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Decision Making in the Treatment of Tuberous and Tubular Breasts: Volume Adjustment as a Crucial Stage in the Surgical Strategy

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Abstract

Tuberous and tubular breasts, two distinct deformities based on the same anatomic anomaly, are characterized by several morphologic alterations with a wide spectrum of expression. The classifications reported in the literature are based primarily on deformity of shape, but other parameters such as breast volume and symmetry often are underrated. This study aimed to define tuberous and tubular breasts and their management accurately on the basis of multiple anatomic alterations involving breast volume and symmetry as well as shape.

The records of 30 patients affected by tubular and tuberous breast were reviewed. Surgical strategy included correction of breast shape through areola and gland alterations, correction of volume asymmetry through parenchyma resection, and volume augmentation through permanent expandable breast implant insertion. All the patients were treated bilaterally.

Evaluation using a visual analogic scale confirmed high patient satisfaction with a mean value of 92.6% in the assessment of shape, volume, and symmetry. Correct diagnosis, careful preoperative evaluation, and a comprehensive surgical strategy can achieve, in one surgical procedure, good and long-lasting outcomes in terms of breast shape and volume symmetry.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. P. Persichetti, Via Bertoloni 19, Rome, 00197, Italy

    Paolo Persichetti M.D., Ph.D., Barbara Cagli M.D., Stefania Tenna M.D., Pierfranco Simone M.D., Giovanni Francesco Marangi M.D. & Giancarlo Li Vecchi M.D.

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  1. Paolo Persichetti M.D., Ph.D.
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  2. Barbara Cagli M.D.
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  3. Stefania Tenna M.D.
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  4. Pierfranco Simone M.D.
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  5. Giovanni Francesco Marangi M.D.
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  6. Giancarlo Li Vecchi M.D.
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Correspondence to Paolo Persichetti M.D., Ph.D..

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Persichetti, P., Cagli, B., Tenna, S. et al. Decision Making in the Treatment of Tuberous and Tubular Breasts: Volume Adjustment as a Crucial Stage in the Surgical Strategy. Aesth Plast Surg 29, 482–488 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-004-0077-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-004-0077-6

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