TUBULAR BREASTS AND BREAST ASYMMETRIES
Tubular breasts, often associated with varying degrees of breast asymmetry, are a congenital condition characterized by a constricted lower breast pole, which forces the breast tissue to develop through the areola. There are different levels of severity and shapes, each requiring a specific surgical technique.
“In my experience, the wide variety of clinical presentations makes it clear that no two patients are the same and that the surgical approach must be as personalized as possible.”
During consultations, I often encounter one or more of the following issues, varying in severity:
• Underdevelopment of the lower breast quadrants
• Inframammary fold positioned too high
• Overly wide areola
• Breast tissue herniation through the areola, up to a “Snoopy nose” deformity
• Breast sagging
• Widely spaced breasts
• Breast asymmetries
UNDERSTANDING THE PROCEDURE
The treatment of tubular breasts is highly specific and requires a variety of surgical techniques to address each type of deformity and meet the individual goals of each patient. When the defect is mild, you may wish to improve only breast volume without addressing areolar protrusion, lower pole constriction, or the position of the inframammary fold.
In cases of moderate to severe malformation, you may want to correct not only the volume but also the shape and symmetry of your breasts. In most cases, it is necessary to remove the fibrous constriction, expand the breast tissue, and reposition it correctly, often supplementing the missing volume with a breast implant.
Using an implant offers the dual advantage of restoring lost volume by filling and defining the lower breast pole, while also improving the compressed and underdeveloped shape of the breast.
To plan your surgical procedure as precisely as possible, I always rely on my protocols for anthropometric measurements, based on extensive research. These allow me to accurately predict your immediate as well as medium to long-term results, ensuring gratifying and realistic aesthetic improvements.
“Often the areola diameter must also be reduced using a round-block incision, while performing fat grafting, placing some of your own fat tissue both around the implant and in the lower breast quadrants to enhance the breast projection.”
FOR A MORE CONSCIOUS CHOICE
The best candidates for tubular breast surgery, with or without asymmetry, are generally healthy women, preferably non-smokers, who wish to correct the shape of their breasts, often increasing volume in the process. Tubular breasts can also pose challenges for women who want to breastfeed, because the breasts are underdeveloped and the breast tissue may be insufficient for adequate milk production. Surgery can help improve the anatomy of the area, but it cannot guarantee full restoration of glandular function. If you have any medication allergies or cardiovascular health conditions, it is important to discuss them in advance to ensure a safe procedure and a smooth post-operative recovery.
You might be an ideal candidate for correcting tubular breasts if you want to feel more confident in your appearance, both with and without clothing. Unlike other types of cosmetic breast surgery, tubular breast correction sits at the intersection of Aesthetic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery. If you can relate to the concerns described above, this may be the right time to focus on yourself and explore how to enhance your body, giving yourself the physical and emotional confidence you deserve when you look in the mirror. You may feel that, regardless of the bra or swimsuit you wear, your breasts do not appear balanced or proportionate to your body, and you struggle to accept their unusual shape, which can affect your sense of femininity and overall appearance. These concerns can cause discomfort even when wearing low-cut clothing or during intimacy. At Elisà Plastic Surgery, we carefully evaluate every detail of your situation, both clinically and psychologically, aiming to understand your true goals and provide realistic, highly satisfying expectations for the results you can achieve.
Timing is especially important in this procedure. If you are in the middle of a weight-loss journey, it is best to complete it beforehand to avoid significant changes in breast shape that could impact the final results. Likewise, pregnancy and breastfeeding can significantly alter the size and shape of the breasts, potentially compromising the surgical outcome and requiring future revision procedures. Recovery is generally quick and straightforward, but you will need time to heal fully. After surgery, some swelling and discomfort are normal and typically subside over a few weeks. We always advise patients that it usually takes about 2 weeks to resume most normal activities and approximately 4-6 weeks to return to strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
The recovery period after surgery is crucial for ensuring the success of the procedure and optimizing your results. We recommend limiting upper-body movements, especially during the first week after surgery, when swelling and bruising may still be present. Light daily activities can generally be resumed from the fourth week, with more strenuous exercise or physical activity gradually reintroduced after six weeks. Wearing the stretchy post-operative bra is an essential part of your recovery as it helps relieve discomfort. It not only supports and protects the treated tissues but also, through gentle, continuous compression, promotes faster swelling reduction, allowing you to return to your daily life more quickly.
On the day of your surgery, you will be welcomed to the clinic by our team. After your pre-operative evaluation and final consultation with Dr. Elisa Bolletta, you will be escorted to the operating room, where you will be looked after by the anesthesiologist and surgical team. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and throughout the operation, the team will carefully monitor your safety and comfort. After the surgery, you will be transferred to the recovery area for the awakening and initial monitoring phase.
The duration of the procedure depends on the complexity of each case and the techniques involved. On average, a full tuberous breast correction with implants and fat grafting takes approximately 2.5-4 hours. In cases with more pronounced asymmetry or when additional procedures are combined, surgery may take longer.
At Elisà Plastic Surgery, your comfort and peace of mind are our top priorities. One of our main goals is to provide an almost entirely pain-free experience from start to finish. With the use of anesthesia and modern pain management techniques, the procedure itself is completely painless. After surgery, you may experience mild discomfort or a sensation of tightness in the breasts, which can be easily controlled with prescribed pain medication. Most patients report that any discomfort is mild to moderate and well-tolerated. Following the procedure, you will also be fitted with a soft, shaping support bra, designed to relieve pressure and help you maintain a comfortable posture from the start. Our goal is to combine excellent aesthetic results with thoughtful, meticulous support at every stage of your journey.
The initial recovery period generally requires 1–2 weeks of caution and rest. The first 7–10 days are focused on reducing swelling and allowing the breasts to settle into their new shape. Light daily activities can usually be resumed after 10-14 days, while sports and more intense physical activities should be gradually reintroduced, generally after 4-6 weeks, under the guidance of Dr. Elisa Bolletta and our team.
• Wear the recommended post-operative bra continuously, day and night, to support your breast tissues and the implant.
• Avoid physical strain and lifting heavy objects for at least 4–6 weeks.
• Adhere closely to the guidelines provided for wound care.
• Monitor for any swelling, redness, or persistent pain and report it immediately.
After the procedure, a regenerative dressing will be applied to support tissue recovery. Sleeping in a supine or semi-supine position promotes optimal healing. Once the wounds are dry, fully healed, and well-closed, the scars can be treated with specialized products containing silicone or exosomes, following the protocol prescribed by Dr. Elisa Bolletta. Keep in mind that the results evolve over time. Initially, the breasts may appear fuller and more lifted, gradually softening and taking on a natural shape over approximately 4 months.
Come per ogni intervento chirurgico, esistono possibili complicanze, tra cui:
• Infection or hematoma
• Visible or raised (hypertrophic) scarring
• Residual asymmetry or dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcome
• Implant displacement or capsular contracture
• Temporary reduction in nipple or areola sensitivity
Thanks to our careful pre-operative evaluation and advanced surgical protocols, the likelihood of complications is kept to a minimum.
The final result depends on the complexity of the deformity and the quality of your tissues. The procedure aims to enhance volume, shape, and symmetry, although minor differences between the breasts may remain. Personalization is essential, which is why every step of the surgery is carefully tailored to your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Post-operative check-ups are scheduled to monitor your healing and assess the shape and symmetry of your breasts:
• First visit: within 48–72 hours after surgery
• Weekly visits during the first 2–3 weeks
• Monthly check-ups up to the third month
• FLong-term follow-up, typically at 6 months and 1 year as needed, to ensure stable results
The final visit, typically one year after surgery, allows us to assess the fully matured scar and the settled results, showing their natural, final appearance. Your care will continue beyond this stage, with ongoing support to ensure balanced, long-lasting, and dependable results. Each check-up is designed not only for your safety but also for your peace of mind, providing consistent, personalized, and thoughtful support that is part of the Elisà Plastic Surgery experience.
The team includes the anesthesiologist and our specialized nurses, all highly experienced and committed to your well-being. They provide support throughout your entire post-operative journey, ensuring safety, care, and meticulous attention to every detail. All phases are coordinated by the lead surgeon, Dr. Elisa Bolletta.
