A Closer Look at Breast Augmentation for Tubular Breasts
Breast augmentation, one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the world, is designed to not only enlarge the breasts, but to improve their shape and symmetry. As a result, the breast augmentation procedure is often the right approach to correct aesthetic concerns related to a relatively rare condition called tubular breasts.
At Northwest Plastic Surgery Associates in Missoula, MT, board-certified plastic surgeon Stephen Hardy employs his decades of experience to perform breast augmentation for tubular breasts. These procedures are more complex than a typical breast augmentation, and require the skill of an experienced surgeon.
What Are Tubular Breasts?
Tubular breasts is a congenital condition that can affect one breasts or both. It first presents during puberty when the breast tissue begins to develop, but does not proliferate normally.
Signs of tubular breasts include:
- Breasts that are small and asymmetrical
- Breasts that are tubular or cylindrical in shape
- Unusually wide spacing between the breasts
- A higher than normal breast fold
- Breast sagging
- Puffy or enlarged areolas
The condition usually carries psychological effects too, making girls in puberty and woman self-conscious about their appearance.
One or Two Surgeries May Be Required
Breast augmentation for tubular breasts may require two surgical procedures: one surgery to expand the constricted breast tissue, and a second surgery to place the implant. In other instances, you may be able to receive your implants in a single surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Hardy can determine if you are eligible for this procedure, and if so, which approach is right for your needs.
If you require two surgeries, the first will involve placing a tissue expander. This is performed under general anesthesia, and requires making a small incision, typically at the breast fold, through which the tissue expander device is placed. Over time, this expander will create more room in the breast pocket to accommodate the implant, which is placed during the second surgery.
Your implant placement procedure is usually performed about a month after your expander placement. In fact, the two procedures are quite similar. First, you will be put under general anesthesia; next, incisions will be made, often at the same site as before. Finally, the expander will be removed and replaced with implants.
Recovery from Breast Augmentation
Recovery from each of the surgeries also has many similarities. Patients will be discharged, often wearing compression garments and a drain.
Discomfort and swelling will be most acute the first few days after the procedure, and may be controlled with prescribed or over-the-counter medications.
Swelling and bruising are to be expected and will largely subside after a couple of weeks. That said, inflammation can take a few months to fully subside. Only at that time will the full results of the procedure be apparent.
Is Breast Augmentation for Tubular Breasts Right for You?
To enjoy the best possible outcomes from a breast augmentation for tubular breasts, choose a surgeon with decades of proven experience. Reach out to Northwest Plastic Surgery Associates to schedule your consultation with Dr. Hardy, or call us at (406) 728-3811.
