Is Bone shaving possible on upper rib cage /chest for patient with Pectus Excavatum?

Question

I have mild PE and mild scoliosis. My PE is asymmetrical, and my rib cage sticks out a lot (above my breast but below my collar bone) on the right side. It is very much like a small rib hump but in the front. It sticks out a lot more than my left side and is very noticeable. Is it possible to have the bone there shaved down to look flatter/smaller? I cannot get surgery for my PE or my scoliosis nor can I get a breast augmentation. However, I want to know if there is a way to disguise the hump.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Without a photograph it's impossible to comment on your particular situation. I'm unaware of bone shaving is a component of treatment for pectus. Breast augmentation sometimes nicely camouflages chest wall abnormalities.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Physical examination or at least photographs are needed for a definitive recommendation, but in general weakening ribs by shaving them enough to be visible would not be feasible nor recommended. Altering the ribcage anatomy is possible, but this is a major operation usually reserved for those with severe pectus deformity enough to cause cardiac or pulmonary dysfunction, not just cosmetic.Breast augmentation would help to camouflage the ribcage asymmetry, but only if you decide to go that route.Please see one or more experienced ABPS-certified plastic surgeons and they will confirm that altering ribcage anatomy is a huge operation that is rarely done for cosmetic reasons alone, especially since the resultant scars are often more of a deformity than the original pectus or ribcage asymmetry. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Paul W. Papillion, MD · Answer

Depending on the severity of your PE, you could potentially have augmentation. Augmentations in patients who have some form of chest wall deformity are not rare and in some cases the augmentation could actually mask the underlying deformity making it less noticeable. This all depends on the severity of the deformity and its location. Different size implants may have to be used if you are deemed a surgical candidate.

Shaun Parson, MD · Answer

Yes. I have an extensive background with pectus repair in children and adults. All pectus repair is basically altering the ribs or sternum to disguuse the original asymmetry.  There is no functional advantage ever in fixing a pectus. It is really all based on aesthetics. Rib repairs, like you describe, are fairly easy but all carry a possible risk of pneumothorax. If it's a minor repair it's a lower risk. More significant repairs carry higher risk. Hope this helps.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question and short history but much more information is needed as well as a full examination before making any recommendations Dr Corbin

Is Bone shaving possible on upper rib cage /chest for patient with Pectus Excavatum?

Answers (5)

Answer: Can I do something to disguise my pectus excuvatum

Answer: Can I do something to disguise my pectus excuvatum

Answer: Rib

Answer: Rib

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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Is Bone shaving possible on upper rib cage /chest for patient with Pectus Excavatum?

Answers (5)

Answer: Can I do something to disguise my pectus excuvatum

Answer: Can I do something to disguise my pectus excuvatum

Answer: Rib

Answer: Rib

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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