La Jolla/ San Diego Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Tom Pousti Talks about Symmastia Correction

Revisionary surgery is a difficult process to go through. One of the more common problems that patients are seeking Dr. Pousti's help for is symmastia. Symmastia - commonly referred to as "breadloafing" or "uni-boob", occurs when two implants touch one another in the center of the chest. If the horizontal muscle that is connected to the sternum and goes across the implant is cut during surgery, then the implant can move toward the middle of the chest. Symmastia results from overly aggressive attempts to alter chestwall anatomy trying to increase cleavage in patients. This outcome is made worse by use of larger implants in thin patients, and is a problem for implants over or under the muscle, though submuscular implant placement allows the muscle to provide some softening of the transition to the cleavage area from the augmented breast mound.

Since Dr. Pousti has experience with symmastia repair, many women from around the country choose to fly to La Jolla or San Diego to obtain his services. If you are not from the La Jolla, San Diego or Temecula/Murrieta Valley area, please visit Fly in for Surgery to learn more about our out-of-town accommodations and scheduling information.

If you live in La Jolla, San Diego or Temecula/Murrieta Valley and you would like more information or to schedule a consultation, please call our offices at (619) 466-8851, (858) 454-6888 or (951) 501-9822.

The Surgical Procedure

For correction of symmastia, the procedure can take from 2-3 hours depending on how much work is involved. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Pousti takes his time in the operating room to make sure that he does what he can to achieve the best result for the patient. The repair of symmastia requires additional surgery to move the implant back into the pocket of original placement. All sutures are internal - there are no new scars placed on the breasts.

• An incision is made (usually along the breast crease) to expose the underlying tissue, muscle, and implant.

• The tissue that encapsulates the implant is cut and rolled back to fit into the pocket.

• Tissue is sutured together to hold implant in place.

• The muscle is then sutured internally back in place, connecting the sternum.

• The incision is then sutured close.

During your consultation at our San Diego or Temecula/Murrieta offices and after a thorough examination, Dr. Pousti will discuss every detail of your breast augmentation, including the exact size and type of breast implants he will use and their relative advantages. This procedure to correct symmastia is performed on an outpatient basis at our surgical center in San Diego under general anesthesia.

What To Expect After Surgery

Bed rest, along with plenty of fluids, is necessary after surgery. Your chest will be sore. Pousti will prescribe appropriate pain management medications. Take your medication regularly and keep your office visits. Usually after a week, you will begin to feel back to normal.

A brassiere and bandeau will be fitted for you during your first week of recovery. These will need to be worn for a month. You will not be able to shower until your sutures are removed. Initially, breast implants will appear to be slightly higher than normal and your breasts will be swollen. Over time, the breast implants will descend to a more natural position.

The bra that is worn after symmastia repair is referred to as the "thong bra". It is used to stabilize the area after symmastia reconstruction. This will allow the sutured area between the breasts to heal properly without excessive pressure being applied to the area.

Resumption Of Physical Activities

Driving may be resumed in 1-2 weeks.
Non-contact sports in 3 weeks.
Contact sports and lifting heavy objects in 6 weeks.

Testimonial:

**I had suffered from symmastia after I had my first breast augmentation done by a plastic surgeon in Florida. I was happy to learn that Dr. Pousti had experience with symmastia correction and was 100% certain that he was the one I wanted to fix my problem. Dr. Pousti has been great from the moment my husband and I met him. He has been very kind and he informed us in great detail about he procedure. Now, 5 weeks after my operation, I would not be any happier with the results. Not only is the symmastia corrected, but Dr. Pousti was also able to consider my wishes regarding the size and look of my breasts. Dr. Pousti is a great surgeon and I am convinced that everyone who suffers from symmastia cannot find a more qualified and experienced surgeon int he U.S. to correct this problem. I am very thankful to Dr. Pousti and his outstanding staff!!

Testimonial:

**I had Symmastia from my previous Breast Augmentation. I'm living in CA. I researched near by Surgeons and finally found one. Dr.Pousti corrected my Symmastia.My Breasts are finally separated.I feel relieved and great! It's been 5 months since Dr.Pousti performed the corrective surgery and my Breasts are still separated as expected! I think Dr.Pousti did a great job correcting my Symmastia. I'm thankful to Dr.Pousti for his help,patience and skill. I recommend Dr.Pousti!!! (^-^)

Testimonial:

**Dr. Pousti is a miracle worker! I had developed symmastia by a previous doctor in Orange County. After about a month I was extremely unhappy with my results, my breasts starting shifting towards the middle and I had no gap in between my breasts. It looked like I had one breast and my nipples were facing outward. One breast was noticeably lower than the other and I was in constant pain and discomfort. They gradually kept on getting worse and worse. I dealt with symmastia for almost two years. I had seen numerous plastic surgeons in my area but no one felt confident enough to successfully fix my breasts. I did some research online and found Dr. Pousti. When I came in for my consultation I felt at ease and I knew right away that he was the doctor that could fix my symmastia. It was such a relief! He gained my trust right away. The day before my surgery I came into the office to have my pre-op. I was so nervous but Dr. Pousti reassured me and I knew I would have gorgeous breasts. I was a little nervous the day of surgery until the nurse at the Alvarado Surgical Center told me that her daughter had the same procedure performed by Dr. Pousti and that she was happy with her results years later. When I got my bandages off I was in shock. I started tearing up, my results are beyond amazing. I have my self esteem back and couldn't be happier. I knew my breasts would look good, but not this good! Dr. Pousti and his staff treat you as if you are family. His staff is so friendly and helpful and you can tell that they really enjoy their job. Not only is Dr. Pousti a wonderful plastic surgeon, he is also an artist. Thank you so much for the wonderful experience and for changing my life!

L.O

Testimonial:

**I had my first breast augmentation surgery a little over 2 years ago from another doctor. I knew something was wrong as soon as the bandages were removed. I will never forget that day, I cried the second I saw my new breasts- that didn’t look like breasts at all. My doctor (at the time) told me that it was because my scar tissue had become too tight and it was pushing my breasts towards each other. He suggested a second surgery in which he would fix the problem. Needless to say the second surgery did absolutely nothing to fix the problem; it was nothing but an unnecessary surgery. I knew that something was out of wack, and began to do my own research. I found out about symmastia and knew that it was what I had. I gave my doctor the benefit of the doubt and went back to him one more time. He basically told me that this is just how my body is, and I was going to have to deal. He told me he would perform the same surgery again (if it didn’t help the first time why would it help the second time!!!)

That’s when I began my search for a doctor to fix me! I got extremely lucky and came across Dr. Pousti’s web page while doing further research about symmastia. He is the only doctor in the area I found that specializes in the procedure (and I only saw a few others in the whole country). I made an appointment right away.

I came in for my consult and was blown away by the difference in treatment I received from the very start. The waiting room has a spa feel to it. The girls that work in the office are all amazing and take wonderful care of us patients. Dr. Pousti sat and talked with me longer than my other doctor saw me the whole time I was his patient. He made me feel comfortable, and although it was hard to trust another doctor, Dr. Pousti gained my trust right away. I was told from the beginning that if he felt he couldn’t fix me that he would tell me. Luckily he said I had a great chance of being fixed. Although it wasn’t 100% there is no one else I would have trusted to do a better job.

The day of my surgery is still a blur. One thing I do remember is the beautiful flowers I received from Dr. Pousti and his staff. They brightened my day. I don’t remember much of the first week because of the painkillers, but I’m not going to lie- the road to recovery for this procedure is harder than a breast augmentation alone. You’re not supposed to do much of anything for awhile after. Although I wasn’t in a ton of pain, I began to get antsy because it’s hard not being able to lift your arms or pick things up. Although not having to vacuum for an extended period of time has been great, my boyfriend misses having me there to help him clean.

The difference this surgery has made on my body is amazing. After my first breast augmentation I gained some weight because I was so depressed. I looked even worse because of the way my breasts were placed- almost like a tree trunk. Now, although I still have a little bit of extra weight on me I look curvy- and feel amazing. Thank you so much Dr. Pousti for making me feel like the woman I wanted to feel like over two years ago when I first decided to have this done. The results are amazing, and I would recommend you to all of my friends, family, anyone. And thanks to the girls in the office for making this whole process much more enjoyable than surgery normally would be. I plan on coming back to Dr. Pousti if I ever need anything else done

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Click here to learn more about San Diego Cosmetic Surgeon, Dr. Tom Pousti. To schedule your cosmetic surgery consultation in our San Diego office, call (619) 466-8851 or email appointments@pousti.com.