In tubular breast deformity, the lower portions of the breast are underdeveloped. Oversized areolas, nodular thickening of the mammary glands, and prolapsed glandular tissue in the areolar region are common accompanying symptoms. Although many breast malformations do not pose a health risk, they often pave the way for mental health issues. To prevent such consequences, deformed breasts can be surgically reshaped to approximate their physiologically intended form.
Below you will find a selection of specialists in the treatment of tubular breasts, as well as additional information.
Breasts are the symbol of femininity. For women, breasts therefore hold special emotional significance. After childbirth, breasts symbolize more than just the relationship between mother and child.
Many women also associate their own sex appeal with their breasts. For these reasons, those affected often find breast malformations such as tubular breasts (also known as tube breasts or trunk-shaped breasts) to be a burden.
Definition: What is a tubular breast (tubular breast, tube breast)?
Tubular breast deformities usually first become apparent during puberty. The breasts of those affected deviate from the normal physiological shape.
The deformity is characterized by an underdeveloped lower quadrant of the breast. As puberty progresses, the upper part of the breast sags downward.
As a result, the overall shape of the breasts appears tubular or trunk-like. Asymmetry between the two sides is common. Forward-projecting mammary gland tissue and noticeably large nipples complete the appearance.
Under clothing, the deformity manifests as nodular, thickened areas of tissue. In most cases, the upper portion of the breast tissue develops normally.
Doctors distinguish four different grades:
- Grade I: With an average breast size, only a single quadrant in the lower breast tissue is underdeveloped.
- Grade II: This manifests as underdevelopment of all lower quadrants, with a low breast fold and relatively small breasts.
- Grade III: Underdevelopment of the lower breast tissue is evident as reduced breast size and skin abnormalities; the nipples point downward.
- Grade IV: Characterized by underdevelopment extending into the upper quadrants. May progress to the complete absence of breast tissue.
Not all patients have suffered from tubular breasts with clearly visible consequences since puberty. In some cases, it does not become apparent until during or after pregnancy.
Breasts are a symbol of femininity © Schulz-Design / Fotolia
The Causes of Tubular Breast Deformity
The cause of tubular breasts is genetic. In this case, the tubular shape of the breast tissue is congenital and develops as an embryonic structure during the embryonic phase.
During this phase, the upper portions of the breast grow more than the lower portions in affected individuals. Malformations of the milk ducts develop. Instead of extending into the surrounding tissue, the ducts remain behind the areolas and do not continue to grow.
This congenital malformation usually first becomes apparent when the breast matures during puberty. It is precisely during this sensitive phase that the deformity affects the psychological well-being of those affected.
As the breast increases in size, the areola can no longer support the weight of the glandular tissue. For this reason, the breast sags forward through the connective tissue structures, resulting in the characteristic tubular appearance.
If the breasts gain only a small amount of weight during puberty, the tubular breast may not become apparent until later. This can occur, for example, during or after pregnancy. Many patients have difficulty breastfeeding and only then notice the deformity.
Treatment of Tubular Breasts
There are no conservative methods for treating tubular breasts. Because of the genetic basis of the condition, skincare products or strengthening exercises are not treatment options.
Visually, the shape of tubular breasts can be concealed using supportive and push-up bras. Mild cases of the deformity do not necessarily lead to psychological distress right away.
Nevertheless, plastic surgery makes sense in cases of psychological distress to correct the shape of the breast.
Once patients no longer feel comfortable exercising or swimming without feeling ashamed, surgical correction can provide relief. The same applies to those whose sex lives are affected by the condition.
The choice of corrective option depends on the severity of the condition. In severe cases, surgery alone is often insufficient.
Reconstructive procedures using a combination of techniques are used for severe deformities.
In mild cases, breast augmentation alone can improve the overall appearance. Options in this context include silicone implants and autologous fat.
If the glandular tissue is severely affected by the deformity, glandular correction is performed in addition to breast augmentation. During the operation, plastic surgeons also correct the areolas or perform breast lifts.
The cost of breast augmentation ranges from 4,500 to 7,000 euros, depending on the material and surgical technique. If the surgeon also corrects the glandular tissue and areolas or tightens the skin, the price is higher.
Health insurance plans cover the costs of the surgery in cases of severe pectus carinatum (humpback chest) with a documented psychological impact. In all other cases, plastic surgery is a self-pay service.
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Sabine Schneider
Sabine Schneider – medical author: Explore expert articles and medical expertise in the Leading Medicine Guide.
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