What is breast symmastia?
Symmastia is a medical term pertaining to the breasts and the closeness of which breast implants are positioned. This is typically a result caused by over-dissection of the space (pockets) of where the implants are to be placed in the cleavage area. Other ways that Symmastia is commonly referred to, or described as, is “kissing implants”, “breastloafing”, or “uniboob”. The condition of symmastia entail the implants being positioned too closely in the middle of the chest, giving the appearance of one breast, instead of two.
Who’s more likely to develop symmastia after a breast augmentation? Well, you’d hope nobody, and with the diligence and caution of your surgeon, this should be unlikely to happen following breast augmentation. But despite a surgeon’s best efforts, sometimes these conditions can happen, and they seems to be more prevalent among thinner women. This is mostly due to the fact that thinner women have less tissue and/or fat covering the sternum (the middle of the chest). Also, patients with Pectus excavatum (a depressed breastbone) will cause the implants to slope inward, toward the cleavage area. This creates more pressure on the tissues in that
Also, patients with Pectus excavatum (a depressed breastbone) will cause the implants to slope inward, toward the cleavage area. This creates more pressure on the tissues in that area, and may result in symmastia. Some doctors recommend placing smaller implants in women with PE, since this will reduce the amount of pressure that is placed on the cleavage area. If you have experienced and qualified plastic surgeons, like that of Dr. Layke and Dr. Danielpour, this is a complication you shouldn’t have to stress about. It is the one of the least common complications when it comes to the potential risks associated with breast augmentation.
How is symmastia corrected?
Symmastia may or may not be apparent right after surgery. It can slowly develop or worsen with time after surgery, from a few days to several months later.
In order to correct or repair symmastia, the underlying skin tissues and breast fat will have to be reconnected to the breastbone. Internal permanent sutures are used to hold the sternal skin and underlying tissue down. Usually, the remainder of the pocket has to be sutured as well, usually with permanent sutures. By doing so, this provides a barrier, which will prevent the implants from sliding across the breastbone and coming to close again. In order to reduce pressure from the middle of the chest, the pocket usually has to be made larger, or, the implants will have to be replaced for smaller ones. Once the correctional surgery has been performed, a thong-bra is usually required for the patient to wear, and sometimes along with something like a rolled up ace bandage, which is used in between the breasts like a bolster to put pressure on the sternum and help keep the breasts separated.
Want to know more about breast augmentation? Symmastia? All benefits and risks associated with breast surgery? Please call Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group today to help provide you with thorough information to assist you in making a well-informed decision about all of your plastic surgery interest.
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