What causes tuberous breasts?
The exact cause remains unclear. It is a congenital condition that develops during intrauterine life, but it has not been determined whether genetic or environmental factors are responsible — or to what extent.
According to the most widely accepted theory, tuberous breasts are caused by the presence of a fibrous connective tissue “ring” at the base of the breast that restricts normal growth. This ring limits both horizontal and vertical breast expansion, giving the breast its characteristic tubular shape. The inframammary folds (the creases beneath the breasts) are usually positioned higher than normal, the breasts are underdeveloped or atrophic, and the nipple–areola complex is often enlarged. Significant asymmetry is also common due to uneven development.

How are tuberous breasts different from simply small breasts?
Tuberous breasts are not just a size issue. The main problem is abnormal development of the breast base, which gives the breast a narrow foundation and tubular appearance. For this reason, simply increasing breast size with implants — as in standard breast augmentation — will not correct the deformity.

How can tuberous breasts be corrected?
Treatment is surgical and requires specialized techniques to restore both the shape and size of the breasts.

The main surgical steps usually include:
- an incision around the nipple to reduce the size of the nipple–areola complex (if enlarged)
- release of the fibrous ring that restricts breast growth
- redistribution of breast tissue to create a natural shape
- placement of silicone implants if volume enhancement is required

In cases involving both breasts, asymmetry often requires different surgical techniques and different implant sizes on each side to achieve symmetry.

In some cases, fat grafting may be performed as a secondary procedure to further refine the result.
Each case of tuberous breasts is unique and requires a fully individualized approach by an experienced plastic surgeon familiar with advanced corrective techniques.

What should I expect after surgery?
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and lasts approximately 2–3 hours. Typically, two small drains are placed to prevent fluid or blood accumulation. One night of hospital stay is usually required. Postoperative pain is generally mild and controlled with simple pain relievers such as paracetamol or combination analgesics. Most stitches are internal and absorbable. You will need to wear a comfortable, wire-free support bra (sports or nursing-style) for about one month.

Initially, swelling occurs and the breasts may appear slightly larger and positioned higher than expected. The lower breast skin often feels tight, and the shape may not yet look natural. Over the following 2–3 months, swelling gradually subsides, the skin relaxes, and the breasts settle into their final form.

Temporary changes in nipple and breast sensation may occur. Some patients experience decreased sensitivity, others mild reduction, and some even increased sensitivity. In most cases, sensation returns within a few months, although in a very small percentage it may be permanent.

If you become pregnant after surgery, your breast glands will be affected by hormonal changes in the same way as if you did not have implants, and your breasts will increase in size. Likewise, after pregnancy and the completion of breastfeeding, your breasts will shrink to some extent. It is impossible to predict the degree of these changes, however the size of the implants will remain the same.
Breastfeeding is usually not affected, provided sufficient glandular tissue exists, though not all women are able to breastfeed regardless of surgery.

When can I return to normal activities?
You may walk and move around from the first day after surgery, but household work should be avoided for 10–15 days. Sexual activity should be avoided for 3–4 weeks. Light work can usually resume after 5–7 days, while full return to normal activities is expected after about one month.