Pectus Excavatum - funnel chest or depressed sternum is usually noted after birth but in some people it is not visible until they are older as the deformity can be unpredictably progressive. The exact cause is not known but it is more common in males than females. It is believed to be due to overgrowth of the rib cartilage adjacent to the breastbone (sternum) which pushes the breastbone backwards. Most people have no symptoms but if the breastbone is pushed back far enough heart & lung function can be compromised.

Because of the great variablity of this congenital deformity among those who have it a custom made implant must be used. A plaster model is made of the deformity in the plastic surgeon's office. The model is then sent to the manufacturer who makes a custom silicone implant.

Note that the abdomen appears to protrude due to the chest depression. After placement of the implant it appears to protrude less even though its position has not changed. The first picture after surgery is about a month after. The second was taken about a year after surgery and shows the additional benefit of an exercise program after surgery as well as the self confidence patients develop after successful correction of this problem.

This patient had previous chest bone surgery that did not correct the pectus excavatum sufficiently.

Pectus deformity correction surgery can enhance your appearance and your self confidence. Realistic expectations are important to be happy with any surgery. As each patient is an individual, different results can be expected in each patient.