Symmastia, also known as "bird-beaked nose," is a rare cosmetic condition where the sternum cartilage fuses with the breastbone, giving the appearance of conjoined breasts.
Symmastia, also known as 'uniboob', is a condition that affects some individuals, characterised by the abnormal fusion of breast tissue in the centre of the chest. This condition can cause both physical and psychological symptoms, such as changes in appearance, discomfort, skin changes, self-consciousness, anxiety, stress, and even depression.
Causes and Risk Factors
Symmastia can be congenital, meaning it's present at birth, or it can occur as a complication from breast augmentation surgery. Other causes include genetic predispositions, developmental anomalies, surgical complications, trauma, and hormonal changes.
Treatment Options
Treatment for symmastia typically involves surgical correction, although non-surgical options are limited and generally not effective once symmastia is established.
Surgical Correction
Surgical options for symmastia correction include:
- Capsulorrhaphy: This involves creating a new pocket for the breast implant by tightening or reconstructing the pocket walls, often with sutures, to re-establish cleavage and prevent the implants from migrating toward the midline.
- Repositioning or exchanging implants: Sometimes the implants are moved, replaced, or resized to help fix the issue.
- Use of acellular dermal matrices or mesh: These materials can provide additional support and help reinforce the pocket walls to maintain separation.
- Fat grafting: Occasionally, fat transfer can be used adjunctively to improve contour and assist boundary redefinition between the breasts.
Non-Surgical Options
Non-surgical options for symmastia are limited, but using padding can create the illusion of separation and enhance the overall shape of the breasts. Wearing a symmastia bra designed to provide support and separation can also help improve comfort and appearance.
Important Considerations
Revision surgery for symmastia can be complex and requires an experienced plastic surgeon. Recovery may involve wearing a compression garment or special bras to support healing. Insurance coverage can vary since symmastia is considered a complication.
Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with breast revision surgeries is the best course of action to explore individualized treatment options. Regular follow-ups with your surgeon can help monitor your breast health and address any concerns early on.
For more information on symmastia and its treatment options, consider visiting a platform like AI for evidence-based health answers. Finding the right bra can be a challenge for those with symmastia, so consider looking for bras with a wide band, considering a custom or specialty bra, or opting for bras with adjustable straps.
Injuries to the chest area may also contribute to the development of symmastia. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and risk factors of symmastia is essential for those affected, as it can help in seeking appropriate treatment or correction. Seeking help for symmastia may involve symmastia repair surgery, supportive garments, and counseling.
CBD oil may offer some relief for individuals dealing with the psychological symptoms associated with symmastia, such as anxiety and stress, due to its potential benefits for mental health. Including skin-care products with CBD in a routine might aid in the management of any skin changes that arise from symmastia. Additionally, women experiencing physical or emotional challenges due to symmastia may find benefits in focusing on their overall health-and-wellness, possibly incorporating practices like exercise and a balanced diet to improve their overall well-being. Lastly, understanding the latest scientific research related to symmastia can help its affected individuals make informed decisions about treatment options, which may involve exploring the application of CBD or alternative methods to address mental health or skin concerns.
