The surgery takes place under general anaesthetic and lasts less than an hour. Hospitalisation lasts 3 days.
The most popular questions and answers on the treatment of Pectus Excavatum and Poland Syndrome with a custom 3D implant.
How does the surgery take place? How long is the hospital stay?
Are there risks associated with the surgery? Are there risks of rejection of the implant?
The risks of haematoma are rare (3 out of 400 recorded cases) and there is no risk of immune rejection insofar as the implant is a foreign body made up of silica molecules, unknown to the organism that cannot produce antibodies.
Are postoperative follow‑ups painful?
What monitoring/supervision must be done after the surgery?
When can you resume playing sports? What types of sports?
The complete and solid healing of the suture of the two pectoralis major muscles between them takes a year. The practice of sport is forbidden for 3 months and must be resumed in a progressive and non-violent way for one year. Sports involving sudden movements of the pectoral muscles, are not recommended for one year (push-ups, core-strengthening exercises, climbing, tennis, golf, contact sports, etc.).
As sutured together, the forced contraction of the two pectoral muscles could lead to a transverse movement visible under the skin. There is no functional discomfort or secondary atrophy, but patients practicing bodybuilding should be warned.
Do you stop working? For how long?
How long does the implant last?
What is the implant made of?
What steps should I undertake to have surgery? What preliminary screenings?
Where can I go to have surgery? How to choose a surgeon?
We refer you to doctors who can do the surgery (see the map of referral centres). These surgeons are recognised in their profession and have received specific training to be able to insert our custom‑made implants. The list of referral centres increases monthly.
At what age can you have the surgery?
Can you combine the insertion of these custom‑made implants with breast implants?
Regarding the Pectus Excavatum, what is the advantage compared with the Nuss or Ravitch techniques?
Regarding the Pectus Excavatum, can the suction bell (Vacuum Bell) avoid such a surgery?
Regarding the Pectus Excavatum, is this technique recommended in case of functional disorders like breathing difficulties?
Can you get a custom-made implant if you already performed a Nuss or Ravitch surgery ?
At what age can you get the custom-made implant technique?
Pectus can be operated from 14/15 years old, after puberty as the thoracic deformity is no longer evolving. Concerning Poland, it is safer to wait until the body is fully developped, especially for girls, so it would be 18 years old. You can be operated until 60/65 years old if you are in good physical health.