What Causes A Tubular Breast Deformity?

Tubular breast deformity is a condition that many patients may feel hesitant to talk about, but it’s more common than you might think, and often remains undiagnosed. The good news is that with expert surgical care, tubular breast deformities can be corrected to restore a balanced, natural shape.

What Is a Tubular Breast Deformity?

Tubular breast deformity, also known as tubular breast syndrome or constricted breast deformity, is a congenital condition caused by abnormal development of the breast tissue and surrounding structures. Rather than developing into a round, full shape, the breast may appear narrow, elongated, or tube-like.

Common characteristics of tubular breasts include:

• A high or tight inframammary fold (the crease under the breast)
• Asymmetry between the breasts
• Enlarged, puffy areolas
• Lack of fullness, especially in the lower portion of the breast
• Narrow breast base

“Patients often come to us feeling unsure about what’s normal,” mentions Dr. Grover, board-certified plastic surgeon. “Tubular breast deformity isn’t talked about enough, but it’s a real, diagnosable condition that can absolutely be treated. Our goal is to educate patients and help them feel empowered to seek the care they deserve.”

What Causes This Condition?

Tubular breast deformity is a congenital condition, which means it’s present from birth. It develops during puberty when the breast tissue begins to grow but is constrained by tight, fibrous connective tissue around the base of the breast. This tissue prevents the breast from expanding evenly in all directions, leading to the characteristic tubular shape.

“There’s a misconception that patients caused this somehow, or that weight changes are to blame,” explains Dr. Grover. “In reality, it’s due to how the breast tissue and surrounding structures formed during development. It’s not anyone’s fault, and it can be fixed.”

Can Tubular Breasts Be Corrected?

Tubular breast deformities can be effectively corrected, often with life-changing results. Because this condition involves both the shape and structure of the breast, treatment is typically surgical and requires advanced technical skill.

“Tubular breast correction is not your average breast augmentation,” says Dr. Grover. “It takes a nuanced approach and a deep understanding of breast anatomy.”

Common surgical solutions include:

• Areolar Reduction: Enlarged or puffy areolas are resized and repositioned for better symmetry.
• Breast Implants or Fat Grafting: These techniques help restore fullness and volume, especially in the lower pole of the breast.
• Internal Scoring Techniques: Used to reshape and redistribute existing breast tissue.
• Tissue Expansion and Reshaping: Surgeons release constricted tissue and reshape the breast mound to achieve a more natural contour.

“You don’t have to live with the emotional and physical challenges of tubular breast deformity,” says Dr. Grover. 

At The Plastic Surgery Center, our world-renowned surgical team can help you achieve a balanced, natural breast shape that aligns with your goals and enhances your confidence.

Take the first step towards a more confident you by scheduling a consultation for tubular breast correction with our expert surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Center. Contact us at 833-615-2618 to schedule an appointment.