Tubular, tuberous or caprine breasts is a congenital malformation of the breast that becomes evident in adolescence during breast growth. It is a fibrotic, ring-shaped tissue at the base of the breast, developing a constricting ring and “strangulating” the growth of the breast, giving these abnormal forms of the tubular breast.
Is it easy to diagnose?
With expert professionals it is very easy, but patients sometimes do not even know they have it. Nowadays, with the ease of the Internet, almost 30% come to you self-diagnosed, saying that they think they have tubular breasts. Another 30% do not know it but come to you saying that they have rare or very ugly breasts and they do not really know that it is a congenital malformation. The rest are totally unaware of the malformation and only consult for breast augmentation.
Are all tubular breasts the same?
No, there are three degrees. A first degree in which a defect is seen especially in the lower and inner quadrant: they are usually drooping breasts, separated, large and the areola looks downward and inward. It is the most frequent and the constriction of the breast is not complete. In the second degree already occupies the two lower quadrants of the breast, they are more deformed: the areolas are usually very large and acquire a tubular or “tube” appearance, the mammary sulcus is very high. In the third degree, the constriction ring is complete and the breast is usually hypoplastic, small and unable to develop. The association of breast asymmetries is frequent.
What is the most appropriate treatment?
The only solution is surgical. Depending on the degree, shape and type of skin, one technique or another will be considered. Basically the most important thing is to “decompress” the fibrotic tissue, open the constricted breast, restore the normal conical shape and then generally consider breast augmentation with prosthesis. In cases with breast ptosis, a pexy will be performed and, if there is alteration of the areola, it will be remodeled.
Is this procedure complicated?
No, it is not complicated, but it is complex and requires some experience because it is a “rebellious” malformation and in inexperienced hands can enhance the tubular effect. Many points must be evaluated before an intervention: the type of skin, size of the areola, constriction of the subareolar tissue and breast tissue, height of the mammary sulcus, degree of herniation, degree of breast ptosis, separation of the breasts, asymmetry, etc.
Is it worth it to undergo the procedure?
Undoubtedly. It is one of the most rewarding procedures. They are malformations that do not resolve themselves and generally with the years the defect becomes more pronounced. It is important to inform the patient of the type of problem, its complexity and possible solutions so that expectations are as realistic as possible. A correct diagnosis is important to ensure a successful treatment. Women who believe they have a “rare breast” should go to plastic surgeons who are experts in this type of surgery to ensure the best possible result. Finally, to emphasize the personal, social or sexual repercussions that this type of problem can have and to transmit that with a correct diagnosis, adequate treatment and a prepared surgical team, excellent results can be achieved.