I have a protruding sternum and very small breasts. Would I be able to get breast implants?

Question

I'm 27 year old female. No kids. I would like to get breasts implants but not sure what kind would look the most natural with the protruding sternum.

Michael Kreidstein, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

Breast augmentation is a great way to camoulflage your problem sternum. A careful analysis of your pectoral muscle origin will guide the decisions about type of implant, location, etc. Good luck!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

There is no reason why you coukd not get breast implants.  Planning is more complicated but not impossible.  For our patients with non-typical chest wall anatomy, we create a carefully measure plan and select implants that best create your desired look.  You have to understand, however, that the planning is limited be your chest wall and we may not be able to create the exact look you hope for.  Best thing is to be seen in person, measured, and for you to have realistic expectations of what we can do for you.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Without examining you it is difficult to be certain but having a protruding sternum alone shouldn't prohibit breast augmentation. The only way to know for sure is to book a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you, either myself or one of my colleagues, to see what your options are. Best of luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Usually implants can be placed in patients with sternal issues. It sounds like you have precuts cranium and the implants may be a bit laterally displaced by this.

Mark D. Wigod, MD · Answer

The sternum width and shape determines how close the cleavage will be.  The tilt of the chest like a roof can also affect implant position. The surgeon has to stop at the border of the sternum where the pectoralis muscles inserts.  Otherwise, you can get symmastia where the implants touch.  It does not look good and is difficult to repair.  Patients are happy when they get what they expect.  As long as you are aware of your sternal issue, you will most likely be happy with your results.  Consider finding a surgeon who used the VECTRA 3-D system.  You can with software see what the implant would look like.  I use the system and have been happy with it.  The patient just needs to understand that it is a simulation only and cannot be guaranteed.

Kiran Polavarapu, MD · Answer

I think you should get an appointment with a plastic surgeon to evaluate you and recommend the best implants for you with any adjunctive procedures that may address your concerns.

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes you would still be a candidate but need to be evaluated in person by a PS to determine what implants would give you the most pleasing results. Good luck!

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Lesh1953,

Thank you for your clinical post.  It is quite common to see patients with chest
wall anatomical variation such as a protruding sternum or excavated sternum or
flat or rounded chest walls and asymmetries. 
Experienced surgeons will work with you and devise a plan that
accommodates your chest wall shape and size.

In my practice I adopted a high-tech 3D imaging system called
the Vectra 3D approximately 6 years ago. 
This high-tech 3D breast imaging system allows you to confirm various
sizes of implants and shapes with a great degree of accuracy the post-operative
appearance that will likely be achieved. In meeting with my patients I devise a plan of incision, pocket
selection and implant type, round or teardrop, saline or cohesive gel depending
on the goals and concerns and various anatomical and tissue characteristics
including the sternum.  I then provide
several sizes that I think will work well and patients then do a 3D imaging,
look at those sizes as well as others until they arrive at the best possible
implant selection for them.  This try
before you buy eliminates a lot of the stress and certainty around breast
augmentation surgery and it certainly results in a very high instance of
patient satisfaction.

At this point it’s important you seek the consultation of
experienced plastic surgeons and Toronto has many of them to decide on the
right implant approach and model and size for you.

I hope this information has been of some assistance and best
of luck.

For more information, please review the link below.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

In all likelihood, you should be able to have breast augmentation surgery, even if you have a protruding sternum.  Once your surgeon has examined you, he/she will be able to tell you what type and size of implant may work best in your situation.  Seek out a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive breast augmentation experience.  Best wishes, Dr Lepore.

I have a protruding sternum and very small breasts. Would I be able to get breast implants?

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