Solution for Thin-skinned Chest?

Question

Seemingly due to sun exposure at a young age - or maybe due to early and large breast development - the chest's skin has thinned or stretched so much that my ribs show above my breasts. Is there a way that I can put either injectable fillers or a fat transfer there to make it look more "youthful". My chest looks like Magda from "There's Something About Mary" except it's beyond pale and of a 25 years old. Thank you for your responses!

William Franckle, MD, FACS · Answer

Fat transfer can soften thinness in the upper breast area. If you are very thin it can be difficult to get a smooth result. One of the main difficulties with fat grafting this area is getting enough fat to change the contour. If too much is injected at once the transplanted fat may not take, leaving behind lumps. You’ll need to see someone with experience in this area.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

The upper pole of the breast is the first place to thin out and fortunately is a great place to put fat to soften this area so there is less rib show. An exam of course would be essential to make sure you are a good candidate. I would make sure you stick with a plastic surgeon with lots of experience and board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi,

	First of all, love the "There's Something About Mary" reference, what a great movie!  I agree with the experts here that fat transfer may be beneficial.  Most importantly choose your injector most carefully.  Good luck and be well.

	Dr. P

Herluf G. Lund, Jr, MD · Answer

Fat transfers to fill in the upper portion of the breast/chest has become an excellent and frequently used technique to achieve a more natural breast appearance in breast reconstruction. Because of its success in reconstruction, fat transfers are also now used in cosmetic breast surgery to help camouflage and hide the breast implants in patients who have very thin tissues. From your description, you may be a candidate for this procedure. Please contact a board certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in using fat transfers in breast surgery who can help address your concerns. Hope this helps.

Richard Ellenbogen, MD (retired) · Answer

I showed my reslts with this to a national plastic surgery meeting almost 12 years ago and still there are questions by my colleagues over whether it works or not...Well it does work well but as in all plastic surgeries you must choose one experienced with the technique

Solution for Thin-skinned Chest?

Answers (7)