Symmastia: there is a solution to get rid of it
A beautiful décolleté emphasizes a woman’s femininity. The hollow between the breasts is considered sensual and is therefore emphasized with various items of clothing, such as ball gowns, evening dresses, lingerie and swimwear. The groove between the two breasts is technically known as the sulcus intermammarius or sinus mammarum. This deepening can be eliminated in the case of symmastia.
What is symmastia?
Symmastia refers to an adhesion of the breasts above the breastbone. The deformity can be congenital or the result of a failed breast augmentation with implants. In both cases, the recess in the midline can be aesthetically displeasing. Breast augmentation with implants is caused by the pectoral muscle detaching from the sternum beyond what is necessary.
How is the correction of symmastia carried out?
Before every operation, several meticulous checks are carried out to ensure the greatest possible patient safety. Once the entire checklist of prerequisites has been ticked off, the procedure begins.
Before the procedure, the surgeon marks the patient’s breasts in a standing position. If the patient has opted for an operation in twilight sleep, she will be given appropriate medication to calm her down and reduce her sensitivity to pain. At most, you will feel touches on the surface of your body if you do not sleep without it.
The breast implant and the surrounding capsule are removed through a small incision in the area of the underbust fold. The pectoral muscle is then reattached to the sternum. The scar tissue is firmly closed towards the midline. The pocket into which the new implants are inserted is formed above the pectoral muscle. With the Keller-Funnel method, the new breast implants are inserted gently and precisely. The process is also known as “no-touch” technology. This prevents the implant from coming into contact with the surgeon’s skin or hands. Depending on the findings, it may be necessary to insert drainage tubes. These can be removed again after a short time. Finally, the wound is closed. Self-dissolving threads are used for this purpose. The dissolution of these is completed after about three weeks, so that no stitches need to be removed.
If necessary, an additional autologous fat treatment can be carried out for optimal results. The benefits of autologous fat treatment are: an accentuation of the décolleté, prevention of wrinkling of the implant and an improvement in skin quality. In the operating room, you will be placed in a sitting position (while you are still asleep) before the breast augmentation operation is completed to check whether the shape of the breast meets the highest standards both sitting and lying down. Finally, the patient is given a protective bandage and a special support bra.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. The duration of the operation is approximately 180 minutes. Immediately after the operation, you will be continuously monitored in a special recovery room. When you are fully awake, you may drink some fluids and, if you feel like it, eat something. At the end of the surgery day, the practice will arrange follow-up appointments with you. You will be given a detailed description of the behavioral measures for aftercare and you will receive a comprehensive written report. You will also be given a telephone number where you can reach the surgeon 24/7 in an emergency.
At CenterPlast, patients have the option of using virtual reality goggles during surgical procedures. This makes it possible to watch movies or favorite series before, during and after the procedure, which is not only entertaining, but also leads to less sensitivity to pain due to the distraction. This has been proven in studies.
How can you prepare for the correction of a symmastia?
- All your questions should be answered before the operation to correct symmastia. During the consultation, you will be informed in detail about possible complications and alternative treatments. Do not hesitate to ask further questions.
- Keep nicotine and alcohol consumption to a minimum to reduce the risks.
- Medication containing hormones, such as the contraceptive pill, must not be taken for a certain period of time.
- Consult your doctor if you regularly take blood-thinning medication. These include ASS or Thomapyrin®, for example. These must be discontinued ten days before the procedure.
- Discontinue any vitamin preparations (A, E) and dietary supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids or St. John’s wort preparations four weeks before the operation date.
- Surgical procedures restrict the ability to travel by air. Pay attention to this when planning flights: In the four weeks following the operation, you should not travel by air, either for business or pleasure.
- Take out follow-up cost insurance before the aesthetic operation.
- On the day of the operation, you should shower with a disinfectant soap (e.g. HiBiScrub® Plus, Prontoderm® Shower Gel or Octenisan® Wash Lotion).
What do you need to consider after a correction of symmastia?
- Your well-being and the results of the operation are checked regularly.
- Ensure that your upper body is elevated by 30 degrees for the first five days (even when sleeping). This ensures better wound healing and reduces swelling.
- You should sleep on your back for the first six weeks. This reduces the risk of the implants slipping or twisting.
- From the third postoperative day, you can shower before the wound check-up at CenterPlast Saarbrücken.
- Wear the previously fitted support bras continuously for six weeks.
- Massage the scar several times a day for a few minutes from the third postoperative week onwards. Use a greasy cream, such as Bepanthen® Ointment or Linola® Grease. Pay attention to circular movements along and across the scar. These measures help to create an inconspicuous scar.
- Avoid bending over, lifting heavy loads, swimming, saunas, sexual intercourse and sporting activities for 4 weeks. If there is still swelling, a longer period of rest may be advisable.
- Smoking prevents the healing of transplanted fat cells and increases the risk of inflammation and thrombosis. Therefore, avoid tobacco smoking and e-cigarettes for the first 6 weeks after the operation.
