Many women sense early on that their breasts are developing differently: visibly little fullness at the bottom, a narrow shape, the areola appears larger or slightly protruding – sometimes with significant asymmetry. These characteristics can be signs of tubular breasts., also known as funnel chest or pectus excavatum.

It is a congenital malformation that often remains undetected for years and, for numerous affected women, presents a Heavy load represented. Many consider it to be Taboo felt. The tubular breast may lead to Uncertainties when choosing clothes, and especially in intimate situations, leading to a significant reduction in self-confidence. Likewise, it can Breastfeeding problems appearance.

Do you recognise yourself here? You're not alone – and you don't have to put up with it. Plastic and aesthetic surgery offers effective ways to improve the shape, volume, and symmetry of the breast. At BRST in Zurich, we are here for you with professional precision and great empathy step aside. In this post, we will inform you in detail on this topic.

A tubular breast is a breast that hasn't developed fully. It's often characterised by a small breast mound, a wider-than-usual areola (the darker skin around the nipple), and sometimes a drooping nipple.

tubular breast is a Developmental disorder of the mammary gland and connective tissue. The cause lies in the ring-shaped connective tissue structure at the base of the breast. During puberty, it prevents the glandular tissue from spreading evenly into all quadrants. Consequently, it remains The lower chest is underdeveloped.

A typical sign of tubular breasts is therefore a narrow breast base with little fullness in the lower area. This makes the contour appear more pointed than rounded, the inframammary fold is often too high, and the areola may appear enlarged or slightly protruding. The malformation can one or both breasts concern and often stands out due to asymmetries.

Typical signs of tubular breasts at a glance:

• Missing volume
• Tubular shape
• Enlarged areola
• Asymmetry

Grading of tubular breasts

The tubular breast can be classified into four grades depending on its severity:

• Severity 1As a rule, only a lower breast quadrant is affected; the rest of the breast shape appears largely normal.
• Severity 2The entire lower half of the breast is underdeveloped. Asymmetry is often present, and the nipple may protrude slightly forward.
• Severity 3The breast is clearly reduced and shows a degree of ptosis; the nipple is visibly protruding.
• Severity 4The malformation affects the entire breast. It hangs downwards in a tube shape; the nipple and areola are greatly enlarged and often bulge outwards.

Tubular breast or sagging breast?

Many women confuse tubular breasts with sagging breasts, even though they are two very different starting points. In the case of tubular breasts, the lower part of the breast is underdeveloped, while a sagging breast is not a malformation, but rather a drooping of the breast due to loss of skin elasticity. The breast tissue lacks firmness and sometimes volume here.

Who is treatment beneficial for and from what age?

The treatment of tubular breasts is always makes sense if you feel uncomfortable with your breast shape - regardless of whether the burden is primarily psychological or also functional. A tubular breast can be accompanied by an underdevelopment of glandular tissue, thus restricting milk production. Particularly with severity grade 4, breastfeeding problems can occur.

For very young female patients, we recommend that the procedure after breast development has finished to plan; in pronounced cases, an earlier correction may be advisable after careful consideration. We will advise you individually on this.

Breast correction for tubular breasts: Treatment options for BRST

The aim of surgery for tubular breasts is always to create a natural breast volume and to treat existing asymmetries. At BRST in Zurich, you benefit from extensive experience in breast surgery, with a clear specialisation in breast malformations and high patient satisfaction.

We will take time for an individual analysis of your starting situation and plan the correction so that Form, naturalness and scar management in harmonious proportion stand. From the initial consultation to post-operative care, we will guide you personally and transparently. Which surgical technique is used depends on the severity of the malformation and individual wishes.

Breast augmentation with implants

An augmentation with implants reliably compensates for lost volume and creates a harmonious shape that suits your figure. Following careful analysis, the size, shape, and projection of the implants are determined and positioned to ensure a soft and natural-looking result. At BRST, you have modern, tissue-friendly procedures For selection:

• Mia Femtech™Minimally invasive method with access via the armpit, no visible scars on the chest
• Motiva Preservé™Minimally invasive technique in the inframammary fold
• Motiva JOY.(dot)®classic breast augmentation with ergonomic implants for more volume

We will clarify which option suits you best in a personal conversation – the aim is always a natural result with minimal downtime and high safety.

Minimally Invasive Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer

In autologous fat grafting, fat is taken from a suitable area of the body, processed, and then placed into the breast to subtly improve contour and fullness. This method is particularly suitable, if you want a moderate increase in volume and very soft transitions. Autologous fat is often used as a supplement to refine the décolletage – for example, in combination with implant-based procedures.

Breast Augmentation with Breast Lift

Breast augmentation can also be combined with a lift. In this procedure, Excess skin is reduced, the tissue is reshaped and the nipple is repositioned to a natural height; at the same time, an implant ensures the desired volume increase.

Are the costs of surgery for tubular breasts covered by health insurance in Switzerland?

Reimbursement for tubular breasts depends on the health insurance provider and each patient's individual situation. Should the malformation lead to functional limitations such as breastfeeding difficulties, the costs are often covered. If it is a purely cosmetic procedure, you will have to pay for it yourself. A precise assessment can be given after a medical examination.

Tubular breasts: Before-after pictures and surgery experience

Correcting tubular breasts results in a rounder, more harmonious shape, with added fullness where desired and a natural-looking contour that suits your proportions. Scars are placed to be as inconspicuous as possible afterwards. Our female patients emphasise the positive surgical experience and regained quality of life.

Every result is individual and depends on your starting situation and the chosen method. If you would like to know which result is realistically suitable for you, we will advise you personally and show you suitable examples. We will take time for your questions and plan a solution with you that is truly a good fit.

Your next step - personal consultation at BRST

A tubular breast is not a fate you have to accept. At BRST in Zurich, you benefit from years of experience and clear specialisation in Breast malformations and advice that takes your wishes and your anatomy seriously. We are planning a correction with you that appears natural, is performed safely, and suits your body.

Would you like to discuss your options confidentially? Arrange a no-obligation consultation now. We'll take the time for you – and together find the solution that's right for you.