Symmastia, also known as Symmastia, is a condition that occurs when breast implants sit too close to the middle of a woman’s chest and in extreme cases even touch each other. Some women refer to symmastia as “breadloafing” or the “uniboob” look. Palm Harbor Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Isidoros Moraitis, is experienced in the repair of Symmastia through breast augmentation revision surgery.
Naturally, there is a space between a woman’s breasts which is defined by a gentle fold, referred to as the medial fold. The medial fold separates the breasts, giving them shape, form, and what is often referred to as cleavage. Symmastia is a condition that requires revision breast surgery and is often difficult to correct because of the delicate nature of the natural medial fold. Even if the breasts are naturally large in size or have been enhanced with larger breast implants, there should be a degree of separation to give each breast definition. Symmastia is one of the most dreaded complications following breast augmentation, and permanent correction can be a very difficult surgery. It is important to find a qualified Board Certified plastic surgeon in the Palm Harbor and Clearwater area with extensive experience with symmastia repair. Not only is symmastia visually displeasing, but can also cause complications including pain.
What Causes Symmastia?
Symmastia can occur following breast augmentation surgery if the pocket created to contain the breast implants was made slightly too large, if the implants migrate out of position, or if the fibrous tissue which creates the medial fold becomes weak or stretched.
Can Smaller Implants Correct Symmastia?
Unfortunately, symmastia can only be surgically corrected as it is not an issue with the implant. The pocket the implant sits in must be repaired.
How Can Symmastia Be Corrected?
Undergoing revision surgery for symmastia can restore the breasts and medial fold to their intended appearance. The exact procedure necessary can depend on the position of the breasts, the position of the implants (above or below the muscle), and how the tissue internally has healed. In most cases, scar tissue that surrounds the implant is removed from the breast in a procedure known as a capsulectomy/capsulotomy. The pocket or capsule that surrounds the implants is revised, to reposition and hold the implants in a more appropriate pocket. Permanent internal sutures are used to create a new medial fold, holding the skin and tissue against the sternum and preventing the implants from migrating medially. Your plastic surgeon may recommend replacing your implants with a different size or changing surgical planes, ie subglandular to submuscular or vice versa.
For more information on Symmastia Repair or to schedule a consultation at our Palm Harbor plastic surgery practice, please contact us.
