Tuberous (Tubular) Breast Correction Surgery

Tuberous breasts (or tubular breasts) are a result of a congenital abnormality of the breasts which can occur in both men and women, in one breast or both. It is caused by breast tissue not growing properly during puberty. Tuberous breasts are diagnosed based on the way that the breasts look. They lack breast tissue in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The narrow base can cause the breast to look elongated. They tend to have a gap of more than 1.5 inches between them. The area that surrounds the nipple (areola) may appear to be constricted or collapsed and they may appear enlarged. A pair of tubular breasts often lack symmetry, and one will appear noticeably larger than the other. Instead of a round appearance, tubular breasts may appear to be oval, pointed, or square shaped.

The effects of the condition are varied and can range from mild to severe, below are some of the common characteristics of tubular breasts. Fortunately, these can be resolved with corrective surgery.

  • Enlarged or puffy areolas (area surrounding the nipple)
  • Unusually wide spacing between the breasts
  • Minimal breast tissue
  • Sagging
  • Higher than normal breast fold
  • Narrow base at the chest wall

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Tuberous Breast Correction Surgery Before and After

Mr Wilson has performed many tuberous breast surgery procedures for patients in Bristol, Bath, Gloucester and Newport.   Please see this gallery for before and after tuberous breast surgery pictures. Mr Wilson will always be happy to talk to you about your desired outcome and what results you should expect for your individual body.

Please see the testimonials page to read Mr Wilson’s 5* breast enlargement reviews.

What do tubular breasts look like?

There are different severities of tubular breasts and you may be unsure as to whether your breast are just asymmetrical or are tuberous. Mr Sherif Wilson MB, ChB, MS, FRCS (Plastic Surgery) will be able to advise following a consultation and examination and then provide a treatment plan suited best to your needs.

What does tuberous breast surgery involve?

Breasts can be corrected with surgery and the technique used will depend on the severity of your breasts and what your desired result is. Usually a specialised breast augmentation technique is used to release the constricted tissue, increase the volume and stretch out the tissue. Some patients may need a mastopexy (breast uplift) at the same time.

The choice of operative technique involves careful analysis and Mr Wilson will discuss the procedure with you in detail. A secondary fat grafting procedure may be indicated 3-4 months after surgery to further refine the shape and aesthetic outcome depending of the severity prior to surgery.

The type of scarring will depend on the type of surgery you have. If you have a simple breast implant procedure the scar will normally be in the fold underneath the breast. If you do need surgery around your nipple, this will involve a fine scar around your nipple. In both cases, your scars will remain slightly red for some months following surgery and thereafter subsequently fade.

It is normal to have a second consultation, for you to ask any further questions, once you have had time to consider the different surgical options. After the decision is made, Mr Wilson will carefully prepare for your surgery.

Going home after surgery

You may be able to go home the same day of the surgery, but many patients will spend one night in hospital. Patients are recommended to take around two weeks off work immediately after the operation in order to ensure they recover fully.

What are the risks of this surgery?

Complications with surgery are rare, but there are potential risks that you need to be aware of before deciding if you want to go ahead.

A collection of blood (haematoma) in the wounds can occur even if drains are used. This is normally obvious within a day of surgery, and if significant you may need to return to theatre to have this removed under general anaesthetic. A wound infection can also occur any time after surgery until the wounds have fully healed.

In addition, sometimes the nipple, areola and surrounding skin are more sensitive after surgery, and sometimes they are less sensitive. Such changes are often temporary and often settle after a few months but changes can be permanent in rare cases. The operation is not possible without creating scars. Normally these are narrow and start off red and fade over a few months.

How much does tubular breast surgery cost?

Depending on the type of procedure you require, the cost of surgery can vary.

These are guide prices and are subject to change following an initial consultation with Mr Wilson, where a bespoke quote will be provided, specific to each patient.

At Nuffield Bristol Hospital
From £10,200

At BMI Bath Clinic
From £9,500

At Winfield Hospital (Gloucester)
From £10,400

At St Josephs Newport
From £8,800

Tubular breast surgery reviews

Sherif invites his clients to leave a review about the service he provided on Google (Bristol and Gloucester), as well as Doctify, RealSelf and I Want Great Care.

Please visit the Testimonials page for the very latest, or click on the links directly below this contact form.

Tuberous Breast Correction FAQs

If you are considering tuberous breast correction surgery, it’s likely you’ll have many questions in mind before making your final decision. Mr Sherif Wilson is one of the UK’s leading plastic surgeons and is a leading consultant for plastic breast reconstruction for North Bristol NHS. He will be happy to answer any of your questions if you wish to meet him for a consultation, or please read his list of frequently asked questions about the tuberous breast correction procedure.

Tuberous breast correction surgery may involve several techniques based on your specific needs or desired outcome. The goal is to reshape the breast tissue to achieve a more natural and pleasing shape using the most suitable techniques. 

These may include:

Breast Augmentation with Implants: This involves the insertion of implants to correct the size and shape of the breasts, providing the necessary volume and fullness.

Mastopexy (Breast Lift): Often combined with implants, this procedure addresses sagging and helps reposition the breasts for a lifted appearance.

Fat Grafting: Excess fat from other body areas can be injected into the breasts to enhance their shape and volume.

Areola and Nipple Correction: Moving the position of the areola and nipple as part of the procedure may also be necessary.

Yes, tuberous breast surgery can be combined with breast augmentation. This is often necessary to achieve the desired result, as tuberous breasts typically lack volume, particularly in the lower poles. The procedure aims to correct the constricted base of the breast, allowing for a more natural and rounded shape. Breast augmentation, using implants, complements this by providing the necessary volume and fullness that tuberous breasts may be lacking.

On average, breast augmentation surgery typically takes around 1.5 hours to complete. You will require a one night stay in Hospital with drains, which will be removed before you are discharged. 

Yes, the before and after images photos on our website are photos from surgery performed by Mr Wilson. He can also show you additional photos in your consultation and use them to try and help explain the kind of results you should expect from your own surgery. We also share regular Instagram posts of recent surgeries. 

Breastfeeding can be difficult for women with tuberous breasts due to having underdeveloped breast tissue, which is needed to produce a milk supply. If you were able to breastfeed before tuberous breast correction surgery, then having the surgery should not affect this. However, it is not likely that tubular breast surgery will be able to help you breastfeed. In some severe cases of tuberous breasts, with the added complication of inverted nipples, the constricted milk duct has to be released and this will prevent you being able to breastfeed in the future.  

In the UK, tuberous breast correction surgery is typically offered to individuals who have reached full breast development, which usually occurs in their late teens or early twenties. This ensures that the breasts have stopped growing. There is no upper age limits for the surgery and can be performed on adults of any age, provided they are in good health and have realistic expectations of the outcome. For patients requiring this surgery before the age of 18, psychological assessments and MDT meetings have to be undertaken to ensure the patient’s suitability and whether they understand the procedure fully from a physical and mental perspective. 

When selecting a surgeon for tuberous breast correction, it’s important to choose a professional who has a special interest and extensive experience in breast surgery. Look for a surgeon with a proven track record of successful tuberous breast corrections and who can provide before-and-after photos of their work. It’s also important to find someone who communicates clearly and you feel comfortable talking to. Mr Wilson is considered to be one of the very best Plastic Surgeons not just in Bristol but in the whole of the UK and offers a personalised approach. He also offers tuberous breast correction in Newport, Bath and Gloucester.

Opting for Mr. Wilson’s expertise in tuberous breast correction surgery means placing your trust in a surgeon with extensive experience and a full understanding of this condition. Mr. Wilson’s approach also ensures empathetic patient care, which is reflected in his patient testimonials and excellent feedback.

Mr Wilson is the lead clinician for the plastic surgery department and the lead clinician in Breast Reconstruction at North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT), Southmead Hospital. He is also currently the Chair of the Breast Special Interest Group for the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (BAPRAS).

If you choose Sherif Wilson for your breast surgery, you are safely in the hands of one of the best plastic surgeons in the UK.

Jen MooreJen Moore
10:12 01 Jun 23
I recently underwent a surgical procedure at Spire Clinic on 21st March 2023, under the expert care of Mr Wilson, and I am delighted to share my overwhelmingly positive experience. From the moment I walked through the doors of the clinic until my complete recovery, the service I received was nothing short of exceptional.First and foremost, I must express my sincere gratitude to Mr Wilson. His professionalism, expertise, and compassionate approach were evident from our very first meeting. He took the time to thoroughly explain the procedure, addressing all my concerns and ensuring I had a complete understanding of what to expect. His calm and reassuring demeanor put me at ease, instilling confidence in his abilities as a surgeon.The facilities at Spire Clinic were outstanding. The clinic's clean and welcoming environment helped alleviate any pre-operative anxieties I had. The staff members were friendly, approachable, and always ready to assist me with any questions or requests. From the receptionists to the nurses and support staff, everyone demonstrated a high level of competence and professionalism.Throughout my stay, the nursing team provided attentive care, ensuring my comfort and well-being at all times. They were highly knowledgeable, offering post-operative support and guidance that played a crucial role in my smooth recovery process. Their commitment to patient care was evident in their prompt response to any concerns or discomforts I experienced, making me feel valued and reassured.The post-operative follow-up care I received was exceptional. Mr Wilson regularly checked in on my progress and provided detailed explanations about the healing process. His willingness to address any post-surgery concerns, no matter how minor, further underscored his dedication to ensuring my complete recovery and satisfaction.The administrative staff at Spire Clinic also deserve commendation. They efficiently handled all aspects of my stay, including scheduling appointments, coordinating with my insurance provider, and addressing any billing inquiries. Their professionalism and attention to detail contributed to a seamless and hassle-free experience.In summary, my experience at Spire Clinic, under the care of Mr. Wilson, was exemplary. The clinic's commitment to excellence, paired with Mr. Wilson's expertise and compassionate care, made a significant impact on my overall satisfaction with the service I received. I would highly recommend Spire Clinic and Mr. Wilson to anyone in need of surgical care, confident that they will provide the same exceptional level of service that I was fortunate enough to experience.Thank you, Spire Clinic and Mr. Wilson, for your unwavering commitment to patient well-being and for exceeding my expectations at every step of my journey!!
Millie TaylorMillie Taylor
09:06 17 May 23
There are so many options when considering surgery, it can be a bit overwhelming as it's such a huge decision. Sherif was recommended to me by a friend of a friend, who talked very highly of him and his work. My first consultation with Sherif was informative and relaxed, there was no pressure to progress with the surgery and I felt I was in good hands. I was given time and space to make my decision, and felt comfortable asking any further questions. The surgery itself went smoothly, I felt safe and well looked after. My recovery went better than I'd imagined and I was comfortably back at work within 2 weeks. I'm now 11 weeks post op and I'm loving the results - it really is life changing, and I'm so glad I did it, and chose Sherif to do it. Huge thanks to him and his team.
lauren priestleylauren priestley
21:56 01 Aug 22
At my first consultation with Mr Wilson he made me feel comfortable and after explaining how specific I wanted my surgery to look, he took so much time explaining the procedure and answered all my questions and advised me on what my best option was.I am so pleased with the results.Him and all his lovely team were highly professional, helpful and very supportive during my surgery and during my post surgery follow up appointments.I cannot express enough how talented Mr Wilson is and I would highly recommend him.
Charmaine GriffinCharmaine Griffin
11:16 28 Jul 22
The service received from Mr Wilson and his secretary has been amazing. Kim has always been prompt and professional with all of our contact. At the initial consultation with Mr Wilson, he made me comfortable and at ease. Mr Wilson has always been so kind and considerate and made sure that he explained the options available to me and what each option would include. Mr Wilson was clear about what the results of each option would likely provide and the risks involved. On the day of my surgery Mr Wilson came to see me prior to the surgery to check that I was happy. The results of the surgery were better than I could ever have imagined. I got a small infection a couple of weeks after surgery and Mr Wilson got me in to see him the same day, provided me with antibiotics and it cleared up right away. I'm now 7 weeks post surgery and feeling right back to normal.
Ashleigh GoodwinAshleigh Goodwin
22:12 04 May 22
Wow, I honestly don’t even know where to start. I guess a MASSIVE thank you to Mr Wilson, he has quite frankly changed my life. From the moment I met him I knew that he was the surgeon for me, he listened to what I wanted, was very understanding and caring, he was honest with the outcome and explained everything perfectly. I knew that I had to have him as my surgeon for my Breast Reduction, the minute I left the consultation I booked my surgery, I only had 7 weeks to wait, I was beyond excited. About a week before the surgery I came to see Mr Wilson again just to settle my nerves, and he did just that. My surgery went incredibly well, I felt amazing and just so excited to see the results, I had no complications whatsoever and pain was minimal, the heeling process was so so smooth too. One year on and I am still on cloud nine, the scars are basically non existent and my new breasts are PERFECT. I’m not over exaggerating when I say Mr Wilson has changed my life, he really has done just that, and I will be forever grateful. Will recommend Mr Wilson over and over again to anyone wanting ANY surgery with him. He is incredible!
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