Pectus Excavatum & Poland Syndrome
Correction of Thorax Deformity & Breast Assymetry
Pectus Excavatum
Symmetry and aesthetic harmony
Pectus Excavatum is one of the most common thoracic deformities. It is characterized by a malformation of the sternum in the form of funnel or sunken chest. The condition causes the sternum and the rib cage to grow abnormally leading to a caved-in or sunken appearance of the chest. Dr. Panayi offers, in exclusive collaboration with AnatomikModeling and the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery of the University Hospital of Toulouse in France (Rangueil Toulouse University Hospital & Larrey Toulouse University Hospital), an innovative and minimally invasive treatment with the use of a customized 3D implant.
Pectus excavatum is a deformity of the thorax characterized by a medial or lateral dentition of the sternum. It occurs in 1-2% of the population. In women, pectus excavatum manifests itself manifests with deformities or asymmetries in the breasts, while in men it creates a deformity in the pectoralis major muscle. Patients tend to demonstrate mainly psychological symptoms such as anxiety, embarrassment and limited capacity for activities. In more severe cases it may cause heart and/or respiratory problems.
Dr. Panayi is a leader in the field of thorax reconstruction and breast surgery. In the last ten years, he has established an exclusive collaboration with AnatomikModeling (a French company that specializes in the design and production of 3D implants) and the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery of the University Hospital of Toulouse in France (Rangueil Toulouse University Hospital & Larrey Toulouse University Hospital), so that he is able to provide his patients with an innovative, progressive and minimally invasive treatment through the use of custom-made 3D implant which fits the patient’s sternum perfectly and fills in the dent in the thorax. This approach offers an immediate aesthetic improvement of the chest deformity, without the risks and complications of conventional orthopedic surgery.
THE TECHNIQUE
AnatomikModeling, in cooperation with the doctor, designs and develops custom-made implants that fit perfectly each patient’s anatomy for an optimally aesthetically pleasing result. Correcting the deformity is in a vast majority of cases complete, definitive, and natural with a very satisfying anatomical restoration. The 3D custom-made technique enables excellent morphological results regardless of the sex, age or type of deformity. The 3D custom-made implant technique consists of filling the “hole” in the chest without touching the rib cage unlike traditional orthopedic techniques such as Nuss or Ravitch. Each implant is designed to adapt to the patient’s own anatomy. The 3D custom-made silicone implants are computer-designed from a medical scan of each patient’s body. The implants are made in medical polymerised silicone and not as a silicone gel as it is the case for breast implants. There is therefore no risk of implant rupture or appearance of retractile fibrous shells, the implants are placed for life.
THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE
The surgery takes place under general anaesthesia and lasts in average 1 hour and presents minimal risks. The surgeon prepares the locus to the size of the implant after performing a 7-cm vertical median incision. The implant is deeply slipped into the locus under the muscle, so that it is completely invisible. The closing is made in 3 planes with absorbable intradermal stitch. The duration of hospitalization is typically 1 day.
POST-OPERATIVE INFORMATION
The procedure offers excellent surgical outcomes with a rapid recovery. There is little to no post-operative pain which is treated with simple analgesics. The stitches are resorbable and no drain is usually placed. The dressing is removed after 3 days and a compression bra should be worn for 1 month. Sick leave is usually required for 1 week and sports restriction for 1 month for light exercise and 3 months for heavy weightlifting. The result is visible immediately after the operation even if it takes 1 month for the oedema to resolve and 1 year for the scar to fade. Follow‑up in-office or virtual consultation sessions are always scheduled after the operation to ensure patients are recovering well and evaluate results.
TECHNIQUE ADVANTAGES
- The placement of the implant is simple. The implant is placed under the muscle for perfect stability.
- Improved aesthetic effect – the edges of the prosthesis are not visible.
- Permanent implant for a lifetime: state-of-the-art polymerized silicone (silicone rubber, without silicone gel), so no risk of rupture.
- The postoperative period is significantly less prolonged compared to orthopedic techniques (Ravitch or Nuss): only one surgery lasting 1 hour, with hospitalization of 1 day.
- The risks of hematoma are small: no drainage is required.
- Minimal post-operative pain: the pain is treated with simple analgesics.
- Quick return to activities: 1 week abstention from work and 1 month from sports activities.
- Complex cases are easier to manage: slanted or low deep chest, recurrent surgery.
- In women, the technique allows a subsequent breast augmentation with silicone implants if desired.
INDICATIVE RESULTS
Prof. Dr. Panayi (MD PD PhD) has extensive experience in surgeries relating to deformities of the Breast and Thorax and trained many years under the pioneer of the technique Prof Jean-Pierre Chavoin, ex-Head of the Plastic Surgery Department of Toulouse University Hospital. Learn more.
Poland Syndrome
The Poland Syndrome is a disorder which is characterised by the complete or partial absence of chest muscles, known as the pectoralis muscle resulting in abnormalities that can affect the chest, shoulder, arm, and hand. The extent and severity of the abnormalities vary among affected individuals. The defect often takes the form of a depression under the clavicula and in women by a breast asymmetry and nipple abnormalities. In most cases, the abnormalities in the chest area do not cause health problems or affect movement.
TREATMENT WITH CUSTOM-MADE 3D IMPLANT
Dr. Panayi, in an exclusive collaboration with AnatomikModeling, is able to provide an innovative, progressive and minimally invasive treatment to patients that suffer from Poland Syndrome. He has worked for many years with AnatomikModeling, a French company with international presence that is a leader in the field of 3D design and development of custom-made implants. The 3D custom-made silicone implants are computer-designed from a medical scan of each patient’s body so that they fit perfectly each patient’s anatomy for an optimally aesthetically pleasing result. The implants are made from medical polymerised silicone and not as a silicone gel as it is the case for breast implants. There is therefore no risk of implant rupture or appearance of retractile fibrous shells, the implants are placed for life.
THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE
During the operation, Dr. Panayi uses the implant to fill and replace the pectoralis major muscle, thus enabling the thorax to be symmetrical and, in women, the breast as well. The implant is placed through an axillary approach, so that the final scar is almost invisible. The surgery takes place under general anaesthesia and lasts approximately 1 hour. The duration of hospitalisation is typically 1 day. The procedure offers excellent surgical outcomes with little pain which can be treated with simple analgesics. No post-operative care is required as stitches are resorbable. Follow‑up in-office or virtual consultation sessions are always scheduled after the operation to ensure patients are recovering well and evaluate results. In women, if desired, a breast-augmentation with silicone implants can be carried out 6 months after the operation. In cases where a corrective breast lift procedure is required on the other side, this can be carried out together with the breast-augmentation. Dr. Panayi is happy to discuss these matters during your first consultation.
INDICATIVE RESULTS
International Center of Excellence in Greece
Dr. Panayi’s expertise and reputation attracts numerous patients from all over the world every year. Concentrating expertise, experience, and resources, we have created the 1st specialized international center of excellence for the treatment of thorasic deformities in Greece.
Information for Travelling Patients
Dr. Panayi is able to hold phone and virtual consultations at a pre-scheduled time with patients from abroad. Our staff is available to advise and assist you with all necessary arrangements prior to your trip so that you have a pleasant experience before and after your procedure. Learn more.
