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Tuberous Breasts - To Fix or Not to Fix?

 
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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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EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I believe I may have tuberous breasts, but I'm not sure. I have all of the "symptoms" except for the sagging. Some of the pictures I've seen look like my breasts, but some don't. Regardless, I have very small breasts and I've resorted to wearing uncomfortable padded push-up bras just to look "normal." I get very depressed and embarrassed about how I look, even though I'm in a great long term relationship and my boyfriend prefers small breasts. I desperately want to have breast augmentation, but I'm afraid. My great-grandmother and great-aunt both had breast cancer (my aunt was diagnosed only about a year ago...my family is pretty young, so I feel maybe that's why it hasn't hit any closer relatives yet). I don't know what to do!

January 8, 2011 - 6:17pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Hi there,

The best thing I can recommend you do is to go talk to your doctor. My biggest mistake was letting the shame I felt about my breasts stop me from talking to anyone about them, including my doctor. I was convinced I was just a "freak," that I was alone, and that no one would understand. I could have saved myself *years* of self-loathing had I simply sought help sooner. If it helps, print off the information and some photos you've found online and take them with you to your appointment- you can use them to guide your questions/ discussion. If your doctor concurs with your suspicions, at that point you can take the time to think about what you want to do. To me, even knowing my condition had a name and that I wasn't alone made a big difference in how I felt about myself (I should, however, add that I knew immediately that I wanted to have them corrected through surgery). I'm now one year post-op and although I know surgery isn't the answer for everyone with tuberous breasts, I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am that I went through with it. In the end, your decision to have or not have surgery should be made solely for yourself and not anyone else. Do what makes you happy. Remember though, any decision towards surgery should be researched carefully (check out more than one plastic surgeon, ask lots of questions, request photos of pre and post-op photos of women who went in for similar procedures, etc), as once you go under the knife, you can't go back. I wish you lots of luck!

January 8, 2011 - 7:07pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Thank you! I plan on asking my gynecologist the next time I go. I just have to get the courage to do so! I usually ask her a lot of questions about my health problems (not breast-related) and asking that seems kind of superficial comparatively (though, I know it's a valid question). She said my breasts were normal before (without me asking anything), but I don't know if that meant normal in every way or just no lumps or anything. I want to ask her about the risks of surgery.

Another reason I suspect it is that I've gained over 40 lbs (not on purpose) and my breasts have only changed slightly...it's really frustrating! I don't even shop for bras in stores, I buy them all online. I think I'd be embarrassed trying to search for my size and have other people see what I'm buying. I'd love to just be able to go into a store and pick up a bra without padding!

January 8, 2011 - 10:16pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I had tuberous breasts. It was aweful and rmbarassing. I wouldn't dream of removing my bra during sex, and NEVER would I let anyone see my breasts. I had breast augmentation along with a mastopexy and my nipples were also corrected. I had actually contemplated suicide due to how unhappy I was. I was so severely depressed, I also started to abuse my chest due to sheer hatred of my breasts. Plastic surgery changed my life!

January 7, 2011 - 2:44pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I have known for several years that I have tubular breast deformity. Yes, I used the word deformity because I think it is a valid description. If you search for definitions, one that you can easily find is, "A deviation from the normal shape or size of a body part, resulting in disfigurement". Tubular breasts are definitely a deviation from the normal shape of the breast, so being offended by the term deformity does not make sense to me. But that's just my opinion.

I am 33 years old and have fought with my self-image since high school. I would always conceal my breasts as I would get changed for gym class or volleyball practice. I am even embarrassed in front of my own mother (even to this day)! We will go camping with my parents and my kids and I will make sure and use the shower houses when no one else is there. It simply makes it easier.

I have the greatest respect for those who have tubular breasts and are comfortable with their own bodies. In fact, I have even said that if both of my breasts were the same, it would not bother me at all. However, I have one breast that is small (small B cup) and tubular and the other breast is completely non-existent. After a consultation with a plastic surgeon, she simply said that it was undeveloped. This being the case, I have dealt with this for long enough in my life. On Monday of this week, I made the leap to schedule my breast augmentation surgery. For me, it is not at all a matter of getting larger breasts or even about correcting the shape of my one tubular breast. It is only about having some sort of symmetry.

I am going to be going on vacation with my husband, kids. in-laws and all of my husbands brothers, their wives and kids this summer. I am excited to be able to finally go on this vacation and not have to worry about how my swimsuit looks or whether or not my "helper" for the undeveloped breast is going to slip out of my bra or swimsuit. To be able to relax and enjoy a swim in the pool with my kids is going to be worth anything!

January 6, 2011 - 12:02pm
(reply to Anonymous)

I’m developing a blog to increase awareness of tuberous breasts and hopefully create a support group as a result.
I’ve only just started, but visit tuberousbreasts.wordpress.com.
I’m posting at least a few times a week- there is lots to cover and no other website does so comprehensively.
Love and healing.

February 10, 2011 - 10:02pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Im so happy for you!! i can relate to everything you said.. i had surgery sept 2009 to correct mine and haven't regretted it once!! i absolutely love shopping for bras and bikinis now!! all the best for monday, you'll be fine and you'll be extremely happy with the outcome! Bec

January 6, 2011 - 7:51pm

Dear Anonymous new:

I get notified when people post comments on my articles, no matter how old a piece may be. Thanks for writing!

I am sorry to hear about your condition--not that you have tuberous breasts, but that they cause you distress. To me, the most important facts you shared were 1) that you just found out about the condition, and 2) that you're 18 years old.

Given those bits of information, I would humbly suggest that you do all the research you can. Learn more about tuberous breasts and talk to other women who have them. Seek out people who have had surgery and people who are content to live with the condition, and ask them to tell you how they arrived at their decision. Over time, you may settle on the conclusion that feels right for you.

That's key, at least in my eyes: "time." Take time to learn, listen and experience your own feelings. While you may feel compelled to figure out what to do right away (now that you have learned there's a name for your condition), give yourself lots of time. It may help to know you can elect surgery anytime down the road if that's the right choice for you.

As other women have pointed out, it's the pressures of modern society that have most of us wanting our looks to approximate some "ideal." Our longing might be for straight teeth, a smooth, taut neck or round, symmetrical breasts. You do not necessarily have to conform to be happy.

But also know that it's ok to consider surgery as well. If you've thought it over carefully and decide you want to fine tune your looks, if you are convinced your choice will knockdown a roadblock for you and you'll be more at peace, then surgery might be the right move.

Take time to think about it. I wish you all the best.

Cathy

January 3, 2011 - 12:16pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I know it has been a long time since you wrote this but, I have tuberous Breasts. I'm 18 and actually only have found out what it was called tonight. I always have known that I had a problem with my breasts, that they were no "normal". I can not have sex without my bra. It's just too embarrassing. I really don't know what to do... Someone, help me ?!

January 2, 2011 - 8:31pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

I'm in your situation too. I'm 20 and recently found out there was a name for my specific breast shape. I'm trying my hardest to love myself completely. I know it's hard sometimes and trust me, I've felt every emotion on the subject of my breasts. If you'd like to talk, feel free to email me :) Absolutely nothing is ugly about the way God made you :) -Courtney
(Personal email address removed by EmpowHER moderator. The site provides a private email system for member use.)

January 3, 2011 - 1:03pm
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