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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

16 year old thinks she has tubular breasts- any advice?

72 replies

Mmmmdanone · 01/09/2020 20:27

My 16 year old DD has become very upset about her breasts. They have never developed beyond what I would say are very early teenage buds, despite her period having started 3.5 years ago.
She Googled and now thinks she has an issue called tubular breast. I had never heard of it but looking at pictures it looks very similar to her problem. The only answer to this is surgery when older, in the mean time I've told her we will find a really good bra that will give her some shape. Has anyone experienced this or have bra recommendations? She can't really have a push up as there's literally nothing to push and a wide gap between her breast. She only wants to feel good in herself, she isn't trying to impress anyone! She was so upset she was crying tonight and I just want to find something that helps. Thank you!

OP posts:
Karwomannghia · 01/09/2020 20:33

No first hand experience of this but hated another part of my body. There are some stunning women with small breasts, like Kate moss, maybe she can have a look at them to feel like she’s not alone and the clothes they wear?
Is it worth her going to the dr now to get it checked?

Original poster
Mmmmdanone · 01/09/2020 20:37

It's not even that they're small though. They are an odd shape. If they were small but rounded in shape she'd be happy. Thanks for reply though.

OP posts:
Original poster
Mmmmdanone · 01/09/2020 20:39

I will think about a gp visit, but if it is tubular breast surgery is the only option so I think she would have to be over 18. And there is a chance she has still to develop I guess. They are just not a usual shape.

OP posts:
Flamingolingo · 01/09/2020 20:42

I really don’t like the shape of one of mine, they’re not a matching pair, and quite unevenly sized. Also some features of tuberous breasts, but not a terrible case. I find bras that are not padded as such, but have quite thick cups are a good option for me. In a t shirt you probably wouldn’t know I have an issue. I particularly like the body by Victoria Demi, but they’ve recently changed it to a front fastener.

SeasideMaiden · 01/09/2020 20:43

I have pendulous breasts. I don't know if they're tubular but they grew sagging and I think it may be related in my case to stretchy skin from Ehlers Danlos. I asked as a teen for help and was sent away. I asked a few years ago for help, but was sent away. I have numerous problems with them and always have. I strongly recommend saving towards some surgery for her on a few years time - hopefully by then it may have improved but if not, and if you hit the same brick walls I have, you may be able to pay for it.

Original poster
Mmmmdanone · 01/09/2020 20:44

Thank you. I'll look at that!

OP posts:
Flamingolingo · 01/09/2020 20:44

Whilst surgery is the only option to change the shape, counselling is an option that could help her come to terms with her body. It’s hard when we are surrounded by an ideal version of the female form that is largely unattainable for most of us. Harder still if you have any unusual quirks of your own body.

Original poster
Mmmmdanone · 01/09/2020 20:47

Thank you Seaside. I've already told her that if she still has the issue at 18 and can't get help I will pay for surgery as she is so depressed at the moment.

OP posts:
Barneythedinosaur · 01/09/2020 20:48

hi OP
when I was around that age I would've said I had tubular breasts. They fit the Google images almost perfectly, and I was so unhappy with them.
By my mid twenties they had filled out on the sides so were a much more normal shape.
Now as a mum in my late twenties they are perfectly normal, if a little wide set. Still slightly "pointy" but nowhere like they used to be.

Not saying it will happen, but mine definitely got more normal without surgery.

Original poster
Mmmmdanone · 01/09/2020 20:49

Flamingo, yes it is hard especially these days with social media. She says she's mainly thinking of her school friends and their more usual shape rather than women on Instagram, but that can't help.

OP posts:
CorianderLord · 01/09/2020 20:50

My mate had a boob job at 15 partially covered by the NHS. So start at the GP to see if it is this syndrome - then look further into options. Poor kid.

Original poster
Mmmmdanone · 01/09/2020 20:52

Barney, thank you. I did say, as did she, that they may still develop. I myself had very small ones when younger ( but a rounded shape) and now they are MUCH bigger.
Any other bra recommendations?

OP posts:
Oblomov20 · 01/09/2020 20:57

Your poor dd. We can all understand why this would be very upsetting. These photos would upset anyone.

GiantPinesAhem · 01/09/2020 20:57

For getting a bra, join the Boob Or Bust Facebook group- they're measuring methods makes most people scoff at first, but it usually works out to be incredibly well fitting , supportive and flattering!

Flamingolingo · 01/09/2020 21:04

Mine have also evened out after gestating and feeding two babies.

Original poster
Mmmmdanone · 01/09/2020 21:09

Thanks all. Some stuff to think about and look into.

OP posts:
Iminaglasscaseofemotion · 01/09/2020 21:10

I didn't really like mine when I was younger. Had one bigger than the other, which only got worse with each child.

A good padded, underwired bra, that has a good round shape should help. They can be tricky to find because a lot of bras seem to have a pointy look on me, no idea why. Debenhams is usually a good place for me because they have a lot of variety and I seem to be able to find a nice rounded one in there.

JontyDoggle37 · 01/09/2020 21:13

Crikey. You learn something new every day. I’ve just found out I’ve got tuberous breasts!!

JontyDoggle37 · 01/09/2020 21:15

P.s. sorry OP for your daughters distress. If it’s any help, I never had a man comment negatively about them and clothes always hung much better than in my bigger boobed friends. Oh, and if you ride horses you can feel very smug as you don’t get whacked in the chin by your own boobs when trotting!

Original poster
Mmmmdanone · 01/09/2020 21:18

I'm sorry but it's not about the size. But appreciate your input.

OP posts:
hiredandsqueak · 01/09/2020 21:19

My friend's daughter had implants because of having tubular breasts. She was seventeen and it was NHS funded. It made the world of difference to her confidence and happiness.

nachthexe · 01/09/2020 21:22

She literally said she had tuberous breasts in her first post, op. She wasn’t commenting on size.

gypsywater · 01/09/2020 21:22

Definitely start investigating it further and it is possible to have surgery at 17-18. Perhaps best to go 18 so more chance theyve stopped growing fully. Lovely she can confide in you, sounds like you have a fab relationship. All the best to your daughter.

Original poster
Mmmmdanone · 01/09/2020 21:23

Thanks so much Hired. I don't think some people on here are understanding it's not just a case of small ones!

OP posts:
Blankblankblank · 01/09/2020 21:27

There really isn’t much info out there tbh.

www.mya.co.uk/blog/news/the-ultimate-guide-bras-to-suit-your-boobs

“Tubular Boobs

Do you breasts feel pointy? Is most of your breast tissue in or around your areola (nipple area)? Do your breasts feel far apart? These are just some of the attributes of tubular breasts. A Push Up bra, Strapless or Sports bra are all perfect! This will help give the breasts a natural shape when wearing tight clothing.“

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