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What is the Chance of Recurrence of Symmastia?

asked 3 years ago by tosha0905 in NC
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 1,255 times

I am going for a consultation for symmastia revision. I would describe the symmastia as moderate. I do not want an overly large gap between my breasts post-operatively, but I do not want to end up needing a second revision surgery for symmastia.

What is the chance of recurrence and what should I discuss with my doctor? My implants are smooth round moderate plus, 510 cc under the muscle.

8 answers to What is the Chance of Recurrence of Symmastia?

+2

Synmastia repair

At 510 cc, your implants are large. They project far into the armpit and centrally, to the point that they meet in the middle, synmastia. Repair of the pockets is a difficult procedure, and not perfect. The repair can fail, especially if large implants are still present. Sometimes the best procedure is to remove the implants, downsize or remove them altogether to allow the natural pocket to build strength again before replacing with smaller implants. Placing the implants above the muscle... more
Brent Moelleken, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+2

Symmastia

Thanks for the question Symmastia can be a difficult problem to correct. The natural tissue that separates the two breasts has been disrupted. Techniques to correct this include using suture techniques to re-establish the separation. The problem is suture techniques can fail over time. The chance of failure of the repair depends on many factors including severity of symmastia, your tissue quality, etc. I would ask your surgeon about the technique he or she plans to use to correct your... more
Steven H. Williams, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+1

Symmastia

Symmastia (medial malposition breast implants) can be corrected with high likelihood of success (about 90% success rate) is using medial breasts implant pocket sutures (medial capsulorrhaphy), lateral capsulotomy (if necessary), and/or the use of allograft. I do not believe that a staged procedure, involving removal of implants for period of time, is necessary. There is a learning curve with this operation and I recommend that you seek consultation with a board-certified plastic... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Symmastia Repair

There are a few critical things that you need to do to achieve a good, long lasting repair.  First, you need to change the pocket for the implant if possible.  If this is not possible, then you need to reinforce the medial areas with both capsule work and possibly some Alloderm/strattice.  The other thing that needs to be done is to change the implant to a device that is not as wide as your current implant. This may be downsizing the implant, or may be changing to a... more
Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD

Barrington Plastic Surgeon
+1

Revision of breast implants should give you good result.

Hi. I do not agree with my colleagues. With good technique, permanent correction of symmastia after breast implants can be achieved. The key is to make new implant pockets. I do agree with my colleagues in recommending smaller implants.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Symmastia repair

Symmastia repair does not always work. It would be a good idea to go with a smaller implant. The repair usually entails some sore of capsule tightening procedure for mild cases.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Symmastia is a tough problem

Symmastia is a very difficult problem to treat. Your implants (510cc) are also very large implants. The best treatment is to change the position of the implants to subglandular AND to make the implants smaller. It may be very wise to remove the implants for several months first before doing this procedure. I agree with everyone that this is very difficult to treat and you should go to a plastic surgeon with quite a bit of experience in revision breast surgery. Good luck....
Sirish Maddali, MD

Portland Plastic Surgeon
+1

Synmastia is easier to avoid than treat

The natural barrier over the sternum has been disrupted in your case and is hard to recreate. Many techniques have been tried and suture techniques with immediate re-insertion of an implant are probably the least successful. Generally you need to downsize the implants, often create an entirely new pocket (in your case subglandular), and sometimes take the implants out and wait several months for healing before going back in. It is a tough challenge. Make sure your surgeon is very... more
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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