Tuberous Breast Correction

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lake Forest and Chicago, IL

Tuberous breast correction is a surgical procedure that can address the appearance of tuberous breast deformity and restore a rounded, more natural appearance to the chest. Tuberous breast deformity is a condition characterized by the underdevelopment of the breasts, resulting in a narrowed, disproportionate, and often uneven appearance. With this procedure, you can restore a more natural-looking appearance across your breasts and feel confident in your skin once again.

Dr. Michael Howard is a board-certified plastic surgeon at Northwestern Hospital with several decades of experience in medicine. Dr. Howard is one of the leading breast reconstruction specialists in all of Chicago and has received numerous endorsements from both his colleagues and patients for his technical skills, deep level of knowledge, and impeccable bedside manner.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Howard, please call (224) 271-4250 to reach any of our offices. We have locations in Lake Forest, Chicago, and Glenview.

About Tuberous Breast Correction

Tuberous breast correction is a specialized procedure that can address and correct the appearance of tuberous breast deformity. This condition is congenital and consists of the breasts developing with a narrowed base, heightened breast crease, enlarged areola, bulged or herniated breast tissue, underdeveloped breasts, and a tube-like appearance. (1) While this condition is not life-threatening, it can cause many women to become self-conscious or insecure in their appearance. Dr. Howard can perform tuberous breast correction using breast augmentation, fat grafting, and/or breast lift techniques to help you reshape your breasts.

Candidates

You may be a suitable candidate for tuberous breast correction if you have tuberous breast deformity and wish to correct it for a rounder, more contoured, and proportionate appearance.

To qualify for tuberous breast correction, you will need to:

  • Be in good general health
  • Have realistic expectations regarding your results
  • Have fully developed breasts
  • Be nonsmoking or willing to quit using nicotine

Dr. Howard will assess your candidacy during your personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

Each patient is unique, which is why you will need to attend a personal consultation before scheduling your procedure. During this consultation, Dr. Howard will converse with you openly about your medical history, procedure goals, and specific concerns. He will also perform a physical evaluation to assess the condition and natural anatomy of your breasts.

Dr. Howard will use these details to create a customized solution for each of your concerns. He will recommend the most effective surgical techniques, and he may also suggest additional procedures to enhance your desired outcomes. Throughout the consultation, he will also answer any questions you may have, as he wants you to feel comfortable and confident about your upcoming procedure.

To schedule your consultation, please call (224) 271-4250 to reach our Lake Forest, Chicago, or Glenview offices.

Preparation

Once you have scheduled your procedure, you will need to start preparing. To help you, Dr. Howard will provide a set of detailed pre-operative instructions. These may include:

  • Refraining from taking any blood-thinning medications or supplements.
  • Preparing to take time away from your responsibilities and social commitments.
  • Arranging transportation for your procedure.
  • Ceasing any nicotine use or alcohol consumption several weeks before your procedure.
  • Filling any prescriptions you may need for your recovery beforehand.

Procedure

When you arrive for your procedure, you will first meet with Dr. Howard to reconfirm your treatment plan. Dr. Howard can correct your tuberous breasts using breast augmentation, fat grafting, and breast lifting techniques. These techniques are often combined for the best results.

Breast Augmentation

Dr. Howard can perform a breast augmentation and use either silicone or saline implants to reshape your breasts. Silicone implants contain a viscous silicone gel, while saline-filled implants encapsulate a sterile saltwater solution in a silicone shell. (2)

Dr. Howard will place an incision near the breasts or within the armpit to access the underlying structures of your chest. He will then create a pocket for the implant to rest in above the pectoralis muscle (subglandular placement) or below the pectoralis muscle (submuscular placement). He will place the implant within your chest to create a more natural appearance. He will then close each incision and allow you to rest.

Fat Grafting

Fat grafting is a procedure that takes fat from one area of the body and transfers it to another. Dr. Howard can use liposuction to take fat from several areas of the body, with many patients choosing areas like their abdomen, thighs, or flanks.

Dr. Howard will place several small incisions at your fat site before injecting the tissues with a tumescent solution. This solution minimizes bleeding, numbs your local tissues, and swells the fat cells for easier removal. (3) He will then insert a thin cannula and move it back and forth to break down your local fat before aspirating it from the area, leaving it more slender and toned.

Dr. Howard will process and purify the fat to ensure he only readministers the most viable cells. He will then carefully inject it back into the breasts to recontour them for a rounder appearance.

Fat grafting may be used alone for mild cases, but is often combined with other surgical techniques.

Breast Lift

A breast lift is a procedure that elevates the position of the breasts on the chest wall to restore a more uplifted and perky appearance. Dr. Howard can perform this procedure to address concerns regarding sagging, underdeveloped, or contracted breast tissue. These concerns can cause a flattened or deflated look that can exacerbate the appearance of your tuberous breasts.

Dr. Howard will place an incision on the breasts, with the location varying depending on your current anatomy and procedure goals. He will elevate the position of your breasts and reshape the breast mound for a more proportionate and perkier appearance. Dr. Howard will redrape your skin and remove any excess skin to restore a tighter, smoother appearance. He will carefully close each incision, leaving you with a more proportionate and shapely chest.

Recovery

After your procedure, you will need to take some time away from your responsibilities and social commitments to focus on your recovery. You may return to light activities and desk work after approximately one to two weeks. However, you will need to avoid strenuous or physically demanding tasks until Dr. Howard clears you.

As you heal, it is common to experience some swelling, bruising, and tenderness around your chest. These effects are temporary and will subside on their own. During this time, you will also need to wear a surgical bra.

Dr. Howard will provide any additional post-operative instructions during your personal consultation. If any questions arise, we encourage you to call our office so that we may support you.

Results

Once you make a full recovery, you will be able to enjoy a difference in the appearance of your chest. Your breasts will appear rounder, more proportionate, and even, creating a more desirable silhouette. Your renewed curves may also contribute to a more natural and proportionate look across the entirety of your figure.

The results of tuberous breast correction are long-lasting, with effects you can enjoy for several years to come.

Cost of Tuberous Breast Correction in Chicago

The cost of your tuberous breast correction procedure can vary depending on several factors, including the surgical techniques Dr. Howard employs, the extent of your corrections, and whether Dr. Howard integrates any other procedures into your treatment plan. Once he has established your plan, he will provide a comprehensive cost estimate.

To learn more about the pricing of your personalized treatment plan, please call (224) 271-4250.

FAQ

What is tuberous breast deformity?

Tuberous breast deformity is a condition characterized by a constricted breast base, abnormal breast crease placement, enlarged areola, herniated breast tissue, and more. This condition is congenital, which means patients with this condition are naturally born with it.

How will I know which corrective technique is right for me?

During your personal consultation, Dr. Howard will meet with you individually to assess your anatomy, discuss your concerns, and learn more about your desired appearance. He will then use this information to determine the most effective and appropriate solution for your case.

How long will it take to recover from tuberous breast correction?

Many of Dr. Howard’s patients are able to return to most of their daily activities within one to two weeks. However, you will need to refrain from engaging in any strenuous or physically demanding activities until Dr. Howard has allowed you to return.

What type of anesthesia will be used during my tuberous breast correction?

Dr. Howard performs tuberous breast correction while the patient is under general anesthesia. This ensures that you remain comfortably asleep as he performs each of your enhancements.

Can Dr. Howard combine my tuberous breast correction with another aesthetic procedure?

Yes, Dr. Howard can combine your procedure with another to elevate your results. For more information on the other treatments you may qualify for, please schedule a consultation.

References

  1. Grella R, D’Andrea F, Giovanni Francesco Nicoletti, Lanzano G. Tuberous Breast Management: A Review of Literature and Novel Technique Refinements. 2022;10(12):e4708-e4708. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000004708
  2. Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/
  3. Bartow MJ, Raggio BS. Liposuction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/