What is Pectus Excavatum in Women?
Pectus Excavatum is a deformity of the sternum and ribs, leading to a more or less pronounced chest indentation, often asymmetric. In women, it can impact:
- The aesthetics of the breasts, with possible breast asymmetry.
- Self-confidence and social interactions due to chest and breast deformity.
Does pectus excavatum affect breast shape?
The chest indentation can cause breast asymmetry or abnormal spacing between the breasts. Some women with pectus notice that:
- One breast appears smaller than the other,
- The breasts seem too far apart (divergent) or, conversely, too close together (convergent),
- The breasts are separated by an arch-shaped hollow at the sternum.
Pectus, Pregnancy, and Breastfeeding
Can pectus excavatum complicate pregnancy?
Women with asymptomatic pectus excavatum have normal pregnancies. Having a chest deformity does not affect the development of the baby in the abdominal area or the delivery process.
Can you breastfeed with pectus excavatum?
Yes, pectus excavatum does not affect milk production, just as conventional breast implants do not, as they are placed behind the mammary gland.
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However, some women may experience difficulties due to a particular orientation of the nipples.
Available Treatments
What solutions exist to correct pectus in women?
- Lipofilling: Injection of autologous fat to fill depressions and harmonize volume (in very mild deformities and for patients with sufficient fat reserves),
- 3D custom-made implants: Filling the chest indentation with a custom-made 3D implant, only in asymptomatic cases, regardless of deformation or patient age (from 15 years old),
- In cases of cardio-respiratory issues proven by functional tests and due to severe deformation rather than peripheral causes (low physical activity), anterior chest wall remodeling with sternochondroplasty may be considered.
Correction of Female Pectus with a 3D Implant
The custom-made 3D implant is an ideal solution if the defect is about an aesthetic concern. Most often, placing a custom thoracic implant to correct pectus in women restores properly the breast orientation and projection.
If the patient still desires more breast volume, she can have breast implants placed later (at least six months after the first procedure). In any case, it is essential to treat the chest deformity first, to assess the need for breast implants. Using breast implants as the first approach to treat Pectus Excavatum would lead to very poor results.
Can you get pregnant with a pectus implant?
Yes, the presence of a 3D thoracic implant to correct pectus excavatum does not prevent pregnancy. The implant is positioned in front of the sternum, under the pectoral muscles, without direct interaction with reproductive organs or the hormonal system.
Can you breastfeed with an implant in the chest?
Custom 3D implants are placed behind the pectoral muscles and do not interfere with the mammary glands: a mother can breastfeed her baby normally. There is also no interference with breast development during pregnancy. The thoracic implant corrects any potential misalignment of the nipples and breasts.
Testimonials and Experiences
Testimonial from Sarah, Arras (France):
Having suffered from a deep asymmetrical pectus excavatum, I struggled a lot psychologically, especially during adolescence. I was initially offered sternochondroplasty, but this invasive technique discouraged me. Then I was advised to get a thoracic implant. I tolerated the surgery very well, and the longest part was regaining sensation in my chest. I am amazed by the results, which changed my life. I finally have a normal-looking chest, regained my femininity, and can now choose bras and wear low-cut tops! I strongly encourage anyone struggling with this to take the step. I am finally happy.
Testimonial from Mélanie, Orléans (France):
Before my surgery, I was very self-conscious because the hollow between my breasts was so deep that it barely highlighted my chest. I had heard that this condition could be treated with plates and screws or by breaking the sternum, but that was out of the question for me. I was then advised to opt for an implant. I am fully satisfied, especially since I later had breast implants placed two years later. Both procedures allowed me to feel confident and "feminine," as I finally had the chest I had always wanted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pectus Excavatum in Women (FAQ)
Is pectus excavatum hereditary?
Yes, it has a hereditary component. About 40% of patients have at least one family member also affected.
At what age does pectus excavatum become visible in women?
It is present from birth but becomes more noticeable at puberty, between 12 and 15 years old.
At what age can a woman undergo pectus surgery?
Both boys and girls can have surgery from the age of 14/15, after puberty, when the chest deformity stops progressing.
Conclusion: How to live with Pectus as a Woman?
Pectus excavatum in women is often an aesthetic and comfort issue, with no impact on pregnancy or breastfeeding but possibly causing social discomfort, as in men. Placing a 3D custom-made implant is a simple and safe procedure that corrects the chest shape and indirectly enhances breast appearance.
This procedure helps women with pectus regain a positive self-image. It has no impact on pregnancy or breastfeeding.
