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Tuberous Breasts - To Fix or Not to Fix?

 
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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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EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

"Are you saying they should just live with this feeling, or perhaps try to celebrate instead of feeling dissatisfied, and not have a procedure that could possibly change their life? Are you for real?"

I actually think trying to celebrate instead of feeling dissatisfied is quite an excellent solution.

I'm a figure model and a stage actress (and have appeared nude on stage). I've got tubular breasts. And I have to say, while there were times in my life that I was self concious about my breasts, after having had sex with a few people, and showing them to rooms full of the most judgemental people in the world (college freshmen), as well as the second most judgemental people in the world (theatre goers) I can say that this supposed "deformity" isn't something most people think is all that freaking weird. I was absolutely my harshest critic, and quite frankly, I think to use the word "deformity" for something that has, in my experience, been utterly acceptable, is obnoxious, ridiculous, and clearly a ploy by plastic surgeons to make women feel bad about themselves and seek their services.

So, yeah. Celebrating your breasts, and loving them as a part of you is absolutely the best solution.

September 2, 2010 - 2:00pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I am an attractive male who happens to find tuberous or tubular breasts the most attractive and appealing of all breast types, specially with large areolas. Whoever thinks and dares to say that tubular or tuberous breasts are deformed, abnormal or unnatural looking has a closed, foolish, criminal and sinister mind.

Women undergoing plastic surgery because their self-esteem is low due to comparing themselves to the female image that mainstream media or "medical" industry considers to be normal and/or perfect is quite saddening.

If you have tuberous or tubular breasts, let them be. They are perfect as they are. You are perfect as you are. There are plenty of people who love and appreciate your breasts as they are. Don't mutilate yourself in order to meet the opinion of people who do not understand what natural really is.

There is nothing to fix, correct or repair about tubular breasts. They are beautiful and unique and appreciated by many. Be proud of your breasts and love them. Be proud of and love yourself. Accept and be happy with who you are. Many of us love and appreciate you as you are with your wonderful tubular breasts. Don't ever change them. :)

July 20, 2010 - 1:12am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

and thats YOUR opinion.. enough said

November 24, 2010 - 10:07pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I had the chance to read Cathy's post, and I found it informative and accurate. I am a plastic surgeon, and I only perform cosmetic surgery - and in this capacity I have had the opportunity to see many patients with this condition. While there are many women that are content with tuberous breasts, there are also many who are deeply bothered by it. (It's the same with noses - some love their unique shape, while others want something different!)
For those who wish treatment, the results are usually very satisfying and allow the patients to feel better about their breasts. It's that simple.

July 19, 2010 - 11:32am

I am pleased the debate about tuberous breasts rages on. It is not a simple problem for a woman to handle, that much is clear. Talking about the issue can be very helpful.

As a plastic surgery writer who knows about tuberous breasts, has seen many examples and has heard women talk about their anguish, I am thrilled when someone chooses surgery and feels so much better about her looks. At least one woman has written in to share her experience before and after surgery and it's impossible not to be overjoyed on her behalf.

I'm also delighted when a woman speaks up to say she is content with her tuberous breasts and doesn't feel the need to change them. Women like these have simply and firmly opted out of going along with what the media tells us is desirable--they inspire my admiration. They state their case in a calm, logical manner, and it's easy to feel very happy for them too.

What I've noticed is that there seems to be a group of women in between. These are the people like the woman I referenced in the original posting--those who feel so horrible about their situation and their choices that no option is right.

The in-betweeners who lean toward surgery rant and rave and sigh and moan about how they don't "believe in plastic surgery" but feel compelled against their will to go under the knife. The other group of in-betweeners are those who are adamant that they and their partners like their breasts just fine, and that nothing is wrong. They protest loudly about societal norms and the media and condemn plastic surgery for tuberous breasts--and those who choose it.

Debate is good. Sharing personal views and experiences is wonderful. What's not helpful is telling another woman definitively what she should do and why. If she's leaning toward a different answer, whatever her reasoning may be, your input makes her "wrong."

Please allow me to reiterate one thing. If you have tuberous breasts, make the decision about them that's right for you. Do your best to throw all preconceived notions out the window, about what's "normal" and about what's "right." Talk to other women. Go to counseling. Search your soul. Settle on the course you just know makes the most sense for you. If you can make peace with your tuberous breasts and don't think about them much, that's truly wonderful. If you understand why others opt for surgery but don't want to do that yourself--terrific.

But for those of you who rant about the evils of plastic surgery, whether you're headed for the knife but wish you didn't feel the need, or whether you're loudly proclaming the evils of surgery and stating that no one should do it, well, please forgive me for suggesting you might give it a rest.

Is the implied "wrongness" of your physique unfair? Yes, it sure is. It's unfortunate how societal celebration of certain norms causes many who look different to feel bad. You can argue all you want that without the media, plastic surgery would not be so popular. How true! But there's no changing what's happening in society today. You can only make decisions for yourself.

If you are a woman with tuberous breasts and, when you're really being honest with yourself, you long for rounder, more average looking breasts, give surgery a fair shake. Plastic surgery is not evil, and you don't have to feel like you're selling out or making an extreme move if you choose it. After all, you would not be altering your body in an attempt to look like someone else, or snag a boyfriend or a Hollywood contract. Your wish to change part of you that deviates from the norm is reasonable, especially your breasts. After all, they're kind of important!

If you secretly wish for surgery, find a couple of board certified plastic surgeons with experience with tuberous breasts, and let their marketing materials tell you they might be a good fit for you. Attend at least two consultations, then make your decision. If you choose surgery, schedule it, follow your doctor's orders and get on with your life.

Whatever you do, don't rant and rave about how things should be different and tell others what to think. There's no peace in that path.

July 17, 2010 - 11:25am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Cathy Enns)

Back in Jan of this year, I wrote about my experience with tuberous breasts and my post-surgery reaction to having them corrected. Since that time, I've been following the other comments that have been added, and have often found myself feeling a bit insulted by the women who choose to make those of us who want (or have already had) surgery feel guilty for doing so. It's been six months since my surgery, and I haven't ever, not once, had a single regret about going through with it. Ok, that's not true; my only regret has been that I didn't find out much earlier in my life that my oddly-shaped breasts were actually caused by a genetic condition that could be FIXED. I instead had to spend years feeling inadequate, unworthy, ugly, and alone.. years I'll never get back.

That said, I couldn't be happier that I've gotten a "second chance" at finding my own personal happiness. I was fortunate enough to find an understanding, talented, and experienced plastic surgeon, and the results were better than I could have ever hoped for. Some of the women on this board have said things that try to make implants sound like something disgusting, and that having them would be awful... to those women; I don't think of them as foreign objects stuck inside my chest. Rather, I feel as though they're a part of me, and it's an indescribable thing to wake up every day finally feeling whole when you've spent so many years not feeling that way. So although everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I wholly agree with Cathy- when deciding one's fate in the tuberous breast journey, it's an extremely personal decision, and no one should be made to feel guilty or wrong for whatever choice they make.

July 17, 2010 - 4:40pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

you said that so well! couldn't agree more :)

November 24, 2010 - 10:09pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I just discovered as well that I have tuberous breasts and as a 19 year old, attractive female I have never had a boyfriend or sex because of it. Not because the guys didn't want me, but because I didn't want them seeing my breasts. I've decided that at sometime in the near future I will be getting them corrected. I refuse to live the rest of my life alone because of this problem.

July 16, 2010 - 9:42pm
(reply to Anonymous)

Hi, I am in the same situation, except I'm 18. I really need to get this done, it would really change my life and give me the confidence I need to let somebody see me. I still live at home with my parents and I'm finding it hard to figure out how I'm going to do this. Should I tell my parents? They are strongly against surgery. But maybe if they knew how much it bothers me..How it controls my life.. I'm tired of crying myself to sleep. I have to do something about this NOW.

March 8, 2011 - 4:40pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Thank you so much for sharing your story, Anonymous.

It is certainly terrible that society tells us what is and not beautiful which makes every women susceptible to ridicule. I think every women has something on their body that may not be looked at as beautiful and of course we try and hide that portion of our bodies. It isn't fair.

Accepting ourselves as we are is best and someone will love us for who we are and not what society has deemed as beautiful. Your story was very inspiring and thank you again for sharing it with us.

July 11, 2010 - 8:45am
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