Breast Developmental Disorder
At its most severe, a breast developmental disorder can cause social and psychological burden. Developmental disorders are, however, rarely connected to other illnesses.
If abnormal structural features feel disturbing, they can be corrected surgically. Personalized treatment is highly important, and we recommend booking a consultation with a plastic surgeon if you suspect that you may have a breast developmental disorder.
Tubular Breast
A tubular breast refers to a structural disorder of the mammary gland. It usually appears during puberty, when the breast does not begin to develop as expected. The condition is relatively common.
The exact cause of a tubular breast is not known, but according to studies, a change occurs in the early mammary gland cells already during fetal development, leading to structural changes in the mammary gland.
A tubular breast is conical or tube-shaped. The lower part of the mammary gland is underdeveloped, and weakness of the areola often leads to an enlarged and protruding areola. The condition is also often associated with breast asymmetry.
Tubular Breast Correction
Tubular breast correction is always a surgical procedure. Treatment is individual, and the correction method depends on the severity of the developmental disorder and the client’s other needs.
A large breast can be reduced and lifted using traditional breast reshaping methods. A small, or hypoplastic, breast can be enlarged with an implant or free fat grafting. The structure of the mammary gland often needs to be reshaped to achieve a rounder shape.
The decision on the surgical method used is made during the consultation together with the client, taking their individual needs into account.
Tubular Breast Correction – The Procedure and Recovery
Most tubular breast correction procedures are performed under general anesthesia. The client can almost always return home on the same day.
The length of sick leave is 2–4 weeks. The length is decided individually and is affected by factors such as the surgical method used.
Compression garments should be worn for approximately 2–4 weeks after surgery.
The change in breast shape can be seen initially approximately 1–3 months after surgery. The final result can only be seen after approximately 12 months, once the tissues have recovered from surgery.
Scar development is individual, and we provide careful instructions for scar care. However, it should be noted that surgery always leaves scars.
Tubular Breast Correction – Risks of the Procedure
Breast Asymmetry
Breast asymmetry means that the breasts differ from one another. The difference may appear as breasts of different sizes or shapes. Asymmetry may be related to a breast developmental disorder, such as a tubular breast, or it may occur on its own.
So-called physiological, or natural, breast asymmetry is normal, and a large number of women have mild breast asymmetry. However, a difference of approximately 30% in breast size can cause functional problems, such as making it difficult to dress or find suitable bras.
Correcting Breast Asymmetry
Breast asymmetry can be corrected surgically. The correction method is chosen individually, taking the client’s situation into account.
Asymmetry can be treated by operating on only one breast or, if needed, both breasts. Different surgical methods, such as reduction, lift, implant, and fat grafting, are used in the correction depending on the needs.
The goal is to achieve natural breasts that are as similar in size and shape as possible. During a consultation with a plastic surgeon, the starting point of the breast tissues is evaluated, and the necessary procedures are planned together with the client.
Supernumerary Nipple or Mammary Gland
A supernumerary nipple or mammary gland refers to breast gland tissue located outside the normal breast. The condition is congenital and harmless.
Sometimes, however, breast gland tissue located outside the breast can cause aesthetic concern. The tissue may also cause symptoms: it may become swollen, feel painful, or produce milk, for example during pregnancy or at different stages of the menstrual cycle.
A supernumerary nipple may sometimes be mistaken for a mole. If you suspect that you may have a supernumerary nipple or mammary gland, book a consultation with a plastic surgeon.
