Description

Pectus Implants for Chest Wall Deformities Pectus implants are a cosmetic surgical option for the correction of chest wall deformities—primarily pectus excavatum and sometimes pectus carinatum—when functional symptoms are absent or minimal, and the primary concern is aesthetic. 🧩 Types of Pectus Implants Custom-Made Silicone Implants Created using 3D imaging (CT scans) to match the contour of the deformity. Made from medical-grade solid silicone, not fluid-filled. Used in both primary cosmetic corrections and revision surgery after Ravitch or Nuss procedures. Pre-Fabricated Implants Off-the-shelf implants shaped for general chest contouring. Less precise but useful in mild or moderate, symmetric deformities. Fat Grafting or Muscle Flaps (less common alternatives) Used for minor asymmetry or adjunctive contouring. Not ideal for deeper or structural deformities. 🔧 Surgical Technique (Custom Implant Insertion) Preoperative planning with 3D chest imaging Incision: Typically in the inframammary fold or periareolar region for a hidden scar Submuscular pocket creation: Usually under the pectoralis major Implant placement: Inserted and adjusted to correct contour defect Fixation (optional): To avoid migration Closure: Drains may be placed to prevent seroma formation ✅ Advantages Minimally invasive compared to structural repairs Quick recovery (often <1 week for light activity) Customizable for symmetry and aesthetics No rib or cartilage resection No internal metal bar (as in Nuss) ⚠️ Limitations & Risks Purely cosmetic: Does not address functional compression of heart/lungs Implant-related risks: Infection Seroma Displacement Capsular contracture (rare in solid implants) Not ideal for very deep deformities with cardiopulmonary symptoms 🧠 Ideal Candidates Adults or adolescents with mild to moderate, symmetric deformities Patients with normal cardiopulmonary function Those with psychosocial or cosmetic concerns, without desire for invasive correction Also useful in revision surgery when full correction has not been achieved 📈 Outcomes High satisfaction for cosmetic improvement Low recurrence risk Fast return to normal activities Permanent solution if well tolerated 🔄 Comparison: Implant vs. Structural Surgery Feature Implants Nuss / Ravitch Invasiveness Minimally invasive Moderate to high Cosmetic Result Good (esp. custom) Excellent + structural Functional Improvement ❌ No ✅ Yes (if symptoms) Recovery Time Short (~1 week) 4–12 weeks Suitability for Teens ✔️ Yes (after growth) ✔️ Yes Bar/Implant Removal Not required (usually) Bar removed (Nuss)