Goodbye Snoopy: Options for Improving the Shape of Tuberous Breasts

It’s natural to compare oneself with others, but for women with tuberous breasts, comparisons with what’s “normal” can be particularly heart-wrenching. Young women with this issue often spend years in the dark not knowing why their breasts are shaped so differently from the other women they see. If you’ve noticed that the overall shape of your breasts dramatically differs from most women and wondered why, you may have tuberous breast deformity.

Tuberous breasts (also known as tubular breasts) or parenchymal maldistribution, is a deformity caused by constricted fibrous bands within the breast tissue. This condition is characterized by a high inframammary fold under the breast, a narrow base of the breast, large areolas, and a tubular breast shape. The result is breasts shaped like the famous cartoon dog’s nose, hence the popular term for the condition: “snoopy breasts.” Tubular breasts are also more likely to be asymmetrical, adding to the image issues for women with this condition.

What are my options?

If you are suffering from this issue, you’re not alone and the good news is it’s correctable. While very little can be done to change tuberous breasts without surgery, an experienced plastic surgeon can sculpt your breasts back into a more normal shape.

If the idea of seeing a doctor about your breasts has held you back from getting help, you needn’t be embarrassed: tuberous breasts are not just small breasts, and seeking correction is not a sign of vanity.

“Patients are typically both physically and psychologically transformed after we correct their tuberous breasts,” comments Dr. Paul Parker, Medical Director of the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery in Paramus, New Jersey. “They love the appearance of their breasts in and out of clothing and feel sexier with an enhanced sense of self esteem and body image.”

There are a number of trusted procedures that have been known to produce great results:

Tissue Expansion

An experienced surgeon can release the fibrous material that is constricting the breast tissue to aid in expansion. For the right candidate, this procedure can allow the breast tissue to naturally expand and take on a fuller shape.

Breast Lift

As we all know, no set of breasts is the same—depending on your particular pair, a breast lift may be what is needed to create a better breast shape. By surgically removing excess skin and tightening and re-anchoring the breast, a breast lift can dramatically improve breast shape and profile.

Breast Augmentation

Breast implants are often a great option for filling out and enhancing breast shape, as well as diminishing the conical look of tubular breasts. Depending on your goals, a number of sizes, shapes, and materials are available to ensure your implants give you the look you want. Consulting with a board certified surgeon can help you determine which fit is the best for you.

Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation

Depending on your individual needs, a breast lift combined with breast augmentation may be the strongest option for complete correction of tuberous breasts. By lifting the breast and adding shape and volume to improve breast symmetry, you can achieve a fuller, more natural look.

“When consulting with patients with tuberous breasts, we discuss all of these options. We also review before and after pictures of other similar patients on whom we’ve operated and helped,” says Dr. Parker. “Finally, we utilize 3 dimensional computer imaging to give patients a realistic idea of how they should look after surgery.”

Remember that tuberous breasts are physically different from typical breasts, so you’ll need to find a plastic surgeon who is very experienced in treating the condition and then maintain an open dialogue with them throughout the process. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Parker today, and find out more about your options.

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