How to perform breast augmentation safely for a pectus excavatum patient.

[BACKGROUND] Pectus excavatum is the most common chest wall deformity. Women with pectus excavatum may have associated hypoplastic breasts and often desire breast augmentation. This report describes how to perform breast augmentation safely for a pectus excavatum patient.

[METHODS] In the past 5 years, the authors have treated 11 women with hypoplastic breasts and pectus excavatum. Their ages have varied from 21 to 39 years. The women generally were healthy without cardiovascular function impairment. Four of the women had breast asymmetry, with a smaller right breast. It was decided to use wide silicone implants to augment the breast and to camouflage the chest wall deformity. The implants were placed under the pectoralis major muscle in all cases.

[RESULTS] The follow-up period varied from 10 months to 4.5 years. No acute or late complications related to the breast augmentation were encountered. All the patients were satisfied with the result, and none desired further surgical treatment for pectus excavatum. For two patients, a small depression in the upper part of the breast was persistent after surgery due to insufficient implant coverage.

[CONCLUSION] Most women with pectus excavatum desire to have the deformity corrected with minimal or no scarring. The chest is known to be an area prone to hypertrophic or keloid scars. The reported approach is simple and safe, easily camouflaging the deformity. It is a short procedure that results in high satisfaction.