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I’ve seen postings recently in a feminist forum about tuberous breasts, and whether one would be justified in having plastic surgery to improve them. The woman who initiated the discussion said she wanted to have the procedure to fix her tubular breasts, but felt bad about it. As a feminist, she said she felt “angry” that she was longing for surgery and even that she “wanted to die at the thought.”
If there ever were a condition that might drive a woman who thinks that “plastic surgery, on the whole, is ridiculous” to go under the knife, tuberous breasts would be a good candidate. Named for the fact that the breasts resemble tubers in shape, tuberous breasts (sometimes called “tubular breasts”) are formed when the base of the breast is smaller than usual. This constricted circumference causes the breast tissue to push forward and sometimes down, exacerbated by the fact that the inframammary fold (where the breast attaches to the chest wall) is often higher than normal.
Women with tuberous breasts usually have large areolas as well. When all these factors are present, it’s easy to see why one of the nicknames for this condition is “Snoopy breasts.” Although you may consider the famous Beagle adorable, you probably don’t want to have breasts that remind you of his nose.
In most cases, to create breasts that are more pleasing in appearance requires a bit more work than simply inserting implants. Plastic surgeons often need to make internal incisions to release constricting tissue and expand the base width of the breast. The breast pocket may need enlarging to accept an appropriate implant. Because women with tuberous breasts often have scant breast tissue, it’s often best to place implants below the chest muscle for a natural looking result. For this group of patients, silicone gel breast implants should be considered, as they tend to hold their shape well.
The feminist whose posting I read said that her tuberous breasts were “self esteem shattering” and that she always kept her bra on while having sex. In my view, those feelings are reason enough to feel ok about considering plastic surgery, regardless of which body part is the culprit and how “cosmetic” the procedure might be. In fact, body image is the key. If you happen to have tuberous breasts and aren’t bothered by them, great.
But this woman, who obviously does suffer significant embarrassment, can take comfort in the fact that tuberous breasts are considered to be a true deformity. Dictionaries define “deformity” as a part of the body that’s abnormally formed, “abnormal” meaning not usual or typical, deviating from what’s considered standard. What would you do if you were born with a cleft palate? Webbed fingers? You’d probably have surgery to fix the condition. And you’d probably feel a great sense of relief that you took the plunge.
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Thank you so much for your comments. I am sorry your condition has cause you worry. I can imagine the cycle of embarrassment, then shame that you can't overcome those feelings. In your shoes, I would probably feel exactly the same way.
I also work hard to value my body just as it is. But there's no denying that there are certain societal norms in play. Especially here in the US, where media and moneymaking reign supreme, the ideal body images we currently celebrate are everywhere. Absolutely unavoidable.
Few of us would by into the notion that we need to look like a cover girl. But even if corporations are unsuccessful in convincing us of that, they have succeeded in making us aware of societal norms. With so many images bombarding us, we've come to know well when body parts (noses, breasts, chins) fall within normal ranges and when they don't. For better or probably worse, we are hyper aware these days.
I obviously touched a nerve with many women. For those with tuberous breasts who accept them and don't burn precious energy feeling bad about them--that's truly wonderful. But I just don't understand women who condemn others for "fixing" a condition that's outside societal norms and causes them pain.
If you choose surgery, please don't spend a moment feeling guilty. In the right hands (make sure your surgeon has plenty of experience with breasts like yours) the procedure is not hugely invasive, or life threatening. Nor is it a cop out. And it's not a procedure many people might raise an eyebrow over thinking it's "frivolous" or otherwise "out there." You would simply be seeking to fine tune a congenital condition so you look more like the majority of women.
You put it well when you say that something like this is not worth wasting worry and time over. From another angle, if a simple procedure would free you from something like this that holds you back, why not consider it?
Best of luck to you.
November 12, 2010 - 11:42amThis Comment
I also have tuberous breasts and I've never had a problem attracting men who have found the unique shape of my nipples/areolas a major turn-on. There are even fan sites dedicated to that type of nipple (Yes, it has a name). And yes, to look good they require maintenance-- healthy diet and exercise and you two can have the body of a dancer/athlete. I'm over 40 and nothing hangs. Unlike my buxom hefty friends who are now wrapped in perma-scaffolding.
August 3, 2009 - 5:42amRemember: "In your 20s double D's, in your 40s down to your knees".
By the way, it's really weird that an article like this appeared on a site called "empowher". This was not a very empowering article.
This Comment
I wouldn't dream of telling others how they should feel about their bodies. In fact, that's just the point. This woman I wrote about obviously felt horrible about her breasts. If that's the way one feels about a body part, why wouldn't they think about making a change?
What you decide about your body should be in line with how you feel about yourself. If you'll recall, I wrote that body image is key. If you're content with tuberous breasts, or any other deviation from the norm, there's absolutely no reason to have surgery. But if you're bothered quite a bit about something that can be addressed in a simple procedure, why not address it? Are you saying this woman (not you, but someone else who feels differently than you do) should not have surgery? Isn't that telling her how to feel? What if she did have a cleft palate--would you say the same thing?
June 8, 2009 - 3:50pmThis Comment
Hi Cathy,
i can relate to the person who you wrote about. i'm 27 and had my tuberous breasts surgically corrected last year. while living with tuberous breasts, i felt disgusting, had little self esteem, had a lot of trouble finding bras that fitted, was extremely embarrased when in a swimming costume and ALWAYS had something on top when having sex with my husband.
Now, im a completely different person, yes it was quite a complex operation and had the full support of my husband as he knew just how it was impacting my life. would you believe i fell pregnant with my second child 8 weeks after i had the opp too!
i have absolutely no regrets and wish i had have done something sooner. to those people that are happy with their tuberous breasts, well thats great, everybody sees themselves differently and might i just add that tuberous breasts come with different levels of severity, i had a grade 3 rating and there was noway i could have put up with them for much longer.
Bec - no longer miserable!
November 24, 2010 - 9:20pmThis Comment
Hi Bec:
November 25, 2010 - 11:21amSince your breasts caused you so much embarrassment and unhappiness, I am glad you took the step you did. There's just no reason to be miserable with a condition that can be fairly easily addressed with surgery that's very safe. Congratulations and best wishes!
Cathy
This Comment
OMG. Wow. I have tuberous breasts and I don't consider myself deformed. And I wouldn't dream of getting them "fixed". You mean shoving a foreign object into my chest (silicone or saline) and pretending it's a "breast" is considered a "correction?"
I am highly educated, happily married with wonderful well-adjusted kids. My handsome successful husband loves me the way I am. He finds fake breasts disgusting.
yes, I did have trouble breast-feeding as is often the case with tuberous breasts, but that's long past and you can't have everything. No plastic surgery "correction" would have changed that anyway.
In spite of all the brouhaha about women's lib, I guess some women are still going to let others tell them how they should feel about their own bodies. Sad.
June 8, 2009 - 3:20pmThis Comment
I agree with Cathy that she wasn't passing judgement. She was only providing information about this condition and how some women might view corrective surgery.
I'm glad you have such a healthy self image and that your DH loves you completely as you are. Would that all women could be so fortunate!
All the best to you.
June 8, 2009 - 4:24pmThis Comment