Symmastia Repair
While it is rare to experience complications after a breast augmentation, they occur occasionally. One of the rarest is symmastia, where the breast implants meet in the middle of the chest without separation. Fortunately, there are effective methods to correct and prevent this complication.
Is Symmastia Repair
right for you ?
A symmastia repair is a procedure designed to correct symmastia, which is a condition where the breasts are positioned too close together, or the breasts have fused in the middle of the chest, creating a “uniboob” effect. This condition can occur after breast augmentation surgery or may be present naturally in some individuals.
The benefits of symmastia repair include restoring a more natural and symmetrical breast appearance by repositioning the implants into their proper position. This correction not only enhances the aesthetic look of the breasts but also helps improve the individual’s confidence and satisfaction with the results of their breast augmentation, leading to a more positive body image. Additionally, by ensuring the implants are properly placed, symmastia repair can provide better breast function, offering improved comfort and a more natural movement of the breasts.
32
5'3"
119 lbs
Explant: Bilateral Mentor Moderate Profile Plus Smooth Silicone Implants Implant: Bilateral Mentor Moderate Profile Plus Smooth Silicone 250cc left, 200cc
Before surgery
Symmastia repair will differ depending on its severity, the initial placement of the implants, and the patient’s individual goals. A patient care concierge will guide you through the entire consultation process, which can be attended in person or virtually. During the consultation, your surgeon will learn about your goals, answer any questions, and perform an examination to create a personalized surgical plan. You will then be matched with a surgical coordinator who will walk you through each step of the preoperative process.
During surgery
If the implants were initially placed above the muscle, a symmastia repair usually involves moving the implants under the muscle, creating a new pocket for the breast implant, and preventing them from moving to the middle chest position again.
If implants are placed beneath the muscle, your surgeon will determine which technique best repairs the symmastia. Breast implants will either be moved above the muscle, or a portion of the breast implant capsule will be used as an anchor so that the muscles and tissues can be sutured to the sternum. In other cases, the capsule is not used, and soft tissue grafts are instead used as anchors.
Regardless of the technique used, your surgeon will use a unique layered suturing technique to close all incisions that decreases tension during the healing process and allows minimal scarring.
After surgery
It is normal to experience some soreness and swelling for the first two weeks following your symmastia repair. Pain relievers and cold compresses are typically used to ease these side effects during the early portion of the recovery process.
Your surgeon will provide specific instructions for optimal post-operative care, including an advanced scar management protocol after the initial healing period. Your surgical team is always available and will closely monitor your recovery in the weeks and months following surgery.
Read about the experience of a Barrett Plastic Surgery symmastia patient here.