In the 1980s, describing something as "totally tubular" was quite the compliment. Unfortunately, the word is not as flattering when used to describe your breasts. A tubular breast deformity is one in which the breasts develop in a narrow, constricted, or elongated shape. Tubular breasts are narrow instead of round and full, often looking quite thin at the base with a high breast crease and large, puffy areolas.
Tubular breast deformity is essentially a congenital issue that impacts how the breasts form and develop during puberty. Its severity varies, with some women experiencing only minor breast underdevelopment while others have very misshapen and asymmetrical breasts. Both extremes are correctable with breast augmentation surgery, but special surgical techniques may be necessary to provide ideal results.
Tubular breasts are completely harmless and won't cause you any physical problems or pain. They can make you self-conscious, however, when their different shape is extremely pronounced or noticeable. But not every breast deformity creates the same changes in breast shape. You likely have a tubular deformity if your breasts display some or all of the following characteristics:
Tubular breasts are a congenital issue rather than one caused by illness or injury, but we're not entirely sure what causes them. Although they aren't apparent until puberty, scientists believe that they may be the result of poor or abnormal connective tissue development in utero. Hormonal imbalances may also contribute. While the exact cause of tubular breast deformity remains unclear, we do know that women with a family history of the condition are more likely to develop it themselves.
In many cases, women diagnose tubular breast deformities on their own. They may not know the name of the condition, but they often seek help from a doctor or plastic surgeon because they are aware that their breast shape is different. An official diagnosis involves a physical examination during which a doctor evaluates breast shape, areola size, symmetry, and inframammary fold position. In rare cases, imaging tests such as ultrasounds and mammograms may also assist with a diagnosis and can help your surgeon get a better view of your breast tissue development while creating a surgical plan.
Breast augmentation is the best long-term solution for tubular breasts, but simply placing breast implants isn't enough to fully correct the problem. Creating a normal-looking breast will likely require your surgeon to utilize a number of additional surgical techniques. These include:
Tubular breasts are a congenital condition causing narrow, elongated breasts, large areolas, and high breast folds. Breast augmentation alone is insufficient—corrective surgery must generally include tissue expansion, mammary fold lowering, and areola reshaping. Getting it right requires an individualized surgical approach that ensures a balanced, natural look.
We encourage you to schedule a free virtual consultation with our clinic to discuss your options for correcting tubular breasts and get personalized answers to your questions about the procedure.
Tubular breasts are a congenital breast deformity where breast tissue develops in a narrow, elongated shape with puffy areolas and a high breast fold.
Unfortunately, no. Tubular breast correction requires surgical intervention as breast tissue does not expand naturally over time.
Breast augmentation aimed at repairing tubular breasts typically involves tissue expansion, implant placement, mammary fold lowering, and areola reshaping. Together, these surgical techniques can create a more normal and natural breast appearance.
Round, moderate- to high-profile implants are typically recommended to create fuller, more symmetrical breasts.
Yes, surgical correction provides long-lasting results, with implants and tissue reshaping maintaining a natural look over time.