What is going on, do I have symmastia? (photos)

Question

I am 4 months post op and after 6 weeks my breast started slowly moving closer. I noticed my skin between my breast slightly raised when wearing a bra. When I lay down the skin is tight and I cant pinch it, standing straight up it looks slightly raised and if I bend over I can pinch the skin. Sometimes I think my cleavage looks good and other times it looks like I have no cleavage line. It all determines in the postion of my breast. Do I have symmastia or is this normal?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  Looking at these photographs, and the rest in your RS profile I do not think you have synmastia.  Your implants are wide for your chest causing them to be close, but there appears to be a clear demarcation between the two.  Discuss your concerns with your surgeon as they can offer you the best advice and reassurance.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi Lilbit2009, 
  
Symmastia is a rare breast condition that occurs when soft web-like breast tissue pulls breast implants towards each other, until the breasts meet uncomfortably at the center of the chest near the sternum (the body’s midline point). Given this abnormal union, symmastia is known by many other names, including breadloafing, kissing breast implants, and the uniboob. 
  
Unfortunately, this condition causes the surrounding skin and pectoral muscles to literally lift off the breast bone as the implants are pulled together. This consequently causes pain and discomfort, as well as obvious distortion of the breasts, which can only be disguised with clothing that does not show cleavage.
  
You should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for proper assessment. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
  
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gregory T. Lynam, MD · Answer

Best is to see your doctor and have an exam. You may be fine. It is unlikely the doctor cut the muscle that high up. If your implants are above the muscle then the tissue might be thinning out. Please update us on what your surgeon thinks. Good Luck!

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

An in person evaluation is the only way to find out. Follow up with your plastic surgeon for an examination to see what is going on.

Giovanna Ghafoori, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your BA, Lidbit2009.  Reviewing your photographs, you do not have symmastia.  Given that your implants are a bit large for your frame, and that you have noticed a late change/progression, you might speak to your surgeon about starting a thong bra to keep the medial tissues supported.  Well wishes!

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on the pictures you do not have symmastia. Please continue to follow with your pS

Robert Graper, MD · Answer

Nope, Synmastia is when the breast pocket connect and there is no inter-mammary cleavage. Its close though.

What is going on, do I have symmastia? (photos)

Answers (7)