Have I got symmastia or tenting at 6 months post-op? (Photos)

Question

I am 6 months post op, I had 350cc silicone implants over muscle. My cleavage skin area is raised & not flat. When i lay down it is flat and looks like i have two breasts whereas when i am standing the skin is raised and looks like my implants are close together like i have “uniboob”. When i press the area down it’s clear the implants are seperate, the skin flattens, then raises back up especially when i wear a support bra. My surgeon said it’ll go down, be patient but surely I am already healed?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Based on your description and photographs, I think that symmastia is not present but skin tenting is.   It is hard to know whether there will be improvement  of the skin tenting over time.  If, in the longer term, you have the right same concerns, medial capsulorraphy (along with the use of acellular dermal matrix in my practice) will likely be necessary to increase this space between your breasts implants and improve the skin tenting situation. Best wishes.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear BArecovery,
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
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surge

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Yes, you do have symmastia.  The correction is replacing the implants under the muscle to recreate the normal medial sternal contour of the breast.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, you have symmastia or tenting because the implants chosen are too large for your tissue and frame. You need to go down in size and a smaller width.

Have I got symmastia or tenting at 6 months post-op? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Breasts

Answer: Breasts

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Have I got symmastia or tenting at 6 months post-op? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Breasts

Answer: Breasts

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.