Tuberous Breast Correction

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and Greater Los Angeles

Tuberous breast correction is a specialized procedure designed to address tuberous breast deformity, a condition that results in misshapen and unsymmetrical breasts. While this condition is congenital, it does not have to be permanent. If you are ready to correct your tuberous breasts, look no further than Zarrabi Plastic Surgery!

Dr. Michael Zarrabi is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon dedicated to enhancing each patient’s natural beauty. With more than 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leader in his field and as an expert in breast surgery and body contouring.

Please take a moment to schedule your consultation at either our Santa Monica or Beverly Hills office by contacting us online. To speak to a member of our team or schedule your consultation over the phone, please call (310) 584-9990.

About Tuberous Breast Correction

Tuberous breast correction is a specialized procedure that is designed to address a condition called tuberous breast deformity. This condition can develop during puberty and is characterized by a narrow breast base, a high breast crease, enlarged areola, bulging or herniated breast tissue, an underdeveloped lower breast, and a tube-like shape. ⁽¹⁾ This condition can cause women to become self-conscious or dissatisfied with their appearance, prompting them to seek treatment. Dr. Zarrabi can perform this procedure using multiple surgical strategies, including fat grafting, breast lifting, nipple surgeries, and augmentation using artificial implants.

Benefits

Patients can experience a variety of benefits after undergoing tuberous breast correction, including:

Elevated Aesthetics: Tuberous breast correction results in a more natural-looking, rounded appearance in the breasts, enhancing each patient’s overall proportions and figure.
Enhanced Confidence: Many patients report an improvement in self-esteem after seeing their results, leading to a greater sense of overall confidence.
Improved Symmetry: This procedure can help establish a more symmetrical appearance, addressing unevenness commonly associated with tuberous breast deformity.
Tailored Results: Dr. Zarrabi customizes each procedure to address each patient’s individual concerns and anatomy, allowing them to achieve their ideal aesthetic.
More Clothing Options: After restoring the shape and volume of their breasts, patients can enjoy a wider range of clothing that also fits them better.
Long-Lasting Results: When performed by an expert such as Dr. Zarrabi, the results of tuberous breast correction can last for many years.

Ideal Candidates

Suitable candidates for tuberous breast correction often include women who have tuberous breast deformity and wish to alter the shape and/or appearance of their breasts for a fuller, rounded, and more balanced appearance. All candidates interested in tuberous breast correction should be in good overall health and free from any underlying medical conditions that may inhibit healing. It is also important for patients to hold realistic expectations regarding the outcome of the procedure. Additionally, patients should be nonsmokers or willing to quit using nicotine until healed. Dr. Zarrabi will determine each patient’s eligibility during their consultation.

Personal Consultation

Each patient will need to attend a personal consultation at either our Santa Monica or Beverly Hills office before scheduling their procedure. Dr. Zarrabi will meet with each individual and ask them a series of questions regarding their medical history, current prescriptions, concerns, and ideal results before evaluating the breasts and surrounding anatomy. He will use this information to craft each patient’s treatment, recommending the best surgical strategies for their circumstances.

Please schedule your consultation at either our Santa Monica or Beverly Hills office by submitting our online contact form. To speak to a member of our team or schedule your consultation over the phone, please call (310) 584-9990.

Preparation

Dr. Zarrabi will instruct each patient on how to prepare for their tuberous breast correction procedure during their personal consultation. Pre-operative instructions may vary between patients, but all instructions should still be followed to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.

Patients should also discontinue medications and/or herbal supplements that thin the blood for a smoother recovery. Patients should also temporarily avoid drinking alcohol and using nicotine.

Patients should arrange transportation home from the procedure, and they will need someone to care for them at home for the first 24-48 hours of their recovery. We also recommend filling prescriptions in advance and arranging time off work to support a smooth recovery.

Procedure

Dr. Zarrabi can perform a tuberous breast correction using multiple techniques. The strategies used during each patient’s procedure will be determined during their personal consultation, depending on their goals and anatomy. Dr. Zarrabi can correct tuberous breasts using artificial breast implants, autologous fat grafting, or through breast lifting techniques. Additionally, he can address the nipple-areolar complex through inverted nipple repair surgery or a nipple reduction procedure to ensure cohesive results. Regardless of the strategy, each patient’s procedure will begin with the cleansing and sterilization of their skin, as well as the administration of anesthesia to ensure a pain-free procedure.

Breast Implants

Patients receiving a tuberous breast correction using artificial breast implants will have the option of choosing between silicone and saline breast implants. Both types of implants offer unique advantages and natural-looking results. Dr. Zarrabi will first make an incision on the breasts to create a pocket to place the implants in. This pocket will either be made above the pectoral muscle (subglandular placement) or beneath the muscle (submuscular placement). ⁽²⁾ Once created, the implant will be placed inside, creating a fuller, rounder appearance.

Fat Grafting

Autologous fat grafting is the process of transferring fat from one area of the body to another. Dr. Zarrabi can use liposuction techniques to help correct tuberous breasts by removing fat cells from other areas of the body before purifying and reinjecting them into the breasts. This procedure will begin with small incisions being made around the donor sites. Patients often choose areas such as the thighs, abdomen, or flanks, as this process leaves these areas slimmer and more toned. The chosen area then receives a tumescent fluid that is designed to help loosen and swell the fat cells before they are suctioned out using a cannula. The removed fat is then processed, ensuring only the healthiest, most viable cells are used. From there, Dr. Zarrabi will inject the purified fat back into the patient’s breasts, shaping them to the patient’s desired appearance. ⁽²⁾

Breast Lifting

Dr. Zarrabi can perform a tuberous breast correction using breast lifting techniques in cases where patients are experiencing breast ptosis (sagging) or when the breast base is constricted or underdeveloped. This can cause the breasts to appear deflated or even flat. Dr. Zarrabi will begin this procedure by creating an incision on the breasts to access the underlying tissue. He will then physically reposition the breasts to a higher position on the chest. The breast mound will then be reshaped, restoring a more uplifted and youthful-looking appearance. Any excess skin will be excised, and each incision will be carefully closed, leaving patients with a more contoured chest. ⁽³⁾

Nipple Reduction

Dr. Zarrabi can perform a nipple reduction procedure on patients with enlarged or bulging nipples or areolas. Several different surgical techniques can be employed to perform this treatment, including:

Circumcision: This technique removes excess tissue at the base of the nipple, where it meets the areola, to help reduce the height of projection. Dr. Zarrabi will make a circular incision around the base of the nipple before removing the skin. The nipple is then pulled flat and sutured in place.
Excision: This strategy directly removes tissue and involves excising a portion of tissue from the center of the nipple. The excess tissue is directly removed before the tip of the nipple is reattached. This technique can be performed to modify both the diameter and height of the nipple.
Wedge Resection: Dr. Zarrabi can remove a V-shaped wedge from the nipple tissue to reduce its height and width. The wedge is often removed from either the bottom or the side of the nipple before the remaining edges are sutured together.
Flaps: This technique can be performed to reduce the projection of the nipple while preserving its natural contour and texture. This technique involves rearranging the nipple tissue without fully detaching it, preserving its blood flow.
Grafting: Grafting is often performed when the nipple tissue has to be completely removed. Dr. Zarrabi can reduce the protrusion of the nipple by amputating the nipple before attaching a graft from the tip of the nipple. This technique is primarily performed in more extensive reductions or reconstructive cases. ⁽⁴⁾

The surgical technique employed will depend on each patient’s unique anatomy and goals, as certain techniques are more suited towards aesthetic enhancement while others aim to preserve the natural function of the breast ducts. Regardless of the technique chosen, Dr. Zarrabi will work with each patient to ensure that their nipple and areola size complements the contours of their renewed breasts.

Inverted Nipple Repair

Dr. Zarrabi can perform an inverted nipple repair when correcting tuberous breast deformity. Inverted nipples can develop when the breast ducts and surrounding tissues are underdeveloped or developed too tightly. He offers two different techniques when performing this treatment. The techniques chosen will depend on the grade of inversion, your overall breast composition, as well as your desired results.

Dermal Flaps: Also known as local flap reconstruction, this technique releases the ducts and other tissues to release the nipple. Flaps of tissue will be carefully excised before being rotated, folded, or placed beneath the nipple to preserve its protrusion. ⁽⁵⁾
Suture Suspension Techniques: The suture suspension technique begins with the nipple being released from its placement. Dissolvable sutures will be placed around the nipple to maintain its projection and provide structural support.

Recovery

While recovering from tuberous breast correction, it is common to experience bruising, swelling, and/or tenderness around the breasts, but these effects are temporary. If you experience discomfort, you can alleviate it through rest and the use of medications as directed by Dr. Zarrabi. Many patients can typically return to their routines within 1-2 weeks, but will need to continue avoiding high-intensity or physical activities for several more weeks. Patients are recommended to take light walks around their house to enhance their circulation, and sleep with their back elevated to help minimize swelling. Dr. Zarrabi may also ask certain patients to return to our offices to monitor their progress. Dr. Zarrabi will provide any further post-operative instructions during each patient’s consultation.

Results

Once healed, each patient can enjoy a significant difference in the appearance and shape of their breasts. Women will be able to enjoy rounder, fuller breasts, as well as an overall more proportionate figure. The breasts will appear more symmetrical, yet natural. Most patients notice an improvement in their self-esteem, and they can enjoy long-lasting results.

Cost of Tuberous Breast Correction in Los Angeles

The cost of tuberous breast correction can vary, as each treatment is fully tailored to address each patient’s unique concerns and anatomy. Dr. Zarrabi will discuss and disclose the cost of each patient’s procedure during their consultation, once a treatment plan has been established. Zarrabi Plastic Surgery has also partnered with CareCredit to offer patients various financing options.

To discover the full cost of your tuberous breast correction procedure, please submit our online contact form or call (310) 584-9990.

FAQ

What is tuberous breast deformity?

Tuberous breast deformity is a condition where the breasts do not develop normally, resulting in a narrow base and pronounced areolas.

Can tuberous breast correction be performed without implants?

Yes. Depending on each patient’s needs and anatomy, we can perform the procedure using fat grafting and/or breast lifting, two techniques that do not require implants.

How long is the recovery after tuberous breast correction?

Each patient’s recovery timeline will vary, but most patients can usually return to their careers within 1-2 weeks.

Can my nipples and areola be reshaped during tuberous breast correction?

Reshaping and repositioning the nipple-areolar complex is a normal part of this procedure and is often performed on patients with puffy or enlarged areola, as well as patients experiencing breast ptosis.

Can my tuberous breast correction be combined with another procedure for more comprehensive results?

Yes, patients are more than welcome to complement the effects of their procedure with another treatment. We recommend discussing this option with Dr. Zarrabi during your consultation or reaching out to either of our offices for more information.

References

van Durme J, Cooreman A, Paternoster J, Vranckx JJ. The Different Surgical Strategies for Treating Tuberous Breast Deformity: A Scoping Review. JPRAS Open. 2024;42:315-328. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpra.2024.07.011
Gentile P. Tuberous Breast, Deformities, and Asymmetries: A Retrospective Analysis Comparing Fat Grafting Versus Mastopexy and Breast Implants. Published online September 26, 2022. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-022-03089-x
Abbate OA, Fan KL, Nahabedian MY. Central Mound Mastopexy for the Correction of Tuberous/Tubular Breast Deformity. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2017;5(11):e1545-e1545. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000001545
Trøstrup H, Saltvig I, Matzen SH. Current surgical techniques for nipple reduction: A literature review. JPRAS Open. 2019;21:48-55. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpra.2019.06.002
Rao DN, Winters R. Inverted Nipple. Nih.gov. Published July 4, 2023. Accessed July 11, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563190/#article-23747.s8