Pectus excavatum
Pectus excavatum, often referred to as a “sunken chest” or “funnel chest,” is a condition where the breastbone (sternum) is abnormally depressed, creating a noticeable indentation in the chest. While the severity of this condition can vary, it can affect both appearance and, in some cases, breathing and heart function.
When it comes to treating the cosmetic aspects of pectus excavatum, plastic surgery can help improve the appearance of the chest, though it won’t address any functional issues if they exist. For those looking to enhance their chest contour, there are two primary options: custom-made implants and fat grafting.
Custom-made implants are designed to fill in the sunken area, creating a smoother, more even chest profile. Fat grafting is an alternative that uses your own body fat to correct the indentation. In this procedure, fat is harvested from areas like the abdomen or thighs and carefully injected into the chest to gradually build up volume and improve contour. The advantage of fat grafting is that it avoids the use of implants, leading to a more natural look and feel.
However, achieving the desired result with fat grafting may require several rounds of treatment, as the body absorbs some of the transferred fat over time. Each session adds more volume, progressively improving the appearance of the chest without the need for implants.
Whether you opt for fat grafting or custom implants, the goal is to help you feel more comfortable and confident with your chest’s appearance. We’ll work with you to determine the best approach based on your needs and preferences.