What tubular breasts are
Tubular, or constricted, breasts describe a group of shapes in which the base of the breast is narrow, the lower part is tight and short, and the fold under the breast sits high. The breast can look long and narrow rather than rounded. The areola is often wide, and the breast tissue may bulge into it, which is called herniation.
The shape develops during puberty and is not caused by anything you did. Both breasts are often affected, sometimes unequally.
How it is assessed
Dr. Jaberi examines the width of the breast base, the length of the lower pole, the position of the fold, the size of the areola and how much breast tissue you have. These measurements decide whether the lower breast needs release, whether fat or an implant is the right source of volume, and whether the areola should be reduced.
How it is corrected
Correction treats the tight lower pole and the shape of the base. The tissue is released so it can expand, the fold may be lowered and the areola can be reduced. Volume is then added to fill and round the breast.
Volume can come from an implant, from your own fat, or from a combination. The choice depends on how much tissue you have and the look you want.
- Releasing the constricted lower pole
- Reshaping the fold and the breast base
- Areola reduction where the areola is wide
- Volume from an implant, fat grafting, or both
Why fat grafting is part of the newer thinking
Fat grafting can broaden the base and fill the lower pole gradually, using your own tissue instead of a larger implant. It can be done in stages and fine-tuned, and it avoids relying on a large implant to stretch a tight breast. Absorption of some fat is expected, so a second session may be discussed.
In selected cases a smaller implant plus fat grafting gives a more natural, proportionate result than a large implant alone, and often places less strain on the tissue.
Smaller implants and downsizing
A modest implant sits more comfortably in a narrow breast and is less likely to produce a double bubble or to drop. If you have already had a large implant and are unhappy with the shape, exchange for a smaller one can improve it. This is a reasonable and common goal.
What to expect
Tubular breast correction is more individual than a standard augmentation, and your result will depend on your anatomy. As with all breast surgery, there are risks, including asymmetry, scarring, changes in sensation and the possible need for more surgery.