Symmastia: How Can I Separate my Breasts?

asked 11 months ago by 8743 in Houston, TX
Latest answer by Joseph M. Perlman, MD
Question viewed 582 times
Tags: bra, options, self-esteem, separation, symmastia

I was born with symmastia. I never done any breast surgery or any surgery before in my life. I'm doing some research and look at a few pictures from symmastia and realize that this is what my chest look like. I feel so uncomfortable when wearing clothes especially clothes where I have to show off my breast. NO CONFIDENCE! What are the choices for me? Can I use a thong bra to separate them?

9 answers to Symmastia: How Can I Separate my Breasts?

Symmastia

If you have developed symmastia after breast augmentation, there is a relatively new product available, called "Strattice", which is extremely helpful in the surgical treatment of this condition. It is a pig dermal matrix made by "Lifecell Corporation", that is placed on each side to separate the breasts. It allows your own tissue to grow in that area to hold the implants in their new position. It is not a simple operation, nor is it inexpensive, but it... more

Diane L. Gerber, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Difficult but "doable"

I have seen a few cases of symmastia,one congenital and four that occurred after breast augmentation done elsewhere.In the case of a congenital symmastia, I had to modify the shape of the breast mound and then suture the skin to the breast bone. In the more common case of symmastia that occurs after breast augmentation, I reinforced the medial aspect of the breast implant pocket with a dermal matrix graft and then reattached the skin to the underlying breastbone. Fortunately the results were... more

Joseph M. Perlman, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Congenital Symmastia Rare

Congenital symmastia is an extremely rare anomaly which requires an experienced surgeon to really understand not only how it occurred, but what it really takes to correct it. Often times it requires manipulating the tissues over the sternum, as well as the breast tissue itself to really get the area in the middle of your chest to sit down and provide you with an normal breast and chest appearance. Sometimes you ned to reinforce areas with some synthetic or biologic material as... more

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD
Barrington Plastic Surgeon

Born with Symmastia

Without photos it is difficult to know that to suggest, other than to go to a board-certified plastic surgeon to see what your options may be, whether using implants or not.

Robert M. Grenley, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

www.seattleplasticsurgery.com

Synmastia: congenita versus acquired

Photos would be very helpful as what you describe is pretty rare. Undoubtedly the photos of synmastia you have seen are those in women with implants. In their cases the pockets made for the implants are too close or may even join into one. Their actual breasts are still separate and can be made so again with internal repairs. You have something different. The only cases of congenital synmastia I have seen are those in which the breast bone is extremely sunken in... more

Lori H. Saltz, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Unusual problem. Need experienced surgeon.

Synmastia is more commonly caused by breast augmentation. Your case is unusual. But the treatment principle is the same. A thong bra? Not sure what that is, but I don't think it will suffice. Do you want implants or is your size okay? I typically repair synmastia by closing off the capsule medially, preventing the implants from abutting in the midline. In your case, internal sutures may correct the problem. But you need an experienced... more

Eric Swanson MD
Leawood Plastic Surgeon

Correction of congenital symmastia

Congenital symmastia is rare - symmastia is most commonly seen as a complication of breast augmentation. It can potentially be corrected, however treatment needs to be individualized to the patient. I would recommend that you consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck. My response to your question/post does not represent formal medical advice or constitute a doctor patient relationship. You need to consult with i.e. personally see a board-certified plastic... more

Craig S. Rock, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Correction of symmastia without implants?

Typically we see symmastia, or a confluence of the breasts where there should be some separation in the cleavage area, as a result of implants that push together. With implants, correction of the problem involves rebuilding the inner portion of the scar capsule, but it is a completely different situation without implants. There is no standard set of techniques so it may require some creativity, which fortunately is something that plastic surgeons are known for. I am sure there is some help... more

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Symmastia from Birth: How Can I Separate my Breasts?

RE :"I was born with symmastia. I never done any breast surgery or any surgery before in my life. I'm doing some research and look at a few pictures from symmastia and realize that this is what my chest look like. I feel so uncomfortable when wearing clothes especially clothes where I have to show off my breast. NO CONFIDENCE! What are the choices for me? Can I use a thong bra to separate them?" As you know, symmastia, or the touching of the breast mounds... more