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Understanding Symmastia: How it Forms and How it's Treated


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Symmastia - Commonly referred to as breadloafing or uniboob, symmastia occurs when two implants touch one another in the center of the chest just above the breastbone.  This complication only occurs when implants are placed underneath the pectoral muscle.  If the horizontal muscle that is connected to the sternum and goes across the implant is cut then the implant, when it begins to settle a few days after surgery, can move towards the middle of the chest, pushing up the skin and tissue above it.

In the picture to the right the two implants have migrated to the middle, giving the appearance that the two breasts are connected underneath the skin.

The repair of symmastia requires additional surgery to move the implant back into the pocket of original placement.

  • An incision is made (usually along the breast crease) to expose the underlying tissue, muscle, and implant.
  • The tissue that encapsulates the implant is cut and rolled back to fit into the pocket.
  • Tissue is sutured together to hold implant in place.
  • The muscle is then sutured internally back in place, connecting the sternum.
  • The incision is then sutured close.

When external sutures are used to correct symmastia, the complication has a high rate of recurrence.

The picture to the right shows corrective surgery performed by Dr. Michael Ciaravino.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Published: 03/21/2005, Last Updated: 02/25/2009

By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers

Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors and patients points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics obtained from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews. Photos used with permission of Dr. Ciaravino and respective patient.





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