Tuberous (tubular) breasts

Specialised correction of a congenital breast shape difference

Not every breast is simply “too small” or “lacking volume”.

In some women, there is a congenital developmental condition of the breast in which the lower part of the breast has not developed sufficiently. This is known as a tuberous or tubular breast.Recognising and correctly treating this breast shape requires specific knowledge and experience.

At Gooimeer Clinics, the correction of tuberous breasts is one of our core areas of expertise.Dr. Van der Pot and Dr. Ahmed give international lectures and live-surgery demonstrations on this procedure and are regularly consulted by fellow surgeons from the Netherlands and abroad.

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What are tuberous (tubular) breasts?

In tuberous breasts, breast development during puberty is partially restricted.

This creates a characteristic appearance:

  • a narrow breast base

  • limited development of the lower pole

  • a relatively high inframammary fold

  • a protruding areola (“puffy nipple”)

  • a cylindrical or cone-shaped breast

Severity can range from mild to pronounced. Approximately 1–5% of women who present for breast augmentation are found to have a tuberous breast shape to some degree. It is important to recognise this in advance. A standard breast augmentation alone usually does not produce a beautiful or durable result in tuberous breasts.

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More information

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01 Why a regular breast augmentation is not sufficient

In a standard breast augmentation, an implant is placed within an existing breast shape.
With tuberous breasts, there is often not enough space and flexibility in the lower pole.

Without additional corrections, the breast may remain:

  • high and tight in the lower pole

  • with a protruding areola (“puffy nipple”)

  • with an unnatural shape


That is why this condition requires an adapted surgical technique.

02 Our approach: one-step correction of tuberous breasts

At Gooimeer Clinics, we treat tuberous breasts almost always with a combined reshaping approach:

  • releasing the tight connective tissue in the lower pole

  • creating space for a natural-looking lower pole

  • repositioning and often reducing the areola

  • shaping the breast around an implant

  • often adding an internal bra technique for support


In this context, the implant is not only used to add volume, but primarily as the central “shape-former” of the new breast.


When needed, we combine this with:

  • fat grafting (lipofilling) for softer transitions

  • correction of asymmetry

  • reinforcement of the inframammary fold


The goal: a naturally shaped breast with a normal lower pole, a calm and proportionate areola, and a beautiful cleavage.

03 International expertise

Correcting tuberous breasts is technically demanding and involves many variations.

Over the past years, Dr. Van der Pot and Dr. Ahmed have further refined their technique and regularly present their results at international conferences.

They also perform live-surgery demonstrations and provide training for fellow plastic surgeons.


For patients, this means:

  • recognition of subtle forms of tuberous breasts

  • a tailored surgical approach

  • predictable, natural-looking results

04 The procedure

The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia.

During the procedure:

  • the lower pole of the breast is released

  • the areola is often reduced and repositioned

  • the implant is placed

  • the breast is reshaped

  • an internal bra technique is applied when needed


You will usually stay one night in the clinic for observation.

05 Recovery

Recovery is similar to a breast augmentation combined with a lift:

  • swelling and tenderness in the first weeks

  • wearing a supportive bra

  • light activities are usually possible after 1–2 weeks

  • gradually returning to sport and exercise


We assess the final result after a few months, once the breast has fully settled.

06 Result

A correctly treated tuberous breast:

  • has a normal lower pole

  • a calm, natural breast shape

  • a better-filled cleavage

  • a well-proportioned areola


You remain yourself — but without the congenital breast shape difference.

go to the FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • How do I know if I have tuberous (tubular) breasts?

    During a personal consultation, the plastic surgeon assesses your breast shape and lower-pole development. Many women do not recognise tuberous breast development themselves, as it can be subtle and may have become their “normal.” We evaluate the breast base, inframammary fold, lower-pole shape and the areola.

  • Can tuberous breasts be corrected without implants?

    In mild cases, correction may be possible without implants, for example with auto-augmentation (your own tissue) and/or fat grafting. In most tuberous breasts, however, an implant is needed to reliably shape the lower pole and maintain long-term stability. The right option depends on your anatomy and goals.

  • How visible are scars after tuberous breast correction?

    Scars are permanent but usually fade well over time. Most commonly, there is a scar around the areola. Depending on severity and the required reshaping, a vertical scar down to the breast fold may also be needed. We place scars as carefully as possible and provide detailed scar-care guidance.

  • Is one operation usually enough for tuberous breasts?

    In most cases, yes. In more severe cases, significant asymmetry or very tight tissue, a small minority of patients may benefit from a secondary refinement procedure. This is discussed openly during your consultation.

  • Is tuberous breast correction covered by insurance?

    No. Gooimeer Clinics provides uninsured (cosmetic) care only, so the procedure is self-funded. During the consultation, you will receive a clear total price and we will discuss any optional add-ons (such as fat grafting).

Before and after

What can you expect after this treatment?

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Personal advice

Tuberous breasts require a tailored approach.

During a personal consultation, we will discuss openly:

  • whether tuberous breast development is present

  • which correction is technically most suitable

  • what you can realistically expect


No standard solutions — but true expertise.


Would you like to know what is possible in your situation?

You are welcome for a personal consultation at Gooimeer Clinics.

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Reviews

Very friendly, skilled plastic surgeon. Gives personal attention, listens to you, and takes time for you. The end result of a face and neck lift is natural and beautiful. If you have any questions after the treatment, you can always contact them and they will help you.

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Professional, neat, honest! That's how I would describe Dr. Ahmed. I didn't experience any pain, and it already looks beautiful! The wounds are barely visible... and it's only been four weeks. I hesitated for years, but when I walked in here, I knew for sure! I'm going for it. I would advise everyone to go to Dr. Ahmed!

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I hesitated for so long about this procedure, but I should have done it much earlier. Dr. Ahmed is knowledgeable, clear, and above all very honest about the procedure and the results. The operation is tough, and you really need to take the time to recover. Fortunately, I had little pain and am now very happy with the result. I would recommend Dr. Ahmed!

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I came in for eyelid surgery and was advised to also have a forehead lift. Dr. Ahmed was right, and I am so happy with the results. Everything was explained clearly. The anesthesia was painful and unpleasant, but I had no pain afterwards. The results are beautiful, and I have received many positive comments from those around me.

I was treated kindly throughout the entire process and felt ...

Friendly and professional approach from all staff members. Comprehensive and careful information before and after the procedure. Dr. Ahmed did a wonderful job. I am very happy with the result.

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For years, it had been my greatest wish to undergo this treatment, as I was unhappy with my appearance. After the treatment, I feel and look 20 years younger. I am so glad I had it done.

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