NBPH-Treatment-Tubular-Tuberous-Breast

The condition is sometimes called constricted breasts, tubular breasts, or herniated areolas. It can significantly affect the appearance of the breast.

On this page, we look at:

  • The definition of tuberous breast syndrome
  • Surgical techniques used to correct tuberous breasts at North Bristol Private Hospital
  • The latest advice on breast implants

The definition of tuberous breast syndrome

Tuberous breasts show abnormal development of the breast tissue affecting both size and shape. The areola is enlarged and puffy and the breast lacks tissue beneath the nipple area, creating an elongated or cone-like shape.

One or both breasts may be affected, and the severity of the condition can vary considerably.

Surgical techniques used to correct tuberous breasts at North Bristol Private Hospital

The aim of this surgery is to improve the shape of both of your breasts or to create symmetry where only one breast is affected.

Our surgeons employ a range of techniques to do this, including fat transfer, breast implants, expanders and remodelling of your own breast tissue.

You will discuss the best technique for your breasts with your surgeon at two pre-surgery consultations. All the options will be explained to you in detail, and you will have plenty of time to reflect on your options and ask questions.

The latest advice on breast implants

Since December 2018, regulatory bodies in many countries have made statements on the subject of breast implants after some negative publicity about their effect on health.

The research data is inconclusive and has been interpreted differently by different countries. No country has advised that women with implants have them removed or replaced as a precautionary measure.

However, breast implants are not designed to be lifelong products and will need to be replaced at some point.

The Breast and Cosmetic Implant register (BCIR) collects breast implant data about patients in England and Scotland. The MHRA has a reporting system to gather and analyse information in the UK and is linked to data compiled by public health organisations in other countries.

The most recent advice from MHRA on BIA-ALCL was updated on the 4th of April 2019.

View the MHRA statement on Allergan

Download the BAAPS statement on ALCL

Frequently asked questions

Many of our patients have been embarrassed about their breast development since puberty as they started to notice the difference between their contemporaries’ breast development and their own. 

Our surgeons are highly experienced and if you feel that your breasts have not developed correctly, they will be able to offer advice and solutions.

Tuberous breasts share the following features:

  • Elongated or cone shape
  •  Narrow breast base
  •  A high fold beneath the breast (inframammary crease)       
  •  Puffy, enlarged areola

The excellence of our surgical team at North Bristol Private Hospital ensures that complications are very rare; however, all surgical procedures carry risks.

Bleeding, bruising, infection, scarring, implant displacement or rupture and capsular contracture are all possible after breast reconstruction surgery.

All these risks will be explained to you in detail at your consultations with your surgeon, and you will be asked to sign a consent form.

We know that a stress-free experience with excellent aftercare makes for happy patients and quicker healing. After surgery, you will be cared for by your own dedicated nurse in our luxuriously comfortable in-patient ward. 

You will be checked by your surgeon before leaving and will receive detailed instructions about how to care for yourself and your breasts at home. You can discuss any issues at your regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon, but you can also phone us any time after your discharge if you are concerned or have any questions.

Once your breasts have healed, they will be fuller and more rounded in shape and will fill a normal bra cup.

Typically, surgery involves the insertion of a breast implant combined with some remodelling of your own breast tissue. The size of your areola is reduced through a discreet scar around the areola.

Sometimes the level of tuberosity requires two procedures. The first is the insertion of an expander to stretch the tissue so that it can accommodate a breast implant, which is then inserted in a separate procedure.

Surgery takes between two and three hours and is performed under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will place the incisions to ensure minimal scarring.

After your surgery, you will spend a night in our luxurious in-patient ward with a nurse dedicated entirely to your care.

Once your surgeon has assessed you on day two, you will be ready to go home. Your breasts will feel tight at first, but this feeling will gradually disappear.

We advise our patients to take four weeks off work after surgery and avoid even moderate exercise for the same period. This includes sports, gym workouts, hoovering, driving, and dog walking. Your surgeon will advise you when you can start exercise for your lower body and, later, when more strenuous activities can be resumed.

Most patients find that their scars have faded after a year.

Round or teardrop-shaped implants are available, and both give stunning results. Your surgeon will discuss which shape and size are best for your body.

Different manufacturers use different materials for the outer shell and the filling. In the European Union, 95% of implants are filled with silicone gel and only 5% with saline or other fillers.

We only use the best implants available, Mentor Silicone Gel-Filled Breast implants which have silicone elastomer shells. They are filled with MemoryGel, Mentor’s own silicone gel.

You will know exactly what to expect after the surgery as your surgeon will have thoroughly discussed your outcomes based on your body shape and size at your pre-surgical consultation.

We will ensure that your expectations are realistic and informed and we are sure that you will be delighted with your results.

Elena does not operate on patients that regularly smoke or vape. To be considered for this procedure you must refrain from smoking or vaping for 3 months before and after your surgery.

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How much does tuberous breast cost?

The total cost of the surgery will be confirmed after the first consultation.

The cost includes the hospital, surgeon and anaesthetic fees. It also covers all post-operative visits. The initial consultation fee will be invoiced separately. 

The prices apply only at the time of publication and are subject to changes without notification.

Initial Consultation

£275

This fee will be invoiced separately.

Surgery costs from

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At a glance

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Treatment Videos

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Funding your procedure

Our aim is to provide the best surgical treatments available.

We understand the price of surgical treatments can be a crucial deciding factor for many patients however there is no one price fits all, and we provide prices commensurate with the level of surgical excellence being provided. We offer options of ways to pay including 0% finance.

North Bristol Private Hospital - Funding your procedure