Poland Syndrome and Other Congenital Chest Deformities
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lake Forest, Glenview and Grayslake, IL
Poland syndrome is a congenital chest deformity that is recognizable for the absence or underdevelopment of the pectoral muscles on one side. (1) Congenital deformities are conditions present from birth; in the chest, these conditions are often characterized by irregularities in the growth and development of the chest wall and may include aplasia (rib cage overgrowth) or dysplasia (inadequate rib cage growth). (2)
At Northwestern Medicine, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Howard and board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Chad Teven specialize in chest and breast procedures and can employ a wide range of techniques to help each individual achieve a natural chest appearance they can feel confident about.
To get started at either our Glenview, Grayslake, or Lake Forest office, we encourage you to give us a call.
Contents
About Poland Syndrome
Poland syndrome typically affects one side of the chest, but the way the condition appears can vary from person to person. In addition to underdeveloped or absent pectoral muscles, individuals may also have differences in the ribs, chest wall, shoulder girdle, or upper arm.
Today, the cause of Poland syndrome is still not fully understood. However, it is thought to possibly result from a disruption in blood supply to the developing chest wall during early pregnancy. It is not usually inherited, and it is more commonly seen in males. While complaints are typically cosmetic, this condition may also present functional concerns in severe cases. (1)
Diagnosis is often made at birth or during childhood, but milder forms may go unnoticed until adolescence or even adulthood, especially as the chest matures. Imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans can help assess the extent of muscle and rib involvement, which is important when planning reconstructive treatment.
At Northwestern Medicine, our surgeons are dedicated to customizing your procedure so that it meets your unique needs, aiming to improve body positivity and confidence.
Benefits of Treatment
At Northwestern Medicine, our patients frequently see improvements through:
- Natural-Looking Results: Correcting your chest deformity can restore the appearance of your figure, resulting in more natural-looking proportions and contours.
- Restored Function: Reconstructive chest surgery can elevate the strength and function of your upper body. If hand surgery is performed, you can also see improvements in your hand and finger function.
- Better Fitting Clothing: Correcting your chest deformity can enhance the comfort and fit of certain garments, enabling you to wear a wider array of clothing styles.
- Elevated Confidence: Many patients report improvements in their self-esteem and body confidence after seeing the results of their procedure.
Candidates
Candidates for our chest reconstruction procedures include anyone with Poland syndrome or other congenital chest deformities.
Anyone interested in this procedure should be in good general health and keep realistic expectations about what is achievable. During your consultation, our surgical team will determine your candidacy.
Personal Consultation
The first step to restoring your figure and function is attending a personal consultation with our surgical team. During this consultation, either Dr. Howard or Dr. Teven will meet with you to discuss your procedure. They will ask about your medical history, current prescriptions, concerns, and your treatment goals. Your surgeon will also perform a physical examination to evaluate your anatomy.
This information will be used to determine your candidacy and craft your treatment plan. Your surgeon will discuss the different surgical strategies and techniques that may be used during your procedure. They may also suggest additional procedures that may enhance your results. Throughout the consultation, your surgeon will also answer any questions you may have, as we want you to feel well-informed and comfortable regarding your upcoming procedure.
To schedule this consultation at either our Glenview, Grayslake, or Lake Forest office and receive your tailored treatment plan, please give us a call.
Preparation
Your surgical team will provide you with a set of preparation instructions. These instructions may vary depending on your condition and the details of your procedure, but they should all be followed to ensure a safe procedure and smooth recovery.
You will likely be advised to discontinue taking any blood-thinning medications and supplements, and alcohol consumption and nicotine use should be fully ceased several weeks in advance. You will need to take time away from work and other responsibilities, as well as arrange transportation home from your procedure. We also recommend filling any prescriptions ahead of time and arranging for at-home care during your initial recovery period.
Procedure
At Northwestern Medicine, our surgeons can perform flap breast reconstruction, fat grafting, or augmentation with implants to correct and sculpt your chest.
DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction is a technique that uses tissue from your own body to restore the appearance of the chest. This remains the most commonly used free-flap method for breast reconstruction. (3) When performing this technique, your surgeon will place an incision on the abdomen below the bikini line. They will take excess skin and tissue from the abdomen and transfer it to the chest, preserving the delicate structures of the blood vessels in the process.
Your surgeon will then place an incision in the chest before using microsurgery techniques to carefully reattach the transferred tissue’s blood vessels and nerves to the chest. They will then shape and reposition the tissue to restore a more natural-looking appearance before carefully closing each incision.
Fat Grafting
Fat grafting is a technique that uses liposuction to transfer fat from one area of the body to another. Your surgeon will first place an incision in an area of the body with excess fat before injecting the area with a tumescent solution composed of epinephrine, saline, and lidocaine. This solution is designed to minimize bleeding, swell the fat cells for easier removal, and numb the local tissue. (4) From there, they will use a specialized cannula to break down and suction out the fat. The harvested fat will then be processed and purified before being reinjected into the chest to restore missing volume.
Augmentation with Implants
This procedure uses implants to improve the size, shape, volume, and projection of the chest.
During augmentation, your surgeon will place an incision in a predetermined area to access the underlying structures of your chest. They will then create a pocket for the implants to rest in, then finally place the implants carefully to create symmetry with the other side of the chest.
Recovery
Once you are released after your procedure, you will need to focus on resting and recovering. It is common to experience swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the treated area throughout the first few weeks of your recovery. These effects are temporary and will subside on their own, but may also be managed using pain medications prescribed by your surgeon. You will need to avoid engaging in physical activities, heavy lifting, or other strenuous and high-impact tasks for several weeks. Your surgeon will let you know when you are cleared to return to work and your other activities, and may ask you to attend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and developing results.
Results
You may notice improvements in your appearance immediately after your procedure, but the full results of your chest correction will become more apparent as any residual swelling subsides. You will be able to enjoy a more balanced, proportionate, and natural-looking chest as well as the correction of functional issues, if present. The results of your chest correction are designed to be long-lasting and essentially permanent.
Cost of Poland Syndrome Treatment in Chicago
Because each treatment plan is tailored around your specific condition, severity of concerns, and overall anatomy, the cost of your reconstructive procedure can vary. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your physical condition and medical history to create your treatment plan. Once the details of this plan are established, they will provide you with a comprehensive cost estimate.
To learn more about the cost of your personalized treatment plan, please give us a call.
FAQ
What is Poland Syndrome?
Poland syndrome is a rare congenital condition that is characterized by underdeveloped chest muscles on one side of the body, and may also include webbed or shortened fingers in certain cases.
How are chest deformities, such as Poland syndrome, treated?
Treatment typically involves reconstructive surgery, such as a muscle transfer, chest wall implants, fat grafting, or breast reconstruction. For some patients, hand surgery may also be recommended.
Is there a certain or “best” time I should be treated?
The timing of your treatment will depend on the extent of your condition. Hand surgery is typically performed during childhood to support the development of proper function and coordination, while chest wall reconstruction is often delayed until patients are fully grown.
How long will the results of my procedure last?
The results of your procedure are designed to be long-lasting, but certain treatments may require maintenance over time.
References
- Dawood Tafti, Cecava ND. Poland Syndrome. Nih.gov. Published May 22, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532259/#article-27386.s7
- Blanco FC, Elliott S, Sandler AD. Management of Congenital Chest Wall Deformities. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2011;25(01):107-116. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1275177
- Mahrhofer M, Schoeller T, Casari M, Bachleitner K, Weitgasser L. Development of A Surgical Treatment Algorithm for Breast Reconstruction in Poland Syndrome Patients Considering Severity, Sex, and BMI. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2021;10(19):4515. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10194515
- Bartow MJ, Raggio BS. Liposuction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/