Congenital breast malformations
The key facts
Tuberous breast malformation
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Funnel chest
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Poland syndrome
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What are congenital breast malformations?
Congenital breast malformations are deformities of the breast that develop during embryonic development and usually become visible during adolescence. They affect the shape, volume or position of the mammary gland and/or nipple. Such malformations can occur on one or both sides and vary greatly in severity.
Typical congenital breast malformations are:
- Tuberous breast (or tubular breast): Narrow breast base, protruding nipple, often with skin deficiency in the lower breast area.
- Funnel chest (pectus excavatum): A sunken chest that can affect the shape of the breasts.
- Poland syndrome: A malformation or absence of the mammary gland and/or chest muscles on one side.
These changes can cause extreme stress, both physical and emotional. In many cases, a breast correction planned to your specific needs can restore a harmonious breast shape.
About the treatment
The treatment of congenital breast malformations depends on the type and severity of the malformation. The aim is to correct shape, symmetry and volume. Depending on the findings of examinations, the procedure can be performed using implants, fat transfer, lifts or reconstructions using the body's own tissue.
Tuberous breast malformation
Tuberous breast malformation is a congenital deformity of the breast that can occur in varying degrees of severity. Depending on the severity, different treatment methods are used.
In mild cases, inserting a silicone implant is usually sufficient to harmonise the shape of the breast.
In severe cases, several procedures are necessary: Firstly, a tissue expander is inserted to stretch the breast region before the final implant is inserted in a second step, usually in combination with an injection of the patient’s own fat. If requested, a breast lift and nipple reduction can also be performed.
Having amassed many years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery, we can offer you professional, tailored treatment of the highest standard.
Funnel chest
Funnel chest is a congenital depression of the lower sternum. In addition to the visible deformity, it can also cause pain and psychological stress.
Depending on the severity, there are various treatment options available:
- Surgery to insert a bar using the Nuss procedure
- Volume enhancement using custom-made silicone implants
- Fat transfer injections for less severe cases
We will give you personalised advice about which method is suitable for you.
Poland syndrome
Poland syndrome is a rare congenital malformation in which the nipple, mammary gland and chest muscles are underdeveloped.
Depending on the severity, various reconstruction methods are available – from fat injections in mild cases to custom-made implants, expander solutions or even free tissue transfer in more severe cases.
We can advise on the most suitable options for your individual circumstances.
“Every chest tells its own story. Our task is to balance out congenital differences through precise medical treatment tailored to you for aesthetic results.”
FAQs Tuberous breast malformation
Can I still breastfeed after the operation?
Whether or not you can breastfeed after breast surgery depends on the type of procedure.
In procedures involving silicone implants, the ability to breastfeed is usually retained, because glandular tissue and milk ducts are generally not affected.
In more complex reconstructive operations or procedures involving nipple displacement, the ability to breastfeed may be restricted.
How long is the wait between the two surgical procedures?
There is usually a period of 3 to 6 months between the first procedure with tissue expanders and the second procedure for implant insertion.
During this time, the breast is slowly stretched until the desired volume and necessary skin reserve are achieved.
The exact timing depends on your individual healing process and the treatment goal.
Can I pass on the malformation to my daughters?
A genetic predisposition to tuberous breast malformation has not been conclusively proven, but familial clusters have been described. This means: An increased risk is possible, but direct inheritance cannot be proven with certainty.
In case of uncertainty, genetic counselling may be advisable.
Do I need an implant?
Whether an implant is necessary depends on the severity of the breast malformation and your personal wishes.
In cases of mild tuberous breast shape, either a small implant can be inserted or a fat transfer alone may be sufficient to give the breast a harmonious shape.
In more severe cases, an implant is usually used in combination with other techniques such as expander treatment, fat tissue transfer or breast lift.
We will give you personalised advice about which method is most suitable for you.
FAQs Funnel chest
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the various treatment options?
The Nuss procedure is effective for severe funnel chest, but requires a more extensive operation with a longer healing time.
Fat transfers or implants are less invasive, with a shorter recovery time – ideal for mild cases. However, they only correct the volume, not the chest wall itself.
We will discuss which method is suitable for your specific case.
Will I feel the implant?
As a rule, you will not feel the implant as you go about your everyday life. In some cases of very slim breasts or superficial placement, you may be able to feel it. By selecting the correct implant size and position, we ensure the most natural result possible – both visually and in terms of physical comfort.
Does the implant have to be replaced or removed later?
Modern silicone implants are durable and do not need to be replaced routinely. A replacement is only necessary if complications arise (e.g. capsule formation, rupture) or if your aesthetic preferences change.
FAQs Poland syndrome
Are the procedures covered by health insurance?
If medically necessary, the costs may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance provider. This requires an application to the insurance company. We will be happy to assist you in clarifying the cost coverage.
Can I pass the syndrome on to my children?
Poland syndrome usually occurs sporadically – without family predisposition. In most cases, no direct inheritance can be proven. The exact cause has not yet been clearly established. The genetic risk to offspring is considered to be very low.
At what age can operations be performed?
Reconstructive surgery for breast malformations such as Poland syndrome is generally advisable once physical growth has been completed – usually from around the age of 16.
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