Synmastia (aka Symmastia)

[communityhead]

Yet another risk is Synmastia (breadloafing or uniboob). Syn- is the combining form for joined [1 : with : along with : together], such as syndactyly in patients with joined digits. Synmastia, or symmastia, is where the implants cross the breast bone, where the breasts separate and actually touch under the tissues. This results in a tell-tale sign of no cleavage and con-joined breasts. This can happen when the surgeon excessively dissects the tissues and muscles over the sternum to further bring the breasts closer together to result in more cleavage. The surgeon should not disturb the natural barriers of the breast in this area unless there is a definite natural wide area between the breasts and he is very skilled in doing so. If your surgeon suggests this, inquire as to how many times he or she has performed this particular technique and ask to see photos of patients and to possibly speak with them as well.

Although you may not know it at first, it becomes apparent after a few days to weeks and sometimes, months. as the swelling and binding ace bandages and bras, etc exert the pressure on the sides of the implants (or when you try to lie on your side during your sleep) and they move to the center of your chest -- crossing this natural barrier. Would you like to view photos of a patient with symmastia and its correction?

Unfortunately the only way to correct this is for a re-operation. This means possible implant removal, correction and replacement (if applicable). Not to mention many weeks of immobility, wearing an uncomfortable, backwards T-back sports bra with rolled up gauze to put pressure on the sternum and the possibility of a failed revision.

The revision surgery entails suturing the tissue that needs to be rolled out from the sternum to give it something to "hold" onto. Your surgeon will most likely have to use permanent sutures and pocket the breast area as though it were an actual pocket on a garment - that way the implant will not be able to cross this barrier. The cleavage area will will re-attached to the sternum internally with dissolvable sutures so that once it heals there are no obvious lumps or filaments. Be advised this area may not look pretty directly afterwards but when it fully heals -- it will be undetectable.

[beachy]

That sounds like a horrible side effect! It must be so horrible for someone to get the surgery expecting to look better, and then end up with one freak breast instead of two nice ones.