Do I Have Symmastia?

i had anatomical unders implants 9 weeks ago and i feel they are too close, when i lie down they seperate to about 3 finger width gap but when sat up i can fit a finger but feel i can push the area down, its as if the skin springs back. if i flex the muscles the implants do separte, could this be symmastia of will the sternum area become flatter and the gap widen as the implants and skin settle? i have been wearing a thong bra which separate then but they soon move closer if not worn.

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symmastia under muscle

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11 Doctor Answers | Asked by jane63kent in Belper, D3

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Synmastia versus Uni-boob versus Webbing: Managment and treatment

Technically it depends on how you define symastia. Some define it as the implant lying on the sternum in which case you would be considered to have it. On the other hand, I have been reluctant to call it symastia unless the pockets actually communicate (aka "uniboob). At 9 weeks, given your thin body habitus, it is likely you still have swelling which can make it appear to have synmastia. Wait at least 3-4 months and continue to wear your bra. I encourage some of my thinner patients... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Symmastia or not

No I do not think you have symmastia. However, implants appear to be too close to the midline (immediately malpositioned). The principles we use for correction of symmastia may be applied in your case. In general I would recommend waiting nine months to one year after surgery before proceeding with revisionary surgery. Symmastia (medial malposition breast implants) can be corrected with high likelihood of success using medial breasts implant pocket sutures (medial... more

Synmastia After Breast Augmentation??

From your pictures, it does not appear that you have synmastia. You have a very pretty result over all, though your implants are rather close together making your nipples seem to point to the sides. True synmastia means that one or both breast implants can be pushed past midline (i.e. to the other side of the sternum) after breast augmentation. Your implants are very close together, but do not seem to communicate with each other. However, some patients like this look... more

You do not have symmastia

Though you do not have symmastia, your result may be improved by a revisional procedure to move the implants outward or more lateral on the chest. Keep the dialogue going with your surgeon. He will be more inclined to be helpful with continued, gentle reminders. Good luck!

Symmastia or not

They do look a bit close, but there is a clear separation. It is still a bit early at 9 weeks. Give it a few more months. Talk to your surgeon about options.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

TOO CLOSE After Breast Augmentation

Dear Jane, No but your implant pockets are too close. I would recommend waiting 3-6 months before considering internal work to the implant capsule to widen the space.

You probably do not have symmastia, but...

Hi jane63kent in Belper, From your photo and description, you do not have symmastia. Your implants are fairly close together, though. At 9 weeks from surgery, you will still have some settling occur, and the implants will likely lateralize some more. Some women desire this look; it is a matter of preference. My only comment is in reference to the nipple position. In you pre -op photos, you started with lateralized nipple positioning; placing the implants close to... more

Reposition implant to correct risk of symmastia

True symmastia occurs when the medial pectoral muscle is detached so that the prosthesis can ride across the sternum and meet up with the other side. From your post-operative photo it does not appear to be the case but that the prosthesis have been placed in too medial a position. If you look at your pre-operative photos the nipple areola position is more laterally placed. In these cases I explain to my patients that the prosthesis has to be placed appropriately and in a bit more lateral... more

Breast augmentation

I agree with you but some women like the look you have. It is good that you also sent the before picture because you had a difficult case to start with to get an optimal result. At baseline before surgery the nipples were further from the breast bone than is optimal and you had no cleavage to start with.

Synmastia

Jane, If you gently push your breasts to the midline and the skin tents up or one of the implants appears to pass midline, this would be considered synmastia (aka symmastia). By going under the muscle we hope to avoid the implants coming too close together but it most certainly can occur. You are early in your recovery and the best thing you can do now is allow yourself to heal and wear the thong bra as much as you can and stay in close follow-up with your plastic surgeon. Although... more

Symmastia Can Be Difficult to Correct

Symmastia can be very difficult to correct; however, from your photo you do not appear to have symmastia. In fact you seem to have a very nice and natural appearing result. It is normal for breasts to separate a bit when lying supine and to move toward the midline when erect or sitting. You should give it a little more time before deciding if you are happy with your result.