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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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Is it really possible to find a man while dealing with this deformity? I know some of the women on here say they've found men, but I feel like breasts are sometimes more important than a vagina to a man. And they're incredibly quick to, not only judge, but make a woman feel bad about this. And most people don't find "the one' on the first try so even if a woman with this were to find a man who was ok with it, if things don't work out, how will she find another? I feel like it's inevitable to never be in a relationship with this situation. so if a woman doesn't want to get surgery, is she destined to be single forever? or worse, to be cheated on? I'm just genuinely curious as to whether other women with this deformity have found men. And good men at that. especially those in the 20-30 age range.
February 28, 2011 - 5:22pmThis Comment
I have no trouble meeting/'finding' men. But alot of trouble retaining them. Once they've seen what I have, the disinterest sets in pretty quickly. These have, in some instances, been otherwise great guys. I guess you need to imagine the situation reversed- would you be content to have a relationship with a *guy* with a tuberous disorder? (Men *do* have this deformity, BTW)
February 28, 2011 - 7:38pmIt sounds a bit harsh, but I think that unless a guy has a specific fetish for this variation of anatomy, that it will be very difficult to find someone. I also think the effect that tuberous breasts have on self esteem really can be 'shattering', and can really affect your confidence as a woman. It certainly has mine.
I'm opting for surgical correction. I want to get on with my life, and the last 20 years worth of attempts at self acceptance have been in vain.
I wish you all the very best on your journey.
This Comment
I've only really just realised that I have this "deformity" and yes I choose to call it that, and find it the real truth to what tuberous breasts really are, obviously I'm amazingly happy for those that find their tuberous breasts a thing in which they can live with; for me, it's quite the opposite! I'm 17, turning 18 wahey ;) ..but yes, I've always been overweight, finally getting myself onto track with it, but all in good time but with the having folds of fat, I always assumed they'd look fine once I was slim, not realising I had such a deformity.. obviously I always knew my breasts were not "the norm" whatever that is? ..and have often thought of ways out of my life, just so I don't have to deal with them, but it has never been just the breasts, I suffer with many things, including hair growth, weight issues, yadda yadda you name it, I've had it! ..I suppose I should go to a doctor with it all, but with someone that has no self esteem how do you go around it? I'm absolutely terrified of doctors or hospitals on top of it, and my whole life I've been bullied and beaten about for the way I look, imagine if they knew what was under the clothes huh? ..suicide to me has always been the only option, and I suppose it will continue until I either pluck up the courage to do something about it or have some kind of miracle? ..but yeah I suppose the reason I'm writing this tedious essay, is because I understand the article, and feel some people are taking it the wrong way, the point is that woman or even men, that go through this, are not always happy with their bodies, and situations in life can make those insecurities a million times bigger, and so the meaning to the article basically is that, she can see either side to a story, if you're happy, then why not embrace your body? but if those that are insecure, there's nothing wrong with having surgery, especially if it boost's your esteem, letting you live your life, instead of existing in unhappiness? ..that's the way I see it anyway, and I'd like to thank Cathy greatly, because this article really helped, and at this moment in time, I could do with all the help I can get.
February 24, 2011 - 5:53pmThis Comment
The other reply is right, suicide should NEVER be an option. You are young and have so much to look forward to in your life. I am almost 4 weeks post-op for my breast augmentation surgery and I am 33 years old. I wish I did not have to wait so long, but there was not the financial resources until now. I have been happily married for 10 1/2 years now to a wonderful man who thought I was perfect, even when I did not. I have also been overweight much of my life and it has only gotten worse since I had my children. Now that I have one part of my body on track, I have more drive and desire to get the rest of me in shape as well. I could not be happier with my decision to get this surgery done! I know you are self-conscious and uncomfortable with going to the doctors about your issues you mentioned. Some doctors (in my experience) focus on the weight issue first and shove your real concerns to the side. If you don't get the resolution you want from one doctor, find another. You are worth getting the answers you want. Don't let them push their own agenda. Remember, you are paying them so you are the boss! Keep your chin up and remember that you are by no means alone. :)
February 24, 2011 - 8:31pmThis Comment
Suicide is never the answer hun.... nothing is so bad it can't be fixed. I suffered from the shame of tuberous breasts for a very long time (I didn't realize there was a name/ condition for the way my breasts looked until I was 29.. I'm 30 now). Knowing I wasn't alone.. that other women out there had breasts that looked like mine helped a lot. I didn't feel like a freak anymore (always a good thing), but I still hated my body because of my breasts. I'm telling you this because going to see a doctor, no matter how difficult it may seem right now, can ultimately be a new beginning for you. Once I got confirmation that I did indeed have tuberous breasts, I made the decision to go through with getting the surgery to correct them (some may disagree with that term, but I saw my breasts as a deformity, so having surgery was having them "corrected" to look the way most women's look)- best decision I've ever made. I consider my surgery my second birthday, because it really was the start of a new life for me... one where I no longer had to feel embarrassed, unworthy, ashamed, of self-hatred. I'm not saying surgery is the answer for everyone, but it was for me.. and it may be for you as well. Talking to a doctor is the first step on the long journey to helping yourself heal emotionally. My only regret is that I didn't talk to one sooner. Best of luck to you!
February 24, 2011 - 7:57pmThis Comment
I haven't read all the comments, just the comments in the first couple of pages. I have large tuberous breasts and they started sagging around 14-15. I f*****g HATE(d) them. They really are appalling. I will have them corrected, thankyouverymuch, and whoever thinks that is ridiculous to me is ridiculous themselves.
February 24, 2011 - 1:02pmThis Comment
I have tuberous breasts & I was never aware of that fact for years. I've always, always been unhappy with them, my mum teased me about them when they were beginning to bud at about 10 or 12 calling them "headlights". I always kept in the back in my mind that maybe I'm just at a growing stage & eventually it'll go away & suddenly I'll have normal beautiful breasts. I'm now 20 & they bother me so much I sleep with a bra on, I avoid looking at my body in the shower or mirror & whenever I'm not wearing a bra, I push them against my body so I won't have to feel their awkwardness when I'm wearing clothes. One day I decide to look up types of breasts on the internet, I wanted to find out if having ugly breasts like this is normal. What I find is sites labelling them as "deformities" "abnormalities" "a rare case". Sites after sites of having "corrective surgery" available. As if they're that bad, like having a growth, or having an arm for a leg & a leg for an arm, & it needs correction. I've never felt more unhappy with my body in my life.
February 18, 2011 - 10:12pmThis Comment
The hatred in response to this article is surprising to me. Get surgery, don't get surgery, to each their own. Yes this article has a pro surgery tone to it but seriously get over yourselves. I want the surgery desperately but not because I care what other people think, it's about how /I/ feel. I want to say good for the author for pointing out self respect and cosmetic surgery are not mutually exclusive. It's just not that big a deal to not want your areola to be half a cup size and the lowest hanging part of your breast.
January 29, 2011 - 6:20amThis Comment
I'm so glad the dialogue continues. To make good decisions about tuberous breasts--or any other condition that bothers you--you need lots and lots of information. From your own research, your doctor(s) and other women.
I'll write an article this week on the risks of breast augmentation. I have not had the surgery myself, but I have been interviewing doctors and patients and writing about it for years.
All the best!
January 9, 2011 - 12:34pmThis Comment
Thanks so much Cathy! I'm glad I found this site.
January 9, 2011 - 1:17pmThis Comment