Breast Surgery

Tubular Breasts
Correction Surgery

A congenital condition affecting breast shape, size, and symmetry — corrected through a personalised surgical plan that considers your anatomy, age, and goals.

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10–12 Days

STITCHES TRIMMED

1–2 Nights

Hospital Stay

3–4 Weeks

EXPECTED RECOVERY

General

Anaesthesia

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Overview

Why Consider

Benefits

Surgical Approach

The Procedure

Recovery

Long-Term Results

FAQs

OVERVIEW

What are Tubular Breasts?

The terminology tubular breasts is synonymous with tuberous breasts. It is a congenitally acquired condition, which may present in more than one member of a family. Although the breasts are functionally normal, they are cosmetically different — and patients will often clearly describe disliking their breasts’ shape, size, and symmetry when presenting for consultation.

When examining patients with tubular breasts, the breasts may be narrow, pointy, and not unusually small relative to the patient’s stature and height. Asymmetry is common, the cleavage is wide, and the areola is disproportionately large and protrudes. In some cases, constriction in the lower pole of the breast causes the nipples to point downwards — a presentation Mr Ali Juma attributes the terminology Constrictational Ptosis, which demonstrates a lack of tissue as the cause, rather than its excess or laxity.

INDICATIONS

When Should You Consider Surgery?

Surgical intervention may be the right option if asymmetry is affecting your daily life or wellbeing. Common reasons patients seek correction include:

Noticeable discomfort or difficulty wearing bras, swimsuits, or clothing due to uneven sizing

Back or shoulder pain caused by uneven breast weight distribution

Ongoing emotional distress or body image concerns resulting from the asymmetry

For teenage girls: self-esteem challenges related to peer pressure and developing body image

Consulting with an accredited plastic surgeon who is on the GMC specialist register is essential for developing a treatment plan that suits your individual needs and aesthetic goals.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

How Tubular Breasts Present

The condition varies in severity. Common characteristics include:

Narrow, Pointy Breast Shape

The breast base is constricted, resulting in a narrow, elongated, or tubular appearance rather than a rounded profile.

Wide Cleavage

Reduced medial fullness creates a wide gap between the breasts, making a natural cleavage difficult to achieve.

Enlarged, Protruding Areola

The areola is disproportionately large and may protrude noticeably, often caused by herniation of breast tissue.

Asymmetry Between Breasts

Asymmetry is common — one breast may be more noticeably affected than the other, varying in size or degree of constriction.

Constrictational Ptosis

In some cases, lower pole constriction causes the nipples to point downwards — a result of insufficient tissue, not excess or laxity.

Cyclical Variation (Mild Forms)

In milder presentations, patients may notice the tuberosity appears less obvious in the final days of their menstrual cycle (around days 25–28).

The cyclical variation observed in milder forms mirrors the menstrual cycle — the tuberosity appears less obvious nearer to days 25–28 in a 28-day cycle. This can be a helpful diagnostic indicator during consultation.

TREATMENT

Surgical Options

Treatment is often surgical and can be carried out in one or two stages. The choice of procedure is patient age dependent, and is influenced by the severity of the presentation and the patient’s own preference.

1

One-Stage Procedure

Single Operation

In the majority of one-stage cases, shaped (tear drop) breast implants are used to correct the tubular shape and restore fuller, more natural proportions. In selected patients, round implants may also be appropriate. Additional procedures may be combined in the same operation:

Typically suitable for: Patients whose breast development is complete and whose degree of asymmetry and constriction allows for single-stage correction.

2

Two-Stage Procedure

Staged Expansion

For younger patients or those with significant constriction, a two-stage approach uses tissue expansion to gradually widen the narrow breast base and add fullness as breast growth nears completion (typically between ages 21–23):

Stage 1: Expandable silicone implants are placed and inflated gradually over time through a subcutaneous port positioned over the side of the rib cage
Stage 2: Expanders are removed and replaced with permanent silicone implants. Mastopexy is performed if needed — or the expanders may be retained with mastopexy performed around the device
If a second stage is not required, the expander ports can be removed under local anaesthetic through a small separate incision

Typically suitable for: Younger patients (under 21–23) still undergoing breast development, or where significant tissue expansion is needed before final implant placement.

RECOVERY

What to Expect After Surgery

The surgery is carried out at an accredited hospital under general anaesthesia. Most patients find their pain requirements limited and manageable with appropriate pain relief tablets over the first few days.

1–2 Nights

HOSPITAL STAY

Patients typically stay one to two nights in hospital following surgery for monitoring and initial care.

10–12 Days

STITCHES TRIMMED

Dressings are removed and dissolvable stitches trimmed at a follow-up appointment around 10–12 days post-surgery.

3–4 Weeks

EXPECTED RECOVERY

Most patients recover and return to daily activities within 3–4 weeks. Pain varies between individuals but is generally well controlled.

PATIENT OUTCOMES

The Impact of Treatment

For many patients — particularly those treated during their teenage years — correcting tubular breasts can be profoundly life-changing. Mr Ali Juma reflects on this experience from over a decade of treating tubular breast patients:

“The teenage patients whom I have treated since their early years have blossomed into young, successful, confident adults. This is a reward that cannot be quantified — and can only be termed as priceless.”

— Mr Ali Juma — Consultant Plastic Surgeon

COMMON QUESTIONS