In most cases, performing a breast augmentation procedure is a relatively straightforward process. However, some congenital deformities to the chest wall structure may require the cosmetic surgeon to take extra care in performing a breast augmentation procedure. Two such deformities are pectus carinatum or pectus excavatum. Both require extra care in terms of implant positioning and profile.
Pectus Carinatum
Pectus carinatum, or “pigeon chest,” is a congenital deformity of the rib cage and sternum in which the breastbone overly protrudes, giving the chest a bird-like appearance. This condition occurs in approximately one in 400 patients. The entire chest wall is bowed outward because the sternum protrudes outward, with depressions along the chest’s sides. Although this condition does not affect the heart and lungs’ development, patients may have pulmonary difficulties due to a chest wall that will appear very rigid. Correction for this condition in severe cases may involve repositioning the sternum with wires or rods.
The breast augmentation goal for these patients is to reduce the protruding sternum’s appearance while still creating natural-looking cleavage. High profile implants (in which the implants’ height is greater than the base width) placed behind the chest muscles (subpectoral) will reduce the appearance of a protruding sternum. This will produce more natural-appearing cleavage. However, patients must be aware that the implants may become displaced to the chest’s outer sides over time if they do not wear a bra. I recommend patients wear a nocturnal breast support garment to prevent this implant displacement.
Pectus Excavatum
By contrast, cases where the chest bows inward are known as pectus excavatum, or “sunken chest.” This is the most common of all congenital chest deformities. Patients with this condition will have a sternum that appears pressed inward relative to the chest wall’s rest. The ribs may also be depressed, which furthers the concave appearance of the chest. Although patients will not have any symptoms in most cases, they can have cardiac difficulties if the heart is compressed between the sternum and the spine.
Patients with this condition will often consider breast augmentation to reduce the appearance of the hollowed-out chest. In such cases, low profile implants (in which the implant height is less than the width) placed under the pectoral muscles are preferred. Because chest tissue in patients with pectus excavatum tends to be thin, placing implants over the chest muscle may increase visible implant rippling chances.
Just as with pectus carinatum, patients with sunken chests who undergo breast augmentation may also experience implant displacement if they do not regularly wear a bra. However, in these cases, the implants may shift toward the sternum, creating the “uniboob” effect. I would also recommend a nighttime support garment to help hold the implants in place.
*The content in this blog is developed to spread the awareness towards plastic surgery. Our blog is not intended to serve as a replacement for an actual in-office consultation with Dr. Marin. As such, the information within this blog reflects the unique cases of our individual patients.
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