Tuberous Breast: what it is, benefits and results
Recovery Fast
At our clinic we have been using this surgical method 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 prioritising safety and low complications.
More important than recovering quickly is that everything goes smoothly, without any avoidable complications.
What is Mama Tuberosa?
Tuberous breast is a congenital alteration of the breast that gives it a tube-like appearance. There are several changes to the shape of the breast that define tuberous breast, namely the narrowing of the breast base, the raised inframammary fold and the protrusion of the breast contents through the areola, resulting in a disproportionately large areolar size.
The spectrum of alterations is quite variable, with some patients presenting only some of these characteristics in a mild way and others presenting all of them in a very marked way. Breast asymmetry is frequent in these situations, especially in the most severe cases.
Familiar names
tubular breast deformity:
- Tuberous breast;
- Tubular breast;
- “Tube-shaped breast”;
- “Cone-shaped breast”.
Who it's for
Tuberous Breast Correction Surgery
Good candidates for tuberous breast repair surgery usually have the following characteristics:
- Fully developed chest (usually by the age of 18);
- They are not pregnant or breastfeeding;
- Good general state of 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 technique must be selected on a case-by-case basis, according to the alterations present and their degree of severity. In breast augmentation performed on a normal breast, the aim is not to significantly alter the (normal) shape, but only the breast volume. In tuberous breasts, there is almost always a need to complement the placement of a breast implant with other techniques to improve the tubular appearance of the gland. These complementary techniques can include reducing the size of the areola or correcting the sagging appearance of the breast with a breast lift.
What results can I expect after realising
a correction of the Tuberous Breast?
The result of tuberous breast treatment is visible immediately after surgery, but the final result is expected after a few months. Patients who have tuberous breast correction surgery report a considerable improvement in self-confidence and self-esteem and a healthier relationship with their own bodies.
Surgery Procedure
Tuberous Breast Correction
The medical consultation for tuberous breast correction consists of several stages:
1. A chat with the Doctor
The first step in your consultation is to share with the medical team what is bothering you and the result you want to achieve.
2. 3D simulation
It is possible to carry out a 3D simulation, which allows you to visualise the result that can be achieved with the surgery. You can simulate the result with implants of different sizes and shapes.
3. Detailed explanations
As well as answering all your questions about the surgery, a personalised treatment plan is drawn up.
4. Presentation of the Rapid Recovery protocol
At our clinic, we apply the Rapid Recovery / 24h Recovery in all breast augmentation surgeries, allowing the patient to have a comfortable, short and mobile recovery hours after surgery.
5. Budget
After the medical consultation, you will be given an exact quote according to the complexity of the procedure. You can then book the date of your surgery.
6. Psychological assessment
For us, your well-being and mental health are a priority. Therefore, before the surgery we carry out a psychological assessment to ensure that you have the necessary conditions to undergo the procedure and that you are aware of the impact it could have on your life.
Causes Tuberous Breast
Tuberous breast is a congenital deformity of the breast. There is a collagen alteration in the tissue surrounding the mammary gland that prevents the breast from developing properly. Tubular breast deformity is not considered a health problem, but surgical treatment is indicated whenever it affects the patient's self-esteem.
Features
Tuberous Breast
In the tuberous breast there is an alteration in the vertical and horizontal development of the mammary gland. It can appear in only one or both breasts, symmetrically or asymmetrically. Typically, patients have a reduced breast volume and one or more of the following alterations:
- Tubular rather than rounded breast shape;
- Narrowing of the base of the breast;
- Very high position of the inframammary fold;
- Increased areola volume and width.
Type of Anaesthesia
Tuberous breast correction surgery is usually performed under sedation and local anaesthesia. First, the patient is sedated by the anaesthetist and then, when she is asleep, local anaesthetics are injected so that she doesn't feel any pain during the procedure.
Type of Incision - Scar
The type of scarring will depend on the changes present and their degree of severity. In very mild cases, only an incision around part of the circumference of the areola may be used. Most of the time it is necessary to reduce the size of the areola and retract its conical projection, resulting in a scar around the entire areola. In rarer cases, usually with very saggy breasts, it may be necessary to add a vertical or inverted T-shaped scar.
Correction
Tuberous Breast step by step
Undergoing tuberous breast correction surgery is an important decision and as such, women should be aware of the surgical procedure.
At our clinic, we apply the Rapid Recovery, It is used in all tuberous breast correction surgeries, allowing the patient to have a comfortable, short and mobile recovery hours after surgery.
The intervention follows these phases:
Bookings
The markings are made with the patient standing so that the position of the breast, the degree of asymmetry and sagging can be correctly visualised, as well as defining the exact location of the incision.
Sedation
Tuberous breast correction is usually performed under local anaesthesia and sedation. Sedation is administered intravenously by the anaesthetist, who will be present throughout the surgery.
Disinfection and placement of surgical drapes
The entire area to be treated is disinfected with antiseptic solutions to reduce the risk of infection. Operating drapes are placed around the area to be operated on to isolate it from the external environment.
Local anaesthetic
Injection of local anaesthetic into the intervention area. As the patient is already asleep, she won't feel the injections or any discomfort during the operation.
The incisions
The incision is made according to the previously chosen technique - usually circumareolar or in just one part of the areola.
Bag detachment
A pocket is created to place the implants in the previously defined position.
Placing sizers
Sizers are samples that are very similar to real implants, which are placed before the real implants to simulate them and ensure that the result matches the patient's expectations.
Bathing the implant in antibiotics and introducing them
The aim is to reduce the risk of infection. After bathing in triple antibiotic therapy, the implant is then inserted into the bag.
Closing the incisions
The incisions are closed using absorbable thread. The patient is seated on the couch to check the result and symmetry.
Application of surgical glue
Surgical glue seals the skin, does not require dressings and gradually falls off after 15 days.
Preparation for Tuberous Breast Correction
During the medical consultation, the patient receives all the information she needs to prepare for the surgery, including all the precautions she should take before and after the operation.
Before Surgery
- Do not take any anticoagulants two weeks before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
- Do not smoke one month before and one month after surgery in order to contribute to good healing.
- If you become ill in the days before the surgery, you should inform the medical team immediately.
- Read the documentation you've been given about tuberous breast repair carefully, as questions may arise before surgery.
- If you have children, make sure you have help at home during the first few days.
- If you still have questions about the surgery, contact us and don't wait until the last day.
Surgery Day
- The day before, do not eat indigestible food. You must fast for 8 hours - do not eat or drink any liquid, especially water.
- The day before and the day of surgery, you should shower with the prescribed antiseptic gel to avoid infection.
- No jewellery or watches.
- Do not wear make-up or nail varnish.
- Wear comfortable clothes (preferably with buttons or a zip down the front).
- She should have someone to pick her up from the clinic as she can't drive or walk home alone.
Post-operative
- Do not exert yourself for the first week (if you work in an office, you can return to work after one to two weeks).
- Take the medication prescribed by the medical team.
- Do not drive for 8 days.
- Wear the surgical bra for 30 days and the band for 15 days.
- No smoking.
- Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet.
- Attend all review appointments.
- You can return to the gym after a month, but you should start gradually.
Benefits Tuberous Breast Correction
- Improves breast asymmetry;
- Improves breast shape (more rounded instead of tubular/conical);
- Reduces the size of the areolas;
- Improves harmony and proportion;
- It helps to improve confidence and self-esteem.
Rapid Recovery in Tuberous Breast Correction
O 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 optimise surgical safety and also recovery time.
The success of this technique requires careful planning of all stages: consultation, surgery and post-surgery.
At our clinic we have been using the Rapid Recovery technique for more than 10 years, with experience and results proven by the low percentage of complications.
Our aim is for recovery to be as comfortable and fast as possible, but always prioritising 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. Whilst it's true that the majority of women go through surgery extremely comfortably, it's still necessary to allow time for a smooth recovery, so as not to precipitate unnecessary complications. O full recovery time of a tuberous breast correction surgery always ends up going for at least 4 weeks.
At an early stage, there is a lot of oedema and you shouldn't exert yourself physically for the first 4 weeks to reduce the risk of haematomas and seromas. Wanting to rush recovery can be counterproductive and end up causing more complications in the short/medium term.
Medical Specialists
About
Dr Luísa Magalhães Ramos / Plastic Surgery
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 42810, specialising in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, specialising in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, He specialised in University Hospital Centre Lisboa Central - St Joseph's Hospital.
Throughout his training, he sub-specialised in the area of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, He has worked in world-renowned centres. At the same time, he also worked on breast reconstruction and the reconstruction of facial malformations.
He is currently working mainly on Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of the Face (eyelids, nose and cervical-facial lift), Breast Surgery and Female Genital Surgery.
About
Dr Alice Varanda Pereira / Plastic Surgery
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 47051, specialist in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Subspecialist in Aesthetic and Cosmetic Medicine.
Licensed by Lisbon Medical School, It was at this institution that she took her Master's degree in Human Sexuality and is currently working on her PhD.
She has been a member of the faculty's teaching staff since 2008, as Assistant Professor at the Institute of Anatomy. It is in this unit that she produces most of her research projects, essentially in the area of surgical anatomy, and she is also the supervisor of master's theses.
About
Dr Mariana da Rocha Martins/ Plastic Surgery
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 55124, specialising in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
He graduated from Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Porto and completed his speciality in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at the University Hospital Centre Lisboa Central - St Joseph's Hospital.
During his specific training in Plastic Surgery, he worked at internationally renowned institutions such as the Kaplan Institute (Barcelona), in La Clinic (Montreux) and Great Ormond Street Hospital (London).
About
Dr Marta Gouveia Duarte/ Plastic Surgery
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 57817, specialising in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Graduated in Medicine from School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, where she completed her Master's thesis in Human Ageing.
He completed his speciality in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at the Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central - Hospital de São José.
He collaborates in various research projects in NOVA Medical School.
About
Dr Sara Carvalho / Plastic Surgery
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 60781, specialising in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Licensed by Lisbon Medical School. He completed his speciality in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery at the Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Central - Hospital de São José.
She has taken various courses in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast and aesthetic surgery of the face.
She is currently a member of the clinical staff of the Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery service at the Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Central, where she excels in the areas of Breast Reconstruction, Body Contouring and Post-Bariatric Surgery, Paediatric Plastic Surgery, Trauma and Burn Surgery. She works as a hospital assistant, is a training supervisor and is responsible for Safe Surgery at the institution.
About
Dr Filipa Oliveira/ Plastic Surgery
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 59147, specialising in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Graduated in Medicine from Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, where she completed her master's thesis on paediatric scars.
She holds a doctorate in medicine from the University of Münster in Germany.
After completing her speciality, she became a Senior Graduate Assistant (Oberärztin) at the Fachklinik Hornheide and the University of Münster. She is currently collaborating on 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about
Tuberous Breast Correction
Is tuberous breast repair a safe surgery?
All surgeries are associated with potential risks and complications. However, these risks are drastically reduced if you take into account factors such as:
- Choose an accredited plastic surgery clinic and a Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon registered with the Portuguese Medical Association;
- Choose a plastic surgeon experienced in breast deformity correction surgery and with proven results;
- Carry out all necessary medical examinations;
- Strictly follow all pre- and post-operative recommendations.
How much does tuberous breast correction cost (in Lisbon and Porto)?
The price of a tuberous breast repair, whether carried out in Lisbon or Porto, depends on the initial state of the breast and the combination of techniques. At your medical consultation, a treatment plan will be outlined and the exact cost of the treatment will be confirmed.
Are there non-surgical procedures to improve the appearance of tuberous breasts?
Surgical treatment is the only way available to improve the appearance of the tuberous breast and to provide visible and lasting results. The tuberous breast is a complex breast deformity that requires a high degree of expertise and experience and often requires a combination of surgical techniques to achieve the desired results.
Is it possible to perform a breast augmentation and correct the tuberous breast in the same surgery?
Yes, most tuberous breast patients need breast implants to fill out the lower pole of the breast.
Can tuberous breasts be corrected without breast implants?
Most cases of tuberous breast require the use of breast implants in order to fill in the almost always non-existent lower pole of the breast. Only in cases of very slight deformity can treatment be carried out with fat injections into the lower pole of the breast.
Does the use of breast implants guarantee that the breasts will look exactly the same?
Breast asymmetry is very common in cases of tuberous breasts. The use of breast implants will help to improve symmetry, but not to achieve exactly the same breasts. The final result will essentially depend on the initial state of the breasts and the degree of asymmetry.
From what age can a tuberous breast repair be performed?
Surgery can be performed when the breast has reached full development, which is usually at the age of 18.
Can I breastfeed after tuberous breast repair surgery?
Breastfeeding after breast surgery is a very common concern. Most women are able to breastfeed after tuberous breast repair. However, interference with the ability to breastfeed is a risk of any breast surgery, so if you are considering having children after surgery, you should talk to your plastic surgeon.
Should I have the surgery before or after becoming a mum?
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future, it is recommended that you wait. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can compromise the outcome of the surgery.
Can I continue to have breast ultrasounds and mammograms after surgery?
You can and should continue to undergo all breast cancer screening tests if you have an indication to do so.
Can I wear normal bras after surgery?
For the first 30 days, you should wear the surgical bra 24 hours a day. After this time, you can wear normal bras as long as you feel comfortable.
Will the scar disappear?
All surgeries involve scars and tuberous breast correction is no exception to the rule. The areolar scar, which is common in cases of tuberous breasts, is usually quite disguised as it is located in a transition zone between the areola and the skin of the breast. The final appearance of the scars is related to the genetic characteristics and post-operative care of each patient. At first, it has a more reddish appearance and over the months it becomes thinner and whiter.
Can I lose sensitivity?
Altered sensitivity is one of the possible complications of breast surgery. However, many of these changes are only temporary.
Will I need drains?
Drains help to eliminate the fluids that accumulate in the breast after surgery. Drains are placed whenever necessary and are usually removed after 24/48 hours.
Are there any financing options or payment plans available to pay for tuberous breast correction surgery?
Having financing options to help patients manage the cost of surgery is often a crucial factor when choosing the plastic surgeon and clinic where tuberous breast correction is performed. At LMR, we have payment facilities to make it easier to pay for tuberous breast correction surgery. Patients should be aware of the payment policies and requirements associated with these options at their initial consultation so that they can make informed decisions about financing their breast augmentation. For more information on payment facilities, please contact us using the contact form or by email - geral@lmrcirurgiaplastica.pt.
