Age 30, female, does this look like pectus carinatum & if so, can I still get breast augmentation? (Photo)

Question

pleased excuse my sad lifeless boobs - i have four kids lol. but i've heard that it's more difficult to have a successful breast augmentation if you have pectus carinatum, and now when i look at my boobs i'm starting to wonder if i have one? do you think i should just learn to life with the boobs i have or is this procedure still possible? i'm 30, female, 95 pounds, and 5 foot 2

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. It’s hard to tell from this photo whether you have a chest wall deformity however you can still achieve a good result with symmetric, full breasts. I hope this helps.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question and the photos. 
Based on your photos, you appears to be a good candidate for breast augmentation surgery and you do not appear to have prominent chest wall deformity.
Implant size discussion and implant selection is one of the most important steps during your consultation with plastic surgeon. The decision-making process depends on patient’s desires, as well as breast and soft tissue dimensions of your chest wall. I also utilize Vectra 3D planning to further help with implant selection. 
Typically, silicone breast implants are used because they offer more natural feel than saline (salt water filled) implants.
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in order to discuss your goals and concerns for the best cosmetic results. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. 
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Based on your photo, you do not have a significant pectus carinatum, but it is difficult to see if you have milder forms.  Breast augmentation with pectus carinatum can still be performed and typically will help mask the bulging of the chest.  I would recommend visiting with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a thorough examination and to discuss breast augmentation surgery.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Exquisite380846,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Generally speaking, pectus carinatum is not a contraindication for BA surgery. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. 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 Surgery

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants, and they choose what looks right for them. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Sameer M. Kapadia, MD · Answer

Hi! 
There is absolute contraindication to having breast augmentation if you have a true pectus deformity. Rib abnormalities exist in a spectrum so if you have one, it will likely just require careful selection of your implants with careful dissection. You would be best served by visiting a plastic surgeon to discuss your options and have a consultation so they can examine you and make a recommendation.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Dear Exquisite,
You do not appear to have pectus carinatum, but rather a minor sternal abnormality.  You are still a good candidate for a silicone, transaxillary (armpit approach-no breast scars) breast augmentation.
Dr. Taranow

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your photo it appears you are a good candidate for breast augmentation and should have a nice result.  The next step is to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.  I've included a video on implant selection that I hope is helpful.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Even with a pectus, and your one photo does not show your chest that well, implants can improve the chest, especially when placed behind the muscle.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

You have a common sternum and your breasts should yeild a very nice augmentation in expert hands.Make sure to go to the best.

Age 30, female, does this look like pectus carinatum & if so, can I still get breast augmentation? (Photo)

Answers (10)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

Do I have congenital symmastia? Procedure recommendations? (photos)

5 years post-op breast augmentation - red mark on nipple and it's sore to the touch - advice?

Can my two year old implants be causing Graves Disease?

How realistic are my breast goals, given what I'm starting with?

Are my breasts underdeveloped? Am I a good breast augmentation candidate? (photo)

6ft &180lbs, bra size 36B - can you advise on sizing compared to body? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS