Tuberous Breast Correction
The shape, size and symmetry of a woman’s breasts play a role in how sensual, feminine and confident she feels. A tuberous breast shape becomes obvious during the early stages of puberty and can influence a woman’s psychosocial well-being well into the future.
This congenital disorder affects tissue development during puberty, resulting in small, uneven and droopy breasts. The deformity can range from mild to severe, with some women only realising that the condition is present later on in life. With surgical intervention, the breasts can be improved so that they look more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing.
Tubular breast reconstruction is not the same as general breast augmentation as it requires a more strategic approach based on each patient’s unique needs.
Aesthetic Reconstruction of Tubular Breasts
A patient’s breasts will need to have matured to their full extent before surgery can be considered. Most tubular breast reconstruction patients are in their twenties and thirties. You will also need to undergo an in-depth consultation to determine whether you would benefit from this procedure and what approach should be adopted.
To improve the appearance of the breasts, the width, symmetry and fullness of each breast is altered. This means that the surgery might include components of augmentation and a breast lift. The surgical technique that is used to achieve these results will be discussed during your consultation at Waverley House in Adelaide. Naturally, every possible step will be taken to minimise scarring but some scarring will still be present after the surgery.
Dr Rodney Cooter uses several different methods during surgery to ensure the available breast tissue is being used effectively and that the breasts are in proportion to the rest of the patient’s body. In terms of augmentation, patients can opt to use implants but fat grafting may also be an option. If breast implants will be used, Dr Cooter will take you through your options in terms of implant type, shape and size, ensuring you feel comfortable and that the results look natural. Silicone implants are generally the most popular because they produce the most natural look and feel. However, saline filled tissue expanders may be required as a preliminary stage before definitive implants.
The reconstructive surgery will be performed on an outpatient basis and takes about 3 hours to complete. The procedure needs to be performed under anaesthetic but patients can return home on the same day unless complications arise, which is unlikely
Recovery after Tubular Breast Reconstruction
Directly after your day surgery, you will be placed in a recovery room until you are cleared to go home. Most patients are able to go home 2 hours after their procedure but will need a friend or family member to transport them since the effects of the anaesthetic may still be present.
Patients can aim to return to work two weeks after their procedure but should still refrain from engaging in more strenuous activities for an additional week. A post-surgical bra will be required after your surgery and any drains that are placed will be removed about two to four days after your procedure. Your breasts will appear slightly larger after your surgery due to the swelling but this will gradually subside over the coming weeks. The final breast shape will be more apparent about 12 weeks after your procedure once the breasts have settled and the tissue has healed.
In terms of exercise, light cardio activities can be resumed about two weeks after your surgery. Any exercises that involve your chest can only be resumed around 6 weeks after your procedure. Lower body strength training will also be possible after two weeks but patients should still not overdo it at this point. After 12 weeks, patients are able to resume their normal exercise routines. However, it’s always best to clear this with Dr Cooter first –your recovery is a top priority.
You will have a team of medical professionals available to you following your tuberous breast revision procedure and a follow-up visit will need to be scheduled at 10 days and six weeks after your surgery. Dr Cooter will also provide you with specific aftercare instructions that will aid in a smooth recovery. This will include instructions on sleeping, showering, wound care, exercise and self-breast examination.
Tuberous Breast Correction FAQs – What You Should Know
What causes tuberous breasts?
Tubular breasts is a condition caused by breast tissue that doesn’t grow rapidly enough during puberty, leading to a droopy appearance. While this is not a condition that poses any health risks, it can affect a woman’s self-confidence and in some instances, her ability to breastfeed.
Who is a good candidate for tuberous breast correction?
There are a number of ways that you can identify tubular breasts. For one, they usually have a gap of more than 4cmsbetween them and the areolas often quite large. Tubular breasts will also usually be asymmetrical and the base of the breasts constricted, hence the term ‘tuberous’. While most breasts have a round shape, tubular breasts can appear square or pointed. The ideal candidate for tuberous breast correction will have fully developed breasts and be in good health.
How much does tuberous breast correction cost?
There are several factors that can impact this cost, including anaesthetist and hospital fees as well as whether or not you want to combine the procedure with augmentation. Since tubular breasts area congenital abnormality, Medicare should cover a portion of the costs. You can discuss this possibility with your surgeon during your consultation.
Are there any side effects or risks associated with this procedure?
As with any type of breast surgery, there will always be a risk of infection. If implants are used, the usual risks associated with augmentation will also become a factor. Eg, rupture and capsular contracture are two of the potential complications. In terms of tuberous breast correction, there is a chance that breast and nipple sensation will change and that the patient won’t be able to breastfeed in the future. All of these potential risks will be discussed with you during your consultation. Your surgeon will also take you through the ways that these risks can be minimised or avoided completely.
Can tuberous breast correction and augmentation be performed on the same day?
Yes, itis possible for both procedures to be done at the same time so that patients only have to plan for one recovery period and incisions won’t need to be reopened later on. However, not all patients are suitable for a single procedure to correct the tuberous shape. If you really want the procedures to be performed separately, you can speak to your surgeon about the pros and cons of this option.
Will there be scarring after this procedure?
Yes, almost all cosmetic surgery procedures result in some degree of scarring. The good news is that these scars will fade with time but they won’t ever disappear completely. We will also provide you with some tips on how you can care for your incisions in a way that will minimise scarring. The scarring around the nipple-areolar region will require prolonged post-operative taping in an effort to reduce subsequent scar stretch.
Should I rather schedule tuberous breast correction after pregnancy?
If you are looking to grow your family or you’re currently pregnant, it’s best to schedule your surgery for a later date. Give your body up to 12months to heal after childbirth before you consider this procedure. However, if you would prefer to correct your breasts sooner, it’s fine to do so before pregnancy.

At Waverley House, your tuberous breast will be automatically registered with the Australian Breast Device Registry (ABDR). Dr Cooter’s patients who receive a breast device are now automatically included in the Australian Breast Device Registry (unless they opt out) with the overall aim to improve patient outcomes with the assistance of a long-term database. Dr Cooter was one of the founders of the ABDR.