Symmastia is a rare but serious complication that occurs when breast implants shift out of place and drift toward the center of your chest. Cleavage may look like a web of skin, fat, or other tissue between the breasts.
Symmastia is often caused by oversized implants or a breast pocket that’s too large. While symptoms are typically cosmetic, the condition can cause pain or discomfort for some women.
It’s important to consult with a surgeon as soon as possible after your surgery when you notice symptoms. As implants continue to shift, the condition can become harder to correct.
How is symmastia repaired?
The technique your surgeon uses will vary depending on the position of your implants and how the tissues have healed. Your surgeon will talk with you about why the condition has occurred and how he or she would approach corrective surgery.
In general, the procedure will likely involve removing scar tissue, repairing the pocket where breast implants are placed, and repositioning or replacing the implant itself. Your surgeon may use internal sutures or a biological mesh to help hold implants in the corrected position.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
Plastic Surgery
-
Christopher Ernst Attinger, MD
Plastic Surgery & Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
-
Samantha Ann Berlin, PA
Plastic Surgery & Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
-
Akash Chadha, DMSc MMS PA
Plastic Surgery, Podiatry & Wound Care
-
Gabriel Alfonso Del Corral, MD
Family Medicine, Microvascular Plastic Surgery, Gender Affirming Care, General Surgery, Microsurgery, Plastic Surgery, Gender Surgery & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
-
Kenneth L Fan, MD
Plastic Surgery
-
Alizia Flores, MSPA PA
Plastic Surgery
-
Rex Wei-Yang Hung, MD
Plastic Surgery, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery & Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine
-
Samer Jabbour, MD
Breast Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery & Microvascular Plastic Surgery
-
Pornchanok Kheocha-on, FNPBC MPH MSN
Plastic Surgery & Family Medicine
-
Grant Michael Kleiber, MD
Plastic Surgery & Hand Surgery
-
David Zachary Martin, MD
Plastic Surgery
-
Kathryn M Sidrow, MMPAS PA
Emergency Medicine & Plastic Surgery
-
Ailyn Grace Bernabe Sims, MSN NP
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery & Plastic Surgery
-
Richard C Youn, MD
Plastic Surgery & Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
-
Sami Hani Tuffaha, MD
Plastic Surgery & Hand Surgery
-
Alan John Weiss, MD
Plastic Surgery
Show All Plastic Surgery
Our locations
Distance from Change locationEnter your location
MedStar Health Plastic Surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Road NW, BLES Building 1st. Floor Washington, D.C., 20007
866-990-5515
MedStar Health Plastic Surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
106 Irving St. NW POB North Ste. 3400 Washington, D.C., 20010
MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
9000 Franklin Square Dr. Baltimore, MD 21237
MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
18101 Prince Philip Dr. Olney, MD 20832
MedStar Health Plastic Surgery at McLean Elm Street
6862 Elm Street Suite 800 McLean, VA 22101
866-990-5516