Aesthetic and functional correction of female, asymmetric funnel chest – A combined approach

Abstract

There is still sparse information published about the surgical correction of female funnel chest deformity. Women with severe asymmetric funnel chest deformity often present with asymmetric, hypoplastic breasts. These patients frequently complain of physiological limitations in connection with gross aesthetic impairment. To correct these two features a combined approach is presented in this study. 10 women were operated with correction of the thoracic wall deformity by open retrosternal mobilisation and metal plate fixation. Either during the same procedure or in a secondary operation, submuscular breast augmentation was performed to correct breast hypoplasia and asymmetry. All patients tolerated the operation very well without any complications. Aesthetic outcome was rated good to excellent in secondary breast augmentation, whereas simultaneous implant positioning was prone to cause symmastia. In conclusion we recommend correction of female asymmetric funnel chest by primary sternal reduction with secondary breast augmentation during metal plate removal 1 year after.