Will using a thong bra in recovery prevent symmastia for patients with mild pectus excavatum?

Question

My BA is this upcoming week and I just came across a surgeon who uses these thong bras for patients who may be more prone to symmastia due to pectus excavatum. I'm trying to getin touch with surgeon before my surgery to find out but can anyone else give their opinion on this?!

Eric Swanson, MD · Answer

A bra is not likely to have any relevance regarding symmastia. Experienced surgeons are careful not to dissect the pockets too closely so as to avoid this complication, which is better prevented than treated. This is particularly true for patients with narrow chests, like yours. Best to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ela1330,
the best prevention of symmastia is good implant choice and meticulous surgical technique. 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Lawrence Iteld, MD · Answer

We favor a soft, triangle style bra for the first several weeks after breast augmentation to allow the implants to settle into the desired position.

I do not believe that he bra causes or increases the risk of symmastia- this is usually due to creating a pocket that is too wide in the middle and thereby over-releasing the muscle or violating the normal breast boundaries.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Not needed, In my experience, when the implant is placed behind the chest muscle and its attachment to the breastbone is respected and not lifted. This attachment acts as a natural barrier in preventing the breasts from connecting and causing symmastia. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Use of a thong bra will not guarantee prevention from symmastia.  The best decision you can make is to select an experienced board certified plastic surgeon for your procedure.  She/He will help you select the right size implant for you and then perform the procedure to optimize your results.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I have not had issues with symmastia in those with pectus nor do I use thong bras. However, every surgeon has his/her own opinions about bras.

Daniel P. Markmann, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and including pictures.  Thong bras can be helpful in preventing synmastia.   This was a common problem in the old days with implants on top of the muscle.  But, with implants beneath the muscle, the muscle attachment along the breast bone is what prevents synmastia.   So, if your implants are being placed under the muscle and your surgeon doesn't cut your muscle, you should not need a Thong Bra.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

In my opinion, post operative garments have no impact on plastic surgery outcomes.
The outcome of almost all plastic surgery procedures are a combination of the patient’s candidacy for the procedure combined with the skill of the provider.
Having pectus excavatum shouldn’t put you at risk for synmastia.
You seem like a good candidate for breast documentation.
The next two variables you have to figure out is implant selection and again provider selection is the most important variable.
Finding the right plastic surgeon is inherently difficult and most patients don’t do a very good job at it.
 The one thing I will say is that plastic surgeons who do high numbers of breast augmentation typically get more consistent outcomes.
Some plastic surgeons are better at helping patients with implant selection as well.
I always recommend patients have multiple in person consultations before selecting a provider.
 The biggest mistake I make is having the consultation and then scheduling surgery.
By having only one consultation, you more or less eliminate the ability to Choose a better provider.
I have no idea what your situation is, but those are my thoughts based on your post.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Will using a thong bra in recovery prevent symmastia for patients with mild pectus excavatum?

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