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Chest wall deformities, such as pectus excavatum where there is depression of the sternum in the middle of the chest, can be treated with major bone remodeling surgery if there is functional impairment or a masking operation in milder cases. These implants can also be used for cosmetic augmentation of the pectoral area of the chest wall. In both types of patients, a solid silicone chest wall implant is placed under the pectoralis major muscle in an outpatient procedure, usually under local anesthesia with light sedation. The incision for chest wall deformities is usually in the upper mid-abdomen or beneath the folds of the breasts. A “pec implant” is usually placed through the armpit to avoid scars on the chest. Swelling is significant for several weeks. Activity can be resumed at 1 week and gradually increased over 6 weeks.
All of the descriptions for the various procedures are condensed from the text of the upcoming textbook written by Dr. Christopher Park and Dr. Malcolm Marks and are copyrighted, "The Artistry of Plastic Surgery: Exploring the Experience” . |
