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I’ve seen postings recently in a feminist forum about tuberous breasts, and whether one would be justified in having plastic surgery to improve them. The woman who initiated the discussion said she wanted to have the procedure to fix her tubular breasts, but felt bad about it. As a feminist, she said she felt “angry” that she was longing for surgery and even that she “wanted to die at the thought.”
If there ever were a condition that might drive a woman who thinks that “plastic surgery, on the whole, is ridiculous” to go under the knife, tuberous breasts would be a good candidate. Named for the fact that the breasts resemble tubers in shape, tuberous breasts (sometimes called “tubular breasts”) are formed when the base of the breast is smaller than usual. This constricted circumference causes the breast tissue to push forward and sometimes down, exacerbated by the fact that the inframammary fold (where the breast attaches to the chest wall) is often higher than normal.
Women with tuberous breasts usually have large areolas as well. When all these factors are present, it’s easy to see why one of the nicknames for this condition is “Snoopy breasts.” Although you may consider the famous Beagle adorable, you probably don’t want to have breasts that remind you of his nose.
In most cases, to create breasts that are more pleasing in appearance requires a bit more work than simply inserting implants. Plastic surgeons often need to make internal incisions to release constricting tissue and expand the base width of the breast. The breast pocket may need enlarging to accept an appropriate implant. Because women with tuberous breasts often have scant breast tissue, it’s often best to place implants below the chest muscle for a natural looking result. For this group of patients, silicone gel breast implants should be considered, as they tend to hold their shape well.
The feminist whose posting I read said that her tuberous breasts were “self esteem shattering” and that she always kept her bra on while having sex. In my view, those feelings are reason enough to feel ok about considering plastic surgery, regardless of which body part is the culprit and how “cosmetic” the procedure might be. In fact, body image is the key. If you happen to have tuberous breasts and aren’t bothered by them, great.
But this woman, who obviously does suffer significant embarrassment, can take comfort in the fact that tuberous breasts are considered to be a true deformity. Dictionaries define “deformity” as a part of the body that’s abnormally formed, “abnormal” meaning not usual or typical, deviating from what’s considered standard. What would you do if you were born with a cleft palate? Webbed fingers? You’d probably have surgery to fix the condition. And you’d probably feel a great sense of relief that you took the plunge.
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Hi Sarah,
My name is also Sarah, and I too had tuberous breasts that I didn't do anything about until my late 20s (29, to be exact). I didn't even realize that the way they were had a name, or that there were other women out there with the same condition. I spent years (far too many) feeling like a freak. Then, at the age of 29, I stumbled upon photos on google of women who's breasts looked like mine. When I realized that I wasn't alone, and that there was something that could be done to help me feel better about myself, I went to see a surgeon. I was nervous, because like you, I'd never told/ shown anyone before that day. He was great though.. he confirmed my suspicions, and gave me the very good news that the corrective surgery would be covered by health care (I'm in Canada). As soon as money was no longer an issue, I knew I was going to go through with it. I told my mom and dad (not an easy thing to do, but so glad I did, as they were immensely supportive), and waited for my surgery date to arrive. My doctor opted to use a new type of implant that also doubles as an expander, that way I didn't have to go under the knife more than once- if you decide to go with surgery, you may want to mention it to your surgeon as a possibility. The surgery itself went well.. I had a bad reaction to the anesthetic (it made me very nauseous), but once it wore off, I was fine. The recovery period was somewhat painful, but within a few days, I was back on my feet. I only took a week off work altogether, although if I had it to do over again, would probably take an extra few days. Considering what my body went through, the recovery was actually pretty quick and relatively easy. Now, I know that not everyone is pro-surgery, and I support everyone's right to choose, but I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am that I went through with it. My life changed for the better that day, and I've never once regretted it. I wish you much luck with your decision, and hope that in the end, whatever you decide, you do what you feel is right/ best for you. Take care! :)
June 11, 2011 - 3:42pmThis Comment
Hi there, I posted above, I am the 21 year old and my name is Paige. While I truly am happy for those women who choose to get surgery and in turn feel much better in their own skin, it does bother me when the way I was born is referred to as "natures mistake." If I view the way I look as the way my parents created me, two halves of a whole, I can accept that I was meant to be born with way. If I view the way I look as a mistake by nature, is is much more difficult to accept. Surgery or not it is still our job to advocate for the acceptance of our bodies, especially in a world where anything but perfect is considered wrong.
June 3, 2011 - 11:36amThis Comment
hello ladies- i am a 32year old divorced mother of 2 boys. my tuberous breasts have bothered me my entire life. Ever since i can remember even thinking about breasts i knew mine were different & not like all my friends. it has taken a huge toll on my life. i saw 3 different plastic surgeons over the last 10 years only to be told that i was not a canidate for breast aug surgery. Ive always had a low self esteem & only dated men that i didnt think would care/notice. i never wore a swimsuit,dress or even a tanktop. i finally found a doc not to far from me who speacializes in breasts like mine. he told me he could help me & i jumped at the chance. I am now 7 days post op & i feel like a whole new girl, its amazing to me. i wish i would have done it a long time ago. good luck to those of you that are thinking of correcting natures mistakes. you deserve to feel great about yourself & you only livr once!!!
June 2, 2011 - 10:15pmThis Comment
I'm a 21 year old who for quite some time has been trying to come to terms with both tuberous breasts and asymmetry. It is difficult and at times can make you feel like less of a woman. I do, however, want to make it very clear that your breasts in no way should be a factor in the way a man sees you and ultimately how much he loves you. I am in a long term relationship with a man who tells me daily how beautiful I am from top to bottom, inside and out. I used to desperately want breast augmentation but have decided that what hurts the most about my breasts is my potential inability to breast feed, and in the end, a breast augmentation won't change that. I would never fault any of you for opting for surgery, but never forget how beautiful you are. Any man who can't see that doesn't deserve you.
March 12, 2011 - 8:25pmThis Comment
Very well said. I did have surgery 5 weeks ago but I am 33 years old and have already had 3 children. Tuberous breasts most definitely impacted my ability to breast feed, but hopefully others (with a milder case) will have luck. My main reason for doing the augmentation was purely for reasons of my self confidence in bras/swim suits. My asymmetry was bad enough that I felt the need to use silicone inserts on one side to try and balance it out. Normally, these were an inconvenience, but not a major problem. However, when swimming with my kids last year, it slipped out of my bathing suit and went floating across the pool! While I can laugh about it now, it made me very self-conscious and upset at the time. I commend all of those women who are comfortable enough with their bodies to not have the surgery, but I must say that I am so happy that I did this. I have been happily married for almost 11 years and we dated for 4 years before that, so my DH did not care about my breasts. It was purely a decision for me. Regardless of what decision we all make about this situation, it needs to be our decision and ours alone. No man, woman, "friend" or family member should ever pressure you one way or another. Good luck to all! :)
March 13, 2011 - 4:33amThis Comment
Everyone:
Thanks so much for keeping the conversation going! It really makes me happy that one short article touched off this discussion. Apparently many women have tuberous breasts and want to share their experiences with others. I am glad this has happened--and my hat's off to all of you, surgery or not!
If anyone would like to tell their story in fuller detail to others, please send me a message. I would really enjoy writing it.
Cathy
March 9, 2011 - 2:31pmThis Comment
Really good to hear about your experiences, Anon.
March 3, 2011 - 3:52pmIt's good to know that you've had positive experiences in creating and maintaining relationships. Unfortunately this hasn't been the case at all for me, or for alot of the women I've encountered online with this issue.
Breastfeeding is definitely something to think seriously about, and I'm doing that in the lead up to my option for correction. At the moment I feel that the benefits of correction, for me, will far outweigh the potential of complicated breastfeeding.
I guess what I'm saying is that we all need to work out what we need to do to heal. And in doing that, to be really honest about how we feel about having the correction. It's definitely not for everyone, but I'm pretty sure it's for me.
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I have tuberous breasts - small, pointy, assymetrical & with large puffy areolas, & have never had a problem establishing & maintaining relationships. In fact, I've had less trouble than quite a few of my friends with lovely normal breasts!! Please don't think you are doomed to failed relationships because of your boobs - real relationships are based on so much more than that. Being embarassed & paranoid about your body probably puts a dampner on things though - so please just relax!
I'm 32 now & have to say the self consciousness I've felt about my breasts has decreased substantially over the years. The worst thing for me has been not being able to fully breastfeed my beautiful 6 week old boy.
Having 'corrective' surgery is likely to decrease your chances of breastfeeding even more, so please think about that before you get anything done.
I honestly don't consider tuberous breasts to be a 'deformity' - i think they are probably just a currently unfashionable variation of normal the cosmetic surgery industry has taken full advantage of.
Girls, please don't let ypur breasts define you!!
March 3, 2011 - 3:28amThis Comment
Hi Susan - do you have Tuberous Breasts?
March 2, 2011 - 7:04pmThe reason that I ask is that without experiencing the levels to which this anatomical variation can affect self esteem, relationships, self worth, sexuality and a whole host of other vital areas of wellbeing, it would be very difficult to accurately make comment on the issue of men.
Unfortunately, in my experience, it is very easy for a woman with normal, healthy breasts to advise things like 'a good man will love you for you' and 'breasts come in all shapes and sizes', etc... But the actual experiences of we women with tuberous breasts usually disproves these affirmations.
I can't even tell you how many forum posts I've read by women with tuberous breasts who have immense difficulty in their romantic lives directly because of their condition. This has certainly been the case for me too.
In no way do I want to block your gesture of support for the Anonymous writer, nor do I want Anon to feel any fear or downfall from this comment, but, to my experience, this is a MAJOR issue that warrants serious consideration of correction. I'm 34 now, and had I understood at 23 that what I had was a medical issue that was correctable I think my entire life would have been different (and much better).
I guess what I'm saying, Anon, is that while you are so, so much more than your chest, please also consider the realities of the situation and what you honestly feel you need to do in order to heal yourself. And do everything you can to make that happen.
I can honestly tell you, from my deepest and most heartfelt place, that suffering is not worth it.
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same anonymous here who asked about finding men. . .well that's really depressing. Getting them fixed isn't an option for me currently. But I guess that means I'll never find a man. Yes, this is extremely depressing.
March 2, 2011 - 1:55pmThis Comment