Tubular Breast Correction vs Standard Augmentation: What’s the Difference?

No matter the technique, any breast augmentation procedure that doesn’t take into account your individual anatomy and body proportions is already limited in the quality of results it can provide. This is why our team of board-certified plastic surgeons at Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Centers of El Paso places heavy emphasis on tailoring our approaches to you, not the other way around.

Tubular breast correction vs standard augmentation is a fitting example of the importance of a surgical approach that respects your unique body. While both of these procedures can effectively enhance the appearance of your breasts, they address fundamentally different concerns. Our surgeons, including Dr. Mark Jabor, Dr. Richard Reynolds and Dr. Jaime Aburto, have extensive experience with both procedures and can help you determine which is best for you.

Understanding Tubular Breast Correction

What Are Tubular Breasts?

Tubular breasts, also known as tuberous breasts, are a congenital condition that affects breast development during puberty. Tight skin in key areas prevents the breast from filling out into a naturally rounded shape, resulting in breasts that are narrow, elongated and tube-like. In many cases, the areolas will appear larger than normal and puffy, and asymmetry may occur. Especially in more severe cases, many women with tubular breasts report decreased self-esteem and insecurity.

How Tubular Breast Correction Works

The primary goal of tubular breast correction is to expand the constricted breast tissue, allowing it to fill out into a more naturally rounded shape. This is a sophisticated approach, requiring more than simply adding volume. The tightened skin needs to be released in a highly precise way so that the redistributed breast tissue creates a naturally round appearance. Some women may require tissue scoring techniques, while others may benefit more from tissue rearrangement. In either case, our providers at Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Centers of El Paso will carefully adapt our approach to ensure a harmonious result.

Standard Breast Augmentation

Who Is Standard Breast Augmentation For?

Standard breast augmentation is more open-ended in that it caters to a broader patient base. Women with normally developed breasts (keeping in mind that some asymmetry and other minor irregularities are considered normal) who are simply looking for an increase in volume or improved shape and symmetry can turn to standard breast augmentation as a long-lasting solution. For example, standard breast augmentation is a popular choice among women who have lost breast volume after pregnancy, significant weight loss or aging.

Generally, standard breast augmentation is recommended for women whose breasts fall within normal parameters when it comes to areola size, breast tissue coverage, breast fold definition and symmetry. The primary goal of this procedure is to increase volume, though standard augmentation still presents surgeons with an opportunity to further improve breast contours to a degree.

How Standard Breast Augmentation Works

In a standard breast augmentation procedure, our surgeons will create a pocket behind the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle. Once this pocket is prepared, the implant is added to improve total volume and enhance breast contours. The number and locations of incisions, which are often made around the natural breast crease, the areola or the armpit area, depend on the patient’s anatomy and goals.

How Are Standard Breast Augmentation and Tubular Breast Correction Different?

While both procedures focus on enhancing breast tissue, the techniques and goals involved differ in several significant ways. Tubular breast correction typically involves more extensive reshaping and manipulation of tissue, including areola reduction, base expansion and other techniques.

On the other hand, standard breast augmentation focuses mostly on implant placement and volume. The difference in technical complexity affects procedure time, with tubular breast corrections generally taking longer than standard breast augmentation.

Key Similarities Between These Approaches

Both of these surgical approaches make use of breast implants in most cases, though tubular breast correction may require specialized implant shapes or sizes to create the desired shape. Both procedures require careful consideration of implant type, size and placement to achieve natural-looking results.

The recovery processes also share many similarities, including the use of supportive garments, activity limitations and follow-up scheduling. Most importantly, both procedures require the expertise of a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon, like our experienced providers at Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Centers of El Paso, who understands the nuances of breast anatomy and aesthetic principles.

Making the decision between tubular breast correction and standard augmentation is not always a straightforward process. Some women may have mild tubular breast characteristics that can be addressed with a modified augmentation approach, while others require more extensive correction. This is one of several reasons why consulting with a well-credentialed plastic surgeon is crucial to making a confidently informed decision.

Our Advanced Approach to Breast Enhancement

At Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Centers of El Paso, Dr. Jabor, Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Aburto bring decades of combined experience to every breast enhancement procedure. Our surgeons have refined their techniques to deliver precise, natural-looking results tailored to each patient's unique anatomy.

Tubular Breast Correction

For tubular breast correction, our surgeons begin with a comprehensive evaluation of your breast structure. In this initial appointment, we will carefully assess how constricted the breast tissue is and how it has affected breast tissue distribution, areola size and asymmetry.

Using advanced surgical techniques, the surgeon will carefully release the constricted tissue at the base of the breast, allowing for proper expansion and shaping. The internal breast tissue is repositioned to create a more rounded, natural breast mound, and if necessary, the areola is reduced for improved proportionality. Implants are selected not just for size but for their ability to support the newly structured breast and maintain long-term results.

Standard Breast Augmentation

Dr. Jabor, Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Aburto work closely with each patient to understand their aesthetic goals and select the appropriate implant size, shape and profile to complement their body proportions. With precise surgical techniques, your surgeon will create symmetrical implant pockets and position implants for improved projection and cleavage. Whether placing implants above or below the muscle, our surgeons prioritize natural-looking results that enhance rather than overpower your figure.

When Leading Expertise Meets Cutting-Edge Equipment

Our state-of-the-art surgical facility is equipped with the latest technology, allowing us to perform both tubular breast correction and standard augmentation with the highest level of safety and precision. We use advanced imaging techniques to help you visualize your potential results, and we take the time to answer every question so you feel completely informed and confident in your decision.

Get the Superior Results You Deserve

Whether you're struggling with the unique challenges that come with tubular breasts or simply looking for standard breast enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Centers of El Paso offers the expertise and personalized care you need to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results. Dr. Jabor, Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Aburto are committed to helping you understand the differences between tubular breast correction and standard augmentation and guiding you toward the procedure that best addresses your concerns and fulfills your aesthetic vision.

Schedule your consultation today and discover how our experienced surgeons can help you achieve the breast appearance you've always wanted. Contact Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Centers of El Paso by calling 915-543-5600 or visiting our website and invest in a happier and more confident you.


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At Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Centers of El Paso, we pride ourselves in the fact that all new consults meet with the surgeon and will be seen by the surgeon from start to finish. Schedule your personalized consultation for any of our cosmetic surgery procedures. Consultation fees are due at the time of scheduling (Dr. Mark Jabor: $200.00; Dr. Dale Reynolds: $200.00; Dr. Jaime Aburto: $150.00) and go toward the cost of any procedure or surgery if scheduled within 30 days of your consultation.

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