Could I potentially have Symmastia? (Photo)

Thank you for your question and photos. The reason you look the way you do in a bra that brings your breasts (and implants) closer to each other is that the skin and soft tissues over your sternum in the midline are tented similar to a pole that raises a tent. Part of this is related to your anatomy, and it also relates to the diameter, volume, projection and cohesivity (firmness) of your implants.

Whether you call it “synmastia” or not is not as important as knowing that you are not entirely happy. I recommend discussing your concerns with your plastic surgeon. If you feel a second opinion is warranted please research a board certified plastic surgeon whose aesthetics align with your own based on his or her Before and After gallery. Best of luck to you.

Dear Maddy546892,
I understand your concern. Based on your photos, it looks like you don't have symmastia. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your question and pictures. I do not see classic symmastia where the implants are connected in the middle. Things are close, but not connected. I think that it is more likely that your baseline natural anatomy had a very straight and close cleavage line prior to surgery, and that has continued after surgery, but has been amplified due to the implant volume. This could likely be lessened with a decrease in implant size or transition to a less wide (translation higher profile) device.
Hope this helps!
Dallas Buchanan, MD
VIVIFY plastic surgery
Tampa, FL

I probably have more questions than answers for you, but here's some information.

An exam is needed to determine if you have symmastia, but if you feel the skin raise up between your breasts when you push the implants together, this suggests symmastia.

Symmastia usually occurs in women who have had prior surgeries, and those with larger implants. So knowing that is helpful.

Correction can be done using one of several techniques depending in the severity.

Hello! Thank you for your question.
You do not have Symmastia. As you note, braless photo indicates nice space between breasts. A bra that pushes your breasts together does enhance how close the breasts become. Better to wear a bralette or bra support that does not exacerbate the short distance between the breasts.
Best of luck to you!

A physical exam is necessary to be absolutely sure. The photos you show suggest that you do not have symmastia. The width of the breast bone (sternum) determines the width of the cleavage in submuscular implant placement and if one of the photos is your before surgery then your result looks normal.

These implants are a little too large for your breasts bases and that is why they appear so close together. If you are happy with this size, just enjoy them. If not, go down in size.

Symmastia results when the muscle and or skin between the breast has been elevated too much and implants tend to migrate into the central region. Without your bra on, it does not appear to be so, but the only way to tell is physical exam in person. If you do have symmastia, the correction involves suturing the skin and or muscle back to its original attachment and the procedure takes approximately one hour to do with 3 to 4 weeks of recovery and return to full Activity.

Thank you for your inquiry. Although the pictures do not demonstrate true symmastia it appears that you are very close to having the condition. The upper aspect of the breasts appear quiet close in the first 2 photos.
It appears that the implants may be sub-glandular (on top of the pectoralis muscle) and this would make the situation more prone to develop symmastia. Verify with your surgeon the location of the implants. Best wishes.

Dear Maddy,
Your breast implants are very close to your midline, which is why you get a near synmastia look when you wear a push up or compression. Changing that surgically would not be an easy task. They look really nice with no support. Consider wearing looser support undergarments, or garments that better accommodate your new, larger breasts. Good luck!