Medical description
Tuberous breasts result from an abnormality in the development of the breast gland at puberty. They are characterised by a narrow base, a breast crease that sits too high, a short and constricted lower pole, often a wide areola that bulges because of herniated breast tissue, and frequently an asymmetry between the two breasts. This malformation, which varies in severity, can affect one or both breasts and can affect self-image. The correction aims to widen the base of the breast, lower the crease, unfold the breast tissue and reduce the areola, adding volume with an implant or fat transfer if needed. It is a reshaping procedure that is more complex than a standard augmentation, and the strategy is defined by the surgeon after examination.
What the procedure can correct
- Narrow-based or tube-shaped breasts
- Breast crease positioned too high
- Wide, puffy areolas
- Marked asymmetry between the two breasts
- Lack of volume in the lower breasts
The ideal candidate
A young woman or adult woman whose breast development is complete, in good health and bothered by the shape of her breasts. A prior breast assessment is required. Smoking must be stopped, and it is important to understand that some residual asymmetry may remain despite the correction.
The technique
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, most often through an incision around the areola, which also allows its diameter to be reduced. The surgeon releases and spreads the breast tissue with internal incisions (scoring), lowers the breast crease and widens the base of the breast. An implant, often placed in a dual-plane position, and/or fat transfer completes the volume if necessary. In severe forms, the correction may be carried out in two stages. A support bra is worn for several weeks.
Your stay, step by step
- 1
Arrival and consultation
Welcome by your coordinator, examination and pre-operative consultation with the practitioner, who confirms the treatment plan.
- 2
Procedure
General · 2–3 h
- 3
Monitoring in the clinic
Hospital stay: 1 night. The care team looks after your comfort and post-operative monitoring.
- 4
Check-up before departure
Follow-up visit, care, instructions and prescription before your flight home. Recommended stay: 7–8 days.
- 5
Remote follow-up
Back home, you send your photos and stay in touch with the practitioner through your patient area, for up to 12 months.
Risks and recovery
The usual after-effects include swelling, bruising, a feeling of tightness and moderate pain. Possible complications are haematoma, infection, persistent asymmetry, recurrence of the areolar herniation, widening of the scar around the areola, changes in sensation and, where an implant is used, capsular contracture or displacement; a revision is sometimes necessary. Your surgeon will explain these in detail during the consultation.
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and does not replace a medical consultation. Every procedure carries risks; the indication is made by the practitioner after examination, and results vary from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
Is an implant always needed?
No, some moderate tuberous breasts can be corrected by reshaping the breast tissue and fat transfer. An implant is suggested when the volume is insufficient or when the base of the breast needs to be widened significantly.
From what age can tuberous breasts be corrected?
Correction is considered once breast development is complete, generally in adulthood. The surgeon assesses the stability of the breasts before suggesting the procedure.
Will the result be perfectly symmetrical?
The procedure aims to clearly improve shape and symmetry, but a slight difference between the two breasts may remain, as the malformation is often asymmetrical to begin with.
