Relative Frequency of Tuberous Breast Disorders among Candidates for Breast Augmentation Surgery

Abstract

Background: Tuberous breast disorder (TBD), is manifested usually in small or asymmetric breasts after puberty, which makes patients candidates for breast augmentation surgery. Yet, its diagnosis may be difficult due to a wide variety of diagnostic criteria and severity of the disorder. So, the aim of this study -which to our knowledge stands as the first epidemiologic study about TBD in Iran, is estimation of the relative frequency of TBD among candidates for breast augmentation surgery.Methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study, profiles and real-size photograms of anteroposterior and lateral views of 732 referral candidates for breast augmentation surgery aged 18 years or older to clinics of two plastic surgeons in the city of [Isfahan] over a period of 9 years were enrolled. Relative frequency of TBD and its subtypes from I to III based on Grolleau et al. criteria, patients fulfilling at least one of the described features of the TBD, and breast asymmetry were estimated among the study population.Findings: Among the study population 78% experienced asymmetry and 28.9% were diagnosed with TBD with a distribution of 50.9%, 39.1%, and 9.9% in the groups I to III respectively. 73.9% of patients fulfilled at least one of the TBD features.Conclusion: Relative frequencies of 28.9% and 73.9% for TBD and its criteria respectively, show considerable prevalence among candidates for breast augmentation surgery.

Keywords

• plastic surgery
• mammoplasty
• epidemiology
• breast implantation
• breast diseases