Symmastia – also commonly referred to as ‘uni-boob’ – is a rare condition where the breasts come too close to the midline over the breastbone which causes a weblike appearance.
There are two causes for symmastia:
- Congenital: this means that you were born with symmastia. There is no clear reason for what causes congenital symmastia.
- Iatrogenic, or acquired: symmastia may occur as a result of breast surgery, particularly when the implants are oversized, or the implants were positioned poorly. This may be noticeable directly after surgery, or once the swelling has gone down.
There are groups of women who have a higher chance of having iatrogenic symmastia. These include women who:
- Are very thin
- Have pectus excavatum
- Have had large implants
- Have had a mastectomy before having implants.
Symmastia can be detrimental to your self-esteem and make you feel self-conscious. The best way to resolve it is through symmastia correction surgery.
Can I have symmastia correction?
Symmastia correction is performed purely for cosmetic purposes, to help improve one’s image and self-esteem.
Symmastia correction is suitable for those who:
- Previously had breast implants placed and has moved to the centre of the chest
- Had implants that are too large and a tissue failure has occurred
- Have congenital symmastia
You will have to be over 18 years old before you can be considered for symmastia correction. You will also have to make sure you are at a fairly stable weight before you will be considered for symmastia correction.
How is symmastia correction performed?
Symmastia correction will vary depending on how the condition was caused, whether it is congenital or iatrogenic. Symmastia repair differs from a breast reduction as it is not reducing the size, but rather altering the structure of the breasts.
Symmastia can be a difficult condition to treat, and in some cases, it may even recur. Symmastia correction aims to create the gap between the breasts.
There are numerous ways symmastia correction can be performed, and it is generally considered easier to treat iatrogenic symmastia.
The procedure involves:
- Removing scar tissue
- Repositioning or replacing implants -in the case of iatrogenic symmastia
- Creating permanent internal sutures to hold the breasts and implant in place
The exact procedure will vary from person to person, as each person’s symmastia will present differently.
What can I expect during the recovery period?
After the surgery, the patient will be instructed to wear a t-back sports bra for at least two months to aid with the recovery and to assist in stabilising the corrected area. Following your revision surgery, you should be able to see immediate results in the appearance of your breasts. You will be recommended to wear a compression bra for the first few days following your surgery to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Within a few weeks time, your breasts should have a naturally symmetrical placement of the breastbone on each side, giving a more defined cleavage with improvement in the appearance of your breasts.
Are you interested in symmastia correction? Contact Centre for Surgery to find out more.