Tuberous breasts appear when the breast develops during adolescence and can create an important complex in women who suffer from them.
This problem generates discomfort, because the breast acquires a very particular shape, similar to a cone or tube. In addition, this type of breasts are usually asymmetrical and with large areolas. These characteristics make tuberous breast surgery necessary on many occasions.
What are tuberous breasts?
Tuberous breasts are characterized by breasts that grow forward, towards the areola, so that the breast acquires a tubular or tuberous shape. This problem has its origin in a herniation of the mammary gland, so that the breasts cannot expand harmoniously.
On the other hand, there is usually a breast asymmetry, which means that one breast is larger than the other. This fact usually causes discomfort and complex to women who suffer from this problem, so that ends up affecting their self-esteem, personality and social relationships.
What are the causes of this problem?
The causes of this problem are not yet known exactly, but it is usually related to a genetic alteration of the skin covering the mammary gland. This alteration prevents the breast from expanding properly when the breasts develop in adolescence.
It is important to know that tuberous breasts are a benign anomaly, which does not constitute a risk factor for breast cancer or other pathologies. It is an aesthetic and, consequently, emotional affectation.
How to know if I have tuberous breasts
There are some characteristics that may raise suspicion of tuberous breasts:
- Tubular or elongated cone-shaped breasts.
- Large areolas.
- Breast asymmetry.
- There may be a tuberous breast and another without tuberosity.
- Excessively separated breasts.
What are the degrees of tuberous breasts?
There are three different degrees of tuberous breasts:
- Grade 1: constitute 50% of cases and are characterized by an areola deviated downward and inward, causing a sagging breast effect.
- Grade 2: are 25% of cases and are characterized by a very large areola, looking downward and tubular in shape.
- Grade 3: less than 25% of cases. This is the most severe case of this pathology and the breast looks like a cone.
Tuberous breast surgery
To correct tuberous breasts, the approach is periareolar, because the patient usually has large areolas that must be reduced. In this way, the mammary gland can be accessed to make cuts and get it to expand.
When the breast is already reconstructed, the breast prosthesis is placed with anatomical implants, because they give volume and allow to improve the shape of the breasts. In cases where there is breast asymmetry, prostheses with different sizes can be placed in each breast.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and usually lasts approximately 90 to 120 minutes, depending on the complexity of each case.
What is the postoperative period for tuberous breast surgery like?
After surgery, drains are left in place so that the inflammatory fluid can drain out, thus preventing the breast from becoming excessively congested. A compressive bandage is also placed and the patient must remain for two hours in a recovery room. Then you can go home or you can stay overnight in the clinic.
Generally, the postoperative period is accompanied by discomfort, such as skin tightness, stiffness and heaviness in the chest. However, these discomforts improve with the passage of time, and with anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications.
How are the results after surgery?
After surgery, the breasts acquire symmetry and a natural shape, with the size of the areolas proportionate to the breasts.