Does it look like I have symmastia? (Photos)

Question

I got implant exchange with an anchor lift. Someone commented that it looks like I have tenting. I have 500cc hp utm. Siltex mentors.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

In my opinion, the photos show close medial fullness and some tightness of the skin between the breasts, but a true diagnosis of symmastia cannot be made reliably from these photos alone. Symmastia means the implant pocket has crossed too far toward or across the midline and the skin over the sternum is lifted off the chest wall. “Tenting” can also happen from large implants, tight tissues, swelling, or the way the photos are taken, without a true pocket problem.
Because you have had an implant exchange with an anchor lift, your own surgeon should examine you and compare the current position with your early post-op course. If this is recent, some swelling and tightness can change as tissues settle, but if the implants are moving toward the midline, the cleavage skin is lifting, or the shape is worsening, it is better to be seen sooner rather than waiting. Treatment depends on whether this is true symmastia, implant malposition, or normal healing/tightness.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Heidiluv28,

I understand your concern. 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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

Your photos do not suggest the presence of symmastia. The breasts are very close together, but this is more likely related to the size of the implants. A visit to your surgeon to discuss your concerns would be appropriate

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

The space between your breasts appears quite narrow and there may be some tenting visible at the bottom. However, to confirm this, please see your surgeon.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Symmastia is a connection between the two pockets. Your breasts are touching in the midline, extending laterally into your armpit area and your implants are too big for your body. I recommend you switch to smaller implants.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Synmastia is quite rare. You do not have synmastia. In fact  you have nice result.  I personally would not have gone that large but it’s a good result

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the submitted photos it appears there is division between the two breasts and that symmastia is not present.  Though it appears you are healing fine from surgery it's always best to discuss any concerns with your surgeon.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Your breast implants sit close to each other and the skin looks like it’s either touching or very close to touching.
That said you do not have synmastia in my opinion. 
If you google determine you’ll see what true synmastia looks like. But this condition the problem is not resolved by downsizing implants alone.
In your case, reducing implant size alone will be sufficient.
The implant selection was aggressive.
With that size implant, the volume has to go somewhere.
If you want to eliminate the look, then you need to downsize your implants or potentially open the pocket laterally(on the sides) to make more room for the implant.
Your outcome as a direct reflection of the implants chosen.Implant selection is challenging and very important.
Each plastic surgeon will have their own way of dieting patients through the process.
Some plastic surgeons do this better than others.
If you’re going to have a revision, you probably want to go down in size a bit if you don’t like the look or your breasts touching. 
I suggest you follow up with your provider.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Does it look like I have symmastia? (Photos)

Answers (8)

More Breast Lift with Implants Questions

Is this result at the bottom normal after 1.5 years? (Photo)

Would a second lift give me the results I wanted initially?

Breast lift with implants - could I have 550 cc? What is the biggest size recommended? (Photo)

HELP!!! Two Surgeons, Conflicting Advice—What’s Best for My Breasts? (Photos)

Scars have widened - New breast lift or scar revision? (Photos)

Are my implants bottoming out? (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS