TUBULAR BREASTS
Presentation
To correct “tubular breasts,” Dr. Richard Diacakis, aesthetic surgeon in Paris, uses a surgical procedure to modify the aesthetic appearance of the breasts.
What are “tubular breasts” ?
Tubular breasts are a malformation of the breast resulting in a tube-like shape with a narrow base.
The causes of this malformation are not well-known, but are believed to be related to abnormalities of the mammary gland, or of malformation in the attachment between the skin and the deep pectoralis major muscle. This would hinder the expansion of mammary glands during growth, especially under the areola.
There are 3 different stages of tubular breasts :
The most frequent cases involve the absence of the lower/internal segment of the breast. The areola is directed downward and in. Stage 2 tubular breasts are missing the lower half of the breast. The areola is directed downward. The most severe cases may be missing both the upper and lower segment of the breast and have a very narrow base. The breast takes on a tube-like shape close to the chest.
How do we rectify this anomaly ?
Dr. Diacakis uses customized plastic surgery to correct tubular breasts.
Prior to a Tubular Breast Operation
In two separate consultations, spaced at least 15 days apart, Dr. Diacakis will perform biological assessments including medical photographs. Patients are prescribed a sports bra without underwire. Women over 35 years old or who have risk factors for breast cancer will also receive a preoperative mammogram. Before any aesthetic operation, patients are advised to refrain from :
- Smoking in the two months before surgery, to reduce the risk of skin necrosis
- Taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or oral anticoagulants for 15 days before the procedure, to reduce the risk of bleeding
- Taking oral contraceptives in the one month before the procedure, to reduce the risk of thromboembolism
Tubular Breast Operation Procedure
This operation is performed under general anesthesia. The goal of this procedure is to restore a natural, rounded shape to the breast. We lower the submammary fold to modify the position of the breast and correct the size and protrusion of the areola. Dr. Diacakis uses different techniques according to the stage of the tubular breast :
- Stage 1: Breast reduction surgery with vertical or T-shaped scars
- Stages 2 and 3: Fitting of breast prostheses, associated with glandular plasty. In these cases, the scar is located around the areola.
Post Tubular Breast Operation
Patients are typically hospitalized for one to two days. We insert a drain for one to three days to reduce the risk of hematoma. The dressing will be removed 24 to 48 hours after the procedure and replaced by a lighter bandage. Stitches are absorbable and do not need to be removed. Patients should wear the prescribed sports bra day and night for one month. Patients may begin showering the day after the drain is removed. Patients may experience swelling of the breasts in the first few weeks following the procedure. This will go down in a few weeks. Patients may also experience discomfort when raising their arms. Dr. Diacakis will prescribe simple analgesics.
Patients should plan for a rest period of ten to fifteen days before returning to work, and should refrain from sports activities for about two months. Patients should avoid becoming pregnant in the two years following the operation in order to avoid altering the aesthetic results. The final results of this operation become visible after six months. Healing is completed after twelve months. Patients will see Dr. Diacakis for follow-up appointments one to two months, three months, six months, and one year after the procedure.
Tubular Breast Operation Costs
A consultation with Dr. Richard DIACAKIS for tubular breasts is priced at 100 euros. The price of a surgery for tubular breasts varies according to a variety of factors, including the scale of the surgery, the clinic chosen, services desired, and the cost of any associated procedures.
You will be contacted by your social security or health insurance officer to assess the merits of your application before you are approved for coverage.
During the consultation, you will receive an estimate including :
- The cost of the clinic (operating theater fees, accommodation in a single room)
- Surgeon fees
- Anaesthetist fees
- Assistance costs
- Application of 20% VAT (in cases not covered by social security)
Only the first consultation is charged. Dr. Diacakis does not charge a fee on any other pre- or post-operative consultation. For all cosmetic operations, patients are given a minimum reflection period of fifteen days.
