Tubular breasts
The tubular breast or tubular chest is a set of benign congenital anomalies that affect the female breast. It may be unilateral or bilateral, and in the latter case they can have different degrees of tubular shape.
- Operating time: 2 hours
- General and local anesthesia
- Day surgery
- No drains, dressings, or bandages
- Recovery room stay: 3–4 hours
- Recovery: 5–7 days
- Exercise starting after 3 weeks
- Preoperative assessment
- Surgery
- Recovery room
- Postoperative follow-up visits
- Post-surgical band and bra kit
- Anti-stretch mark kit: oils and Micropore 3M
- 24-hour emergency phone.
What is a tubular breast?
Tubular breast is a malformation that causes an abnormality in the process of breast formation. It may be unilateral or bilateral, and the cause is usually an alteration in the structure of the breast gland that compresses it, as if there were concentric rings that strangle it. The breast gland has rigidity and, in some cases, the areola–nipple complex protrudes and appears as if it were herniated. The deformity may be in all quadrants of the breast or in the lower areas. There are all kinds of possibilities. In addition, it can occur in small breasts as well as in larger ones.
Types of techniques to correct a tubular breast:
- Lipofilling: a fat transfer to the breasts would be performed according to your needs. The fat not only adds volume; it also helps the fibrosis of the concentric rings to soften, achieving a very natural result.
- Breast implants: the projection of the implant helps the deformity to give way. It is often combined with techniques to cut the concentric rings and release the gland. The most commonly used are based on two Spanish methods: José María Palacín’s cuts and José Luis del Yerro’s technique. This is equivalent to an implant-based breast augmentation, and we add 30 minutes to perform these techniques.
- Mixed technique: lipofilling + breast implants + Palacín technique.
What will the first consultation be like?
During the first consultation, Dr. Jaime de San Pío will assess the size and shape of the breasts, the firmness of the skin, and your overall health.
A breast examination will also be carried out, and in some cases a recent mammography study may be requested (less than 12 months old for patients over 30 years). You will be explained the different surgical techniques, the size and shape that your breasts will have will be discussed, and the options—or the combination of procedures—that are best for you will be reviewed.
You should share your expectations sincerely and openly, so that Dr. de San Pío can show you the alternatives available for your problem, including the risks and limitations of each one.
What is the postoperative period like?
You will not need dressings, as the incision is protected with adhesive tape until the stitches are removed. After breast surgery, it is normal to feel somewhat tired for a few days, but you will be able to live almost normally from the very first day, thanks to the local anesthesia we use during the procedure.
It is very important to perform movements that begin in the recovery room, as this will help us avoid shoulder, back, and neck contractures, which are responsible for postoperative pain. (video)
Most discomfort can be well controlled with the prescribed medication, although the breasts may hurt for a couple of weeks.
Frequently asked questions
What is recovery like?
After surgery, it is normal to feel somewhat tired for a few days, but you will be able to live almost normally within 24–48 hours. Most discomfort can be well controlled with the prescribed medication, although the breasts may hurt for a couple of weeks.
The dressings will be removed the next day, leaving only the skin-colored paper tape (Micropore 3M), which will be removed with the stitches at 3 weeks. After the operation, it can be normal to experience a decrease in nipple sensitivity; this situation is generally temporary, except in some cases where it can be permanent.
Will I have many scars?
Depending on the degree of tubular shape, the scar is placed on the areola (del Yerro technique) or in the breast crease, which is the most common (Palacín technique).
After surgery, you will keep a skin-colored paper tape (Micropore 3M) for 6 months, changing it every 3 weeks, and allowing two days of rest with each application. The goal is to make the scar as fine as possible.
It is very important to avoid sun exposure, especially during the first year, to prevent the scar from darkening—that is, to avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
When can I return to my everyday life?
After the procedure, you will be able to return to work in a few days, depending on the activity you do. In the first two weeks, you can perform movements and lift up to about a couple of kilos. Your breasts will be more sensitive than usual for 2 to 3 weeks, so it may be advisable to avoid excessive physical contact until the 3rd or 4th week.
When will I be able to resume my sports activities?
Going for a run starting around week 4 is possible, but we advise delaying sports that involve work of the upper body for a period of one month to a month and a half. Start them moderately and progressively.
Is any type of massage recommended after breast surgery?
At Clínica de San Pío, each patient will receive a specific recovery program that includes different movements, along with other specific techniques.
Breast massage is not recommended, but shoulder and back massage is.
Is the cosmetic result immediate?
The final result will take between 6 months and 1 year to become definitive. If implants are used, the breasts will continue to change during that time, as the periprosthetic capsule forms and the prostheses settle to achieve a natural result.
At Clínica de San Pío, you will have regular follow-up visits during that first year to ensure the best results.
Will I be able to breastfeed if I get pregnant?
The ability to breastfeed may be affected in about half of cases. But it depends on the degree of tubular shape. If it is corrected only with lipofilling, you are more likely to be able to breastfeed.
Is Clínica de San Pío a good place to have breast implant removal in Almería?
Only a reference surgery center, with a long track record in this field—as in the case of Clínica de San Pío—can ensure the safety and quality needed to carry out this procedure in Almería.
In Spain, you can check the training of the plastic surgeon you consult with the Medical Association in your province and through the website visit of the Spanish Society of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery (SECPRE).