Am I starting to develop symmastia? (Photo)

Question

The first photo is one week post op. The second and third are at two weeks post op. My breasts are about pinky width apart and the skin is very lifted.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Symmastia is a condition which can occur when the implants are too close together. Patients often refer to this as a “uniboob.” Occasionally, the space or pocket for the breast implant is created towards the center, or the tissue stretches, forcing  the implants to fall too much towards the center of the breasts. Currently, you do not appear to have #symmastia. Also, it is still quite early into your post-op healing stage. Therefore, what you may be experience is swelling which can be mistaken as symmastia.  If you are not satisfied with your #final #results or if there are any concerns, it's best to consult with your plastic surgeon to further discuss your #options.

James F. Boynton, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on your photos, I agree with my colleague, you do not have symmastia.  However, the space between the implants is very close and at some risk for developing symmastia at some point. I typically would recommend using a "spacer" in my patients in the post operative period if I am worried about a narrow intermammary distance and also being very careful about which direction I massage them so as not to worsen it.  I would not do medial displacement exercises (pushing them together).  Each plastic surgeon may have different recommendations in this area, and it is important for you to ask your plastic surgeon who did the surgery what he or she recommends for this.  They also make a specialized post operative bra that has a fabric supportive"spacer" that is really designed for helping preserve the intermammary distance.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

NO! you are not developing symmastia. Please return to your operative surgeon to be examined and discuss this issue.///

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Although your concerns are understandable, your pictures do not demonstrate symmastia.  You are correct in that your breast implants are quite close to the mid line and some skin elevation (tenting) is present. Hopefully, with time the skin will “bounce back”. The use of a compressive "symmastia bra"  may be helpful; run this option by your plastic surgeon. You may find the attached link, demonstrating cases of symmastia  helpful to your peace of mind. Best wishes.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Margaret.Your second pic shows something a bit different in the lower midline, but clearly, the third photo shows clear definition between the breasts and NO synmastia.Hope this helps.sek

Lee E. Corbett, MD · Answer

Are your implants above or below the muscle? If below the risk is low. If above, it's possible. The skin over the lower part of your sternum is tented and only time will tell if you will develop a true synmastia. With implants this large it is a possibility. I would check with your surgeon and get his or her opinion.

Vincent P. Marin, MD, FACS · Answer

From your photos, it does not appear that you have synmastia, but you do demonstrate tenting of the skin overlying the sternum. This normally will correct itself and is likely related to the overall size of your implants. Three weeks is still very early to make a determination, and time will likely correct your situation. Continue to follow up with your surgeon to ensure that you progress as planned. 
Best of luck,
Vincent Marin, MDSan Diego Plastic SurgeonMarinAesthetics.com

Miguel A. Yáñez, MD, FACS · Answer

Yo do not have symmastia. In symmastia the breast implants are in contact with each other and there is no cleavage between them.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph.  The skin of your cleavage area is still attached to the sternum therefore you do not have true symmastia.  The breast implants are quite close because they are so large that the surgeon had to make room for them.  Please check with your plastic surgeon about your concerns.

Am I starting to develop symmastia? (Photo)

Answers (9)

More Breast Implants Questions

How long after Breast Augmentation will I safely be able to pick up my 15th month old child?

1.5 years PO, seem to have gotten smaller and my breasts under the skin itches everyday. Should I be concerned?

Do implants appear smaller inside the body?

Can a dog scratch affect my breast implant? (photo)

Breast augmentation -425cc "filled to" 550cc. I'm confused on what it means to "fill" the breasts to a different size?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS