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Tuberous Breast
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Tuberous Breast Treatment – For a breast shape that suits you

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Woman with bare torso covering breasts with both hands against plain backdrop, symbolic image for Tuberous Breast at BONITAS in Nuremberg

Women with tuberous breast deformity (also called constricted breast) experience not only physical but also emotional burdens: insecurity, frustration, the feeling of being “not normal”. However, this type of deformity is widespread – and medically treatable.

At BONITAS our specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, takes your wishes to heart with great care. His goal: to create a breast shape that feels harmonious, feminine, and truly right for you – whether with or without implants.

At a glance: The correction of the tubular breast shapes the narrow, constricted breast into a harmonious, round silhouette.

  • Surgery time: 2–3 hours under general anaesthesia
  • Method: glandular remodelling + implant or own fat
  • Hospital stay: 1 day as an inpatient
  • Recovery: 2 weeks, sport after 4–6 weeks
  • Final result: visible after 6 months
  • Prices: in our price overview

What is a tuberous breast?

Tuberous breast deformity is a congenital breast malformation in which the breast appears tube-shaped, asymmetrical, or constricted. Often, the breast base is very narrow, the lower pole is underdeveloped, and the nipple is enlarged and noticeably protruding.

This condition can occur unilaterally or bilaterally – and is not a cosmetic problem, but an anatomically caused breast malformation that does not “grow out on its own”, but requires targeted surgical correction.

Typical Characteristics of Tuberous Breast

  • Slender, elongated, or “sagging” breast base with small breast size
  • Narrow breast base (the breast “sits high”)
  • Protrusion or enlargement of the nipple
  • Lack of roundness in the lower breast area
  • Significant asymmetry between the right and left breast

Why is the correction so important?

Beyond the aesthetic aspect, treating tuberous breast often also involves self-esteem, body image, and the desire to finally feel naturally feminine – even in intimate moments or when looking in the mirror.

How the Tuberous Breast Correction Works

Before the procedure

  • Thorough consultation
  • Photo documentation and classification of the malformation
  • Discussion of your wishes & all treatment options

The Procedure

  • Duration: approx. 1.5–2.5 hours
  • Under general anesthesia
  • Depending on the severity, a combination of:
  • - Expansion of the breast base
  • - Reshaping of the lower breast pole
  • - Tissue tightening
  • - Nipple reduction or repositioning
  • - Insertion of an implant or autologous fat

After the Procedure

  • Rest & special bra for 6 weeks
  • Follow-up appointments at Praxis BONITAS
  • Return to work possible after approx. 1 week

Which technique will be used for you?

The choice of method depends on the individual manifestation of the tuberous breast. The plastic surgeon plans each procedure in a customized and holistic manner.

Possible Techniques:

  • Implants: Volume and shape creation with silicone or B-Lite lightweight implants
  • Tissue Release: Incision of tissue strands to expand the lower pole
  • Areola Correction: Reduction & repositioning of the nipple
  • Autologous Fat Transfer: Gentle volume creation with the body's own fat (in moderate cases)

Results – what you can expect

  • Harmoniously shaped breast with a natural silhouette
  • Improved transition between breast base and nipple
  • Less asymmetry
  • Significantly improved appearance & body confidence
  • Scars are discreetly placed due to precise incision techniques

Advantages of treatment at BONITAS practice

  • High specialization in breast surgery
  • Personal care
  • Modern implants & aesthetically well-conceived techniques
  • Combination with autologous fat possible
  • Natural result with long-term effect

Risks & Healing Process

Tuberous breast correction is a surgically demanding procedure that belongs in experienced hands. At BONITAS practice, safety & aesthetics are the top priority.

Possible Risks:

  • Wound healing disorders
  • Changes in nipple sensation
  • Implant displacement or capsular contracture (when using implants)
  • Asymmetries possible

Healing time: approx. 4 weeks until the result stabilizes

Aftercare Tips

  • Wear a specially fitted support bra
  • Sleep on your back, avoid pressure on the breast
  • No strenuous physical activity for at least 4 weeks
  • Follow our recommendations exactly

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

A tuberous breast – also called constricted breast or tube-shaped breast – is a congenital malformation of the mammary gland. Typical characteristics include a narrow breast base, a high breast crease, disproportionately large areolae, and a sagging, tube-shaped tissue contour. The breast often appears asymmetrical and underdeveloped – physically harmless, but often psychologically distressing.

Typical characteristics include: narrow breast base, prominently protruding areolae, sagging breast shape despite small volume, and asymmetries. Tuberous breast often becomes visible during puberty. Diagnosis is made by an experienced plastic surgeon – for example, by classification according to Grolleau (Grade I–III) based on shape, projection, and base.

Not necessarily. For milder forms, a lifting technique (e.g., periareolar mastopexy) or modeling/breast augmentation with autologous fat may be sufficient. In more pronounced cases, implants are useful to harmoniously reconstruct shape and volume. At BONITAS, we develop an individual correction plan for each patient – tailored to anatomy, desired outcome, and safety.

Our specialized tuberous breast autologous fat method enables gentle correction of the breast shape using the body’s own fat for a natural, harmonious result. If your breast has a tuberous shape, contact us!

The result is generally permanent. Implants today have a long lifespan (usually over 10 years); replacement is only necessary if desired or medically required. With autologous fat transfers, the transplanted tissue remains permanently, provided weight remains stable. Long-term satisfaction also depends on skin quality and care.

Depending on the technique, fine scars may result – e.g., around the areola (periareolar) or in the inframammary fold. At BONITAS, these are aesthetically positioned and carefully sutured. With proper care and UV protection, they usually fade well and are barely noticeable after healing. For many patients, the aesthetic benefit significantly outweighs this.

Smiling man with dark hair and beard in white coat against light background: Alejandro Marti, specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery, BONITAS Nuremberg
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Scientific References

  1. Lonie S, Tavakoli K. „An Algorithm for Correction of Mild Tuberous Breast Deformity in Augmentation Mammaplasty.” Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2023. PubMed PMID 37556836
  2. Faure A, Mosca MV et al. „Tuberous breast deformity correction: Long-term satisfaction assessment with BREAST-Q questionnaire.” Annales de Chirurgie Plastique et EsthĂ©tique. 2021. PubMed PMID 34563409
  3. Ioppolo L et al. „Tuberous Breasts Associated with Chest Wall Deformity: A Challenging Planning.” Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2024. PubMed PMID 38157013
  4. van Durme J et al. „The Different Surgical Strategies for Treating Tuberous Breast Deformity: A Scoping Review.” JPRAS Open. 2024. PubMed PMID 39555168
  5. Zholtikov V et al. „Tuberous Breast Deformity Correction: 12-year Experience.” Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2019. PubMed PMID 30411146

Medically reviewed and written by
Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery (DE & ES) · Belegarzt (admitting privileges)
More than 1,000 plastic and aesthetic procedures performed. Comes from a family with a long tradition in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery.
Last reviewed: May 2026