Surgical strategies in the management of tuberous breast

Abstract

The tuberous breast is a congenital abnormality of breast development that incorporates a constricted base of the breast and 1 or more of the following: high inframammary fold, areola hypertrophy, pseudoherniation of tissue through the areola, ptosis, hypoplasia, and breast asymmetry. Advanced forms of tuberous breast are readily apparent clinically; however, the diagnosis of more minor forms of tuberous breast requires careful examination and a high index of suspicion. The principles of treatment of the tuberous breast include: a. Release of the constricted base through expansion, scoring, or internal flaps. b. Lowering of the inframammary fold and restoring a normal nipple to inframammary fold distance. c. Correction of herniated breast tissue. d. Reduction of the size of the areola. e. Augmenting the breast volume, when necessary. f. Correction of underlying breast asymmetry.