Congenital Breast Anomalies Expertise at Valley Children’s Healthcare

Puberty is already a sensitive time for young girls and boys, but when normal breast development  is affected by growth irregularities, it can significantly impact self-esteem and social confidence. Our team at Valley Children’s Healthcare understands every aspect of breast health, growth and development for young patients of all ages because our focus is exclusive to children, from newborns to young adults. As a dedicated team of pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgeons, we know how the treatment of issues such as congenital breast anomalies can truly be life-changing.

Congenital Breast Anomalies We Treat

Our board-certified and fellowship-trained pediatric plastic and reconstructive specialists treat a wide range of congenital breast abnormalities, including:

• Asymmetric breasts: Often occurring during puberty, asymmetric breast development can occur in girls between the ages of 9 and 11. With this condition, breast development may vary in size, volume, position or form.
• Female breast enlargement: Any unusual breast enlargement can cause extreme self-consciousness, especially in young girls. Breast enlargement can occur in one or both breasts. Symptoms can significantly affect health and well-being due to back or neck pain, skeletal deformity, skin irritation or restriction of activities.
  
  Severe cases of female breast enlargement are known as hypertrophic breasts or gigantomastia. This rare medical condition occurs when the breast connective tissues are excessively large. Often occurring during puberty between the ages of 11 and 19, this serious condition must be addressed because it could indicate a more complex hormonal condition.
• Post-pubertal gynecomastia in males: Gynecomastia is the medical word used when boys or men have some breast tissue. The condition is relatively common in teenage boys, but can also affect infants and older men. It affects up to 40% of males and is highly under-referred for treatment. This condition can be a source of psychosocial distress as those affected are embarrassed and hesitate to seek treatment. But help is available by our skilled team of pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgeons at Valley Children’s Healthcare.
  
  Because breast enlargement can also be a symptom of several other conditions, your child needs to be treated by physicians with the experience and expertise to arrive at the right diagnosis and treatment plan. Your child may not need any treatment at all. In other cases, surgery may provide optimal results.
• Tuberous breast: This condition, sometimes called tubular breasts or constricted breasts, is when the breasts fail to develop normally during puberty. Although surgery can help correct the condition, it involves more than breast augmentation, so it’s essential to see a pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgeon to consider all aspects of growth and development.