12 May Tubular Breasts: Can Implants Help Correct Mammary Hypoplasia?
What Are Tubular Breasts?
Sometimes during puberty, the breasts do not grow properly, leading to a condition called tubular breasts. Women with tubular breasts have a conical or uneven shape and more space between the breasts. Mammary hypoplasia is a problem associated with tubular breasts, where insufficient breast tissue causes issues with milk production. Surgery can help correct tubular breasts and is a great choice for many women with this condition.
Making a diagnosis
To determine if a patient has tubular breasts, doctors must conduct a medical examination to evaluate the size and shape of the breast. A larger space between breasts, asymmetry, swollen areolas, conical breast shape, lack of milk production, sagging or droopy breasts, and a smaller breast base are all symptoms of the condition.
Is the condition dangerous?
Also known as breast hypoplasia, the condition is not dangerous but can interfere with the patient’s ability to produce milk. Tubular breasts could be a problem if a patient plans on breastfeeding a baby. Due to the lack of tissue, the breasts cannot produce enough milk. The baby may also have trouble latching onto the breasts due to size, shape, or the areola.
Causes of hypoplasia
Often, patients are diagnosed with breast hypoplasia later in life, but the condition starts in adolescence. Females who do not develop breasts by age 13 can be at a higher risk of developing tubular breasts. Researchers have not found an exact cause of hypoplasia, but many believe a lack of estrogen may contribute to the condition. Estrogen is a hormone that plays a pivotal role in the female body to produce breasts, develop hips, and start a menstrual cycle during the reproductive years. Without adequate amounts of the hormone, the body may fail to fully develop breasts and the tissue necessary for milk production.
Treatment options for tubular breasts
The best way to correct the size and shape of the breasts is through breast augmentation. During the surgery, the doctor can insert a breast implant to enhance volume and shape. Doctors can also reduce the size of the surrounding areola tissue, lift breasts to eliminate sagging, and release constricting breast tissue. In some cases, doctors have to perform a 2-part surgery. During the first surgery, doctors insert tissue expanders inside the breast to stretch the skin. This creates a larger pocket and surface area for the breast implants. Then the expanders are removed, and an implant is placed inside.
Is breastfeeding possible?
Women who have had an augmentation and received silicone implants can breastfeed. Although breast augmentation improves size and shape, implants will not fix the problem of breast milk production if the patient has inadequate milk glands. A lactation consultant is an excellent resource for women wanting to learn more about feeding a baby post-augmentation.
Achieving uniform breasts
Patients with tubular breasts interested in learning more about augmentation should consult a plastic surgeon. Surgery is a great way to improve cosmetic appearance but usually does not improve milk production. With the right approach, breasts can be perky and uniform.