simulation and ensure that the result matches the patient's expectations.
SOAKING IMPLANTS IN ANTIBIOTICS AND INSERTION
The implant is inserted into the pocket after being soaked in triple antibiotic therapy to reduce the risk of infection.
INCISION CLOSURE
The incisions are closed with absorbable thread; the patient sits on the table to evaluate the final result and symmetry.
APPLICATION OF SURGICAL ADHESIVES
Surgical adhesives seal the skin without requiring bandages, and they gradually disintegrate after 15 days.
How to prepare for tubular breast correction?
During the medical consultation the patient is provided all the information required in order to prepare for the procedure and well as post-surgery care.
BEFORE SURGERY
- Do not take blood thinners two weeks before surgery to decrease the chance of bleeding
- Do not smoke one month prior to and one month after surgery in order to ensure a fast recovery.
- Immediately inform the medical team if you become ill before surgery..
- Prior to surgery, carefully read the documentation given to you about tuberous breast correction, as questions may arise.
- Make sure you have assistance at home if you have children. If you still have questions about the surgery, please contact us prior to the procedure.
THE DAY OF THE SURGERY
- Avoid eating indigestible foods the day before. You should be on an absolute fast for 8 hours – do not eat or drink any liquid including water.
- Prior to and after surgery, you should shower with the prescribed antiseptic gel to avoid infections.
- Don’t bring any jewellery or watches with you.
- Don’t wear any make-up or nail polish.
- Wear clothes that are both comfortable and easy to take off (fronts with buttons or zips are best).
- You must arrange for someone to pick you up at the clinic because you cannot drive or go home alone.
POSTOPERATIVE
- You should not attempt to do anything in the first week after surgery (if you have an office job, you can return in one to two weeks).
- Take the prescribed medication.
- Do not drive during the first 8 days after surgery.
- Wear the surgical bra for 30 days and the band for 15 days.
- Do not smoke.
- Stay hydrated and eat well.
- Make sure to attend all review appointments.
- You can resume exercise at the gym after 1 month, but you should begin slowly.
Benefits of a Tuberous Breast Correction
- Improves breast asymmetry;
- Improves breast shape (more rounded instead of tubular/conical);
- Reduce areola size;
- Improves harmony, balance and proportion;
- It helps to improve confidence and self-esteem.
Rapid Recovery in Tuberous Breast Correction
The Rapid Recovery Protocol is the technique we have used in all breast surgeries, including tuberous breast correction surgery. It consists of a set of practices that optimize the safety of the surgery and also the recovery time.
For this technique to be successful, careful planning is required at every stage: consultation, surgery and post-operative care.
At our clinic we have been using the Rapid Recovery technique for over 10 years, with experience and results proven by the low percentage of complications.
Our aim is for recovery to be as comfortable and quick as possible, but always prioritizing safety and low complications. More important than recovering quickly is that everything goes smoothly, without avoidable complications.
Each body is different, each case is different. While it’s true that most women go through surgery extremely comfortably, it’s still necessary to allow time for a smooth recovery, so as not to precipitate unnecessary complications. The total recovery time for tuberous breast correction surgery is always at least 4 weeks.
At an early stage, there is a lot of edema and you shouldn’t exert yourself physically for the first 4 weeks, to reduce the risk of hematomas and seromas. Wanting to rush recovery can be counterproductive and end up causing more complications in the short/medium term.
Specialist Doctors
About
Dr. Luísa Magalhães Ramos / Plastic Surgery
PORTUGUESE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Nr. 42810
Graduated by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, she specialized in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, at Hospital de São José, in Lisbon.
Throughout her training, she subspecialized in aesthetic plastic surgery, having worked in world-renowned clinics.
Currently, she is mainly dedicated to face and breast aesthetic plastic surgery and to intimate female surgery.
About
Dr. Alice Varanda Pereira / Plastic Surgery
Member of The Portuguese Medical Association, Nr. 47051
Graduated by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, she completed her master’s degree in human sexuality and is currently developing her PhD at this same institution.
She joined the University faculty academic staff in 2008 as a lecturer of the Institute of Anatomy. It is in this unit that she produces most of her research projects, mainly in the area of surgical anatomy, whilst also supervising master’s thesis for undergraduate students.
About
Dr. Mariana da Rocha Martins / Plastic Surgery
Member of The Portuguese Medical Association – Nr. 55124
Graduated by the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Porto and specialized in reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery at Hospital de São José, in Lisbon.
Throughout her specific training in plastic surgery, she worked in internationally renowned institutions such as Institut Kaplan (Barcelona), La Clinic (Montreux) and Great Ormond Street Hospital (London).
About
Dr. Marta Gouveia Duarte / Plastic Surgery
Member of The Portuguese Medical Association, Nº 57817
Graduated in Medicine from the School of Health Sciences of the University of Minho, where she completed her Master’s thesis in Human Aging.
She concluded her specialty in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery at the Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central – Hospital de São José.
Collaborates in several research projects at NOVA Medical School.
About
Dr. Filipa Oliveira/ Plastic Surgery
PORTUGUESE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: registration Nº. 59147, specialist in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Graduated in Medicine from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, where she completed her Master’s thesis on pediatric scars.
PhD in Medicine from the University of Münster in Germany.
After completing her specialty, she became a Senior Graduate Assistant (Oberärztin) at the Fachklinik Hornheide and the University of Münster. She is currently involved in various research projects at the University of Münster, where she is supervising doctoral students. She is also a regular correspondent for scientific and leisure magazines in Germany.
FAQ about
Tuberous Breast
IS TUBEROUS BREAST CORRECTION A SAFE SURGERY?
No surgery is risk-free. However, the risks associated with breast correction are substantially reduced if you account for several variables such as:
1. Choose an accredited plastic surgery clinic;
2. Select a plastic surgeon skilled in breast correction and accredited by the Medical Association;
3. Have all necessary medical examinations carried out;
4. Strictly follow the pre- and post-operative guidelines issued by the medical team.
WHAT IS THE PRICE OF A TUBEROUS BREAST SURGERY IN LISBON?
The cost of a tuberous breast surgery in Lisbon depends on the initial condition of the breasts and the techniques utilised. Every individual is different, so a medical evaluation is necessary to diagnose the condition and create a custom plan.
ARE THERE NON-SURGICAL PROCEDURES TO IMPROVE THE APPEARANCE OF THE TUBEROUS BREAST?
There is no other method to improve the appearance of the tuberous breast than surgical treatment. Tuberous breasts are a complex deformity of the breast that require a high degree of knowledge and experience, and frequently require multiple surgical techniques in order to achieve the desired results.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO PERFORM BREAST ENLARGEMENT AND TUBEROUS BREAST CORRECTION IN THE SAME SURGERY?
Yes, most patients with tuberous breasts require breast implants to fill the lower portion of the breast.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO CORRECT THE TUBEROUS BREAST WITHOUT BREAST IMPLANTS?
Breast implants are usually required to fill the lower portion of the breast, which is almost always non-existent in cases of tuberous breast. In only very mild cases of deformity, fat injections may be used to treat the lower portion of the breast.
IS THE USE OF BREAST IMPLANTS GUARANTEED TO MAKE THE BREASTS EXACTLY EQUAL?
Breast implants can improve asymmetry in tuberous breasts, but they cannot create identical breasts. The outcome will essentially be determined by the initial condition of the breasts and the amount of asymmetry present. Asymmetry is very common in tuberous breasts.
FROM WHAT AGE CAN A TUBEROUS BREAST CORRECTION BE PERFORMED?
It is advisable to have this surgery performed from the age of 18, when the breast is usually already fully developed.
CAN I BREASTFEED AFTER TUBEROUS BREAST SURGERY?
It is common for women to be concerned about breastfeeding after having tuberous breast correction surgery. It is possible to breastfeed after a tuberous breast correction, but any type of breast surgery has the potential to interfere with breastfeeding, so if you are considering having children after your surgery, you should discuss it with your plastic surgeon.
SHOULD I HAVE SURGERY BEFORE OR AFTER PREGNANCY?
It is advised that you wait if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before having surgery. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can compromise the surgery result.
AFTER THE SURGERY CAN I CONTINUE TO HAVE SCANS AND MAMMOGRAPHIES?
Yes. Breast cancer screenings can and should continue to be performed as prescribed, with no contraindications.
Posso usar soutiens normais depois da cirurgia?
Durante os primeiros 30 dias, deve utilizar o soutien cirúrgico, 24 sob 24 horas. Após este tempo, pode utilizar soutiens normais, sempre e quando se sinta confortável.
DOES THE SCAR DISAPPEAR?
All surgeries result in scarring, but the scarring associated with tuberous breasts is usually well hidden, because it is located in a transition zone between the areola and the skin of the breast. The final appearance of scars is determined by a person’s genetic make-up and post-operative care. At first, the scar is redder and paler as the months go by.
WILL I LOSE SENSITIVITY?
Breast surgery complications may include a change in sensitivity, but most are temporary.
WILL I NEED DRAINS?
Drains are used to eliminate fluid that builds up in the breast after surgery. The surgeon decides whether or not to insert the drains, and they are removed after 24 hours or 48 hours.
