Concerned how result will look because of Pectus Excavatum

[hitchcock]

I am concerned that my expectations are too high to have the chest I want because I suffer from Pectus Excavatum. It feels like a big steep cliff into my sternum, that my chest muscle is one-sided (towards my armpit) and I can't envision what it would look like post-op.

I have yet to see many patients who had the surgery with my chest and that makes me a little nervous.

In one of my pics from below I'm leading forward to accentuate the excess gland/fat on my chest.

I'm thin - 5-10, 157, and work out 3-5 times a week and have little fat. I can show signs of six-pack when in the right position, too, so it's not because I'm overweight...however I can't tell how much is fat and how much is muscle.

Note: This is not the first time I've made a thread, but it's an obsession that's taking control of my mind.

[hitchcock]

Two more pics.

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

I have done a number of men with pectus excavatum.  The combination of a sunken sternum with enlarged breasts actually accentuates the look of the pectus excavatum.  While there are major surgical procedures available to improve pectus excavatum (done by a chest surgeon), most cases of pectus do not require that type of surgical intervention.

The reduction of gynecomastia in most cases will make the overall chest look better.

Dr Jacobs

[hitchcock]

Do I have a case for surgery?

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

You have provided a number of photos -- but they are all in various inappropriate positions for adequate evaluation.

Would suggest you provide us with simple photos of your chest (only) -- front, side and 3/4 views -- all taken by another person.  And please bear in mind that even with those, it may not be possible to evaluate you without benefit of a physical exam.

Best answer to your question:  consult a surgeon for an opinion.

Dr Jacobs

[DrPensler]

You need to understand that correction of gynecomastia involves correction of the soft tissue deformation below the skin and above the muscle and bone.In no way is correction of gynecomastia a correction for the pectus deformity.There is a dramatic range of pectus deformities that range from minimal to severe with extreme compression of the heart and lungs with marked decreased  cardiac output.My patients with gynecomastia and a pectus deformity benefit from the correction but it is critical to understand in your case , and other similar cases as well, what component is due to gynecomastia due what is due to the pectus.