Is this a mild case of pectus excavatum? (Photo)

Question

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Yes, it appears to be a mild case of pectus excavatum. It does not need extensive surgery, but can be camouflaged with fat or fillers if it bothers you.  All The Best!

David Teplica, MD · Answer

Severe cases of Pectus excavatum have been treated with invasive "rib flip" operations or the placement of large customized silicone implants. Metal plates have even been used to push the ribcage forward. Unfortunately, these operations create large scars and have high complication rates --and they were therefore reserved for the most severe cases. Sadly, natural-looking results were rarely achieved.Your situation -- which is much more subtle that what some men and women deal with -- is, nonetheless, of concern to you and to many others like you who want a more robust-appearing chest. Fortunately, we now have a great technique to build up isolated areas where volume is needed using fat grafting. Your own living fat cells are harvested from areas where you have more than you'd like (using a modified liposuction technique) and are transplanted to the areas of the chest where you need more volume. Scarring is minimal.Once the fat heals in place it is remarkably similar in both 'look' and 'feel' to normal pectoral muscle, giving the appearance of a more masculine chest. Depending on the depth of the original depression on the chest, my patients sometimes need 2 procedures to get enough 'fill', since we can only transplant a certain amount at one time in order to avoid killing the transplanted cells. The procedure is done on an out-patient basis and people are almost always back to work within 3 days unless heavy lifting is needed for your job. There's a 3-week downtime from working out afterwards or from any heavy lifting in the work place. The more minor second procedures can often be done under local anesthesia and have a quicker recovery. I hope to publish the cases I've done over the past five years very soon.

Mordcai Blau, MD · Answer

This problem can be addressed by fatty tissue transplant, which I have performed in the past.You should see a plastic surgeon who has experience with this type of surgery.

Joseph Thomas Cruise, MD · Answer

Yes, it appears you do have a mild case of Pectus Excavatum or hollowing of the chest. Pectus excavatum is caused by the abnormal growth in the chest of the connective tissues  (cartilage) that attach the breastbone (sternum) to the ribs. This causes a depression in the chest that can range from mild to severe. Both or just one side of the breastbone may be affected.

Jay M. Pensler, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Yes,you have a mild case of pectus excavatum. Surgical correction is limited to patients with respiratory problems with exertion.

Is this a mild case of pectus excavatum? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Hollow Chest - Pectus Excavatum

Answer: Hollow Chest - Pectus Excavatum

Answer: Pectus

Answer: Pectus

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Is this a mild case of pectus excavatum? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Hollow Chest - Pectus Excavatum

Answer: Hollow Chest - Pectus Excavatum

Answer: Pectus

Answer: Pectus

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.