Introduction
Pectus excavatum is a congenital deformity of the front of the chest wall that results in a sunken breastbone (sternum) and ribs. It is also known as funnel chest or sunken chest. While the condition can cause physical discomfort and breathing problems in some cases, many individuals seek plastic surgery to correct the cosmetic appearance of their chest. In New York City, there are several plastic surgeons and medical facilities offering various procedures for pectus excavatum repair. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the predicted list of pectus excavatum plastic surgery options in New York City in 2025.
Understanding Pectus Excavatum
Pectus excavatum occurs when the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum grows abnormally, causing the sternum to sink inward. This can lead to a concave appearance of the chest. The severity of pectus excavatum can vary widely, from mild to severe. In some cases, the condition may worsen during the teen years as the body grows.
While pectus excavatum is often considered a cosmetic issue, it can also have physical consequences. Severe cases may cause compression of the heart and lungs, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and decreased exercise tolerance. Additionally, the psychological impact of the condition should not be underestimated, as individuals with pectus excavatum may experience low self - esteem and body image issues.
Common Plastic Surgery Procedures for Pectus Excavatum
1. Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are one of the most common plastic surgery options for correcting pectus excavatum. These implants are a biomaterial that has been extensively studied and is well - accepted by human tissue. In this procedure, a sterilized and customized silicone implant is inserted directly underneath the skin through a small incision into the indented area.
This method is mainly used for adult or teenage patients who are concerned about their bodily appearance. It is a purely cosmetic procedure. From a surgeon's perspective, silicone implants can make the inherited protruding ribs less noticeable. However, there are some potential problems associated with silicone implants, such as material abrasion in the later years, late development of seroma, dense calcification, unpleasant skin volume, and pain in the surgery area. Some plastic surgery centers can use advanced techniques like CT scans or 3D surface digital scanners to design a custom - shaped implant that fits the patient's chest perfectly, but this can be quite expensive.
2. Fat Grafting
Fat grafting involves transferring fat from one area of the body, usually the stomach, legs, or waistline, to the sunken breastbone area using injection. The main advantage of this procedure is that there is no surgical trauma or noticeable scars. However, fat grafting is not widely used for pectus excavatum correction. Many pectus excavatum patients have skinny frames and are underweight, which means they do not have a sufficient amount of transferrable fat. Additionally, the chest area's skin is tightly hugged to the breastbone, which can lead to bad results if the procedure is not done correctly.
3. Macrolane
Macrolane, also known as hyaluronic acid, is a body contour filler that is a less invasive option. It has been used extensively in plastic surgery, mainly for face wrinkle therapy. Surgeons can use it to improve the pectus excavatum condition. However, a large volume of Macrolane is needed to "fill" a sunken chest, which makes it very costly. Moreover, the results are impermanent as the filler will be resorbed over time, and the dent may return to its original state after about two years.
4. Brava - Breast Augmentation & Shaping System
This technique was originally created for breast reconstruction and enlargement. It works as an outer tissue expander to create edema and boost blood perfusion. Studies have shown that minimally invasive plastic procedures like the Brava technique can yield excellent results when combined with vacuum device therapy. This method can provide good results in the presternal area without leaving permanent ugly scars on the chest.
5. Tissue Engineering
Repairing a mild pectus excavatum deformity using needle transplantation of cultured autologous chondrocytes is a promising but currently under - investigation technique. It is a unique topic in breast enlargement surgery and may offer new possibilities for pectus excavatum correction in the future.
Plastic Surgeons and Medical Facilities in New York City
1. Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Rockmore Plastic Surgery, with locations in Albany, Latham, and Saratoga, New York, has experience in treating pectus excavatum. They have a case where a 20 - year - old patient had a pectus excavatum repaired using a custom - made implant. The provider for this case was Jeffrey Rockmore, MD. Their expertise in custom - implant solutions shows that they can offer personalized treatment options for patients with pectus excavatum.
2. NYU Langone Health
NYU Langone's team of doctors is dedicated to providing the most advanced, personalized care for pectus excavatum. They have a list of providers who treat this condition, and patients can schedule an appointment online. Their multidisciplinary approach likely involves collaboration between different medical specialties to ensure comprehensive treatment for patients.
3. ColumbiaDoctors Children's Health
The Chest Wall Abnormalities Program at ColumbiaDoctors Children's Health in NYC deals with various chest wall anomalies, including pectus excavatum. Their multidisciplinary medical team includes pediatric surgeons, doctors from other pediatric specialties such as orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, cardiology, pulmonology, genetics, and radiology, as well as nurse practitioners, orthotists, and physical therapists. They have extensive experience in using a minimally invasive approach to treat pectus excavatum and in addressing pectus carinatum with bracing rather than surgery.
4. Dr. Douglas M. Senderoff
Dr. Douglas M. Senderoff, a board - certified Manhattan - based plastic surgeon, has extensive experience in pectoral enhancement using solid silicone implants. He has been performing pectoral augmentation using solid silicone implants for many years at his Manhattan, New York outpatient surgical facility. Ideal candidates for his procedures include men with an underdeveloped chest, men or women with pectus excavatum, or those with Poland’s syndrome. He uses endoscopic transaxillary pectoral augmentation, which involves making an incision in the axilla (armpit) and creating an implant pocket below the pectoralis major muscle for a natural look and feel.
5. Dr. Reza Momeni (Simple Pectus Repair)
Dr. Reza Momeni offers the "Simple Pectus" technique, which stands for silicone implant modeled pectus level enhancement. This is a surgical treatment for patients who have completed chest cage growth. The best age for males is usually around 17 or 18, and for females, it might be as early as 14 or 15. This procedure uses a personalized custom implant made of FDA - approved, medical - grade, soft silicone. It is a minimally invasive option with a relatively short recovery period of 7 - 10 days for most patients, and they can usually return to exercise and sports by 6 weeks. However, patients with breathing problems or heart issues are not good candidates for this repair.
Cost Considerations
The cost of pectus excavatum plastic surgery can vary significantly depending on the type of procedure, the complexity of the case, and the surgeon's experience. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, pectoral implants start at about $3,800, which is considerably less than a standard Nuss procedure, costing about $40,000. However, more customized or advanced procedures may cost more. For example, the Simple Pectus repair surgery costs between $19,500 and $25,000, depending on factors such as the complexity of the surgery, the location of the implant (under or over the muscles), and the size/shape of the implant required. Insurance usually does not cover these procedures as they are considered cosmetic.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, pectus excavatum plastic surgery carries certain risks. These can include reactions to anesthesia, breathing problems, bleeding, blood clots, and infection. Specific risks for pectus excavatum surgery may include injury to the heart, lung collapse, pain, and the return of the deformity. Different procedures also have their own unique risks. For example, silicone implants may have long - term issues such as material abrasion, seroma development, and calcification, while fat grafting may result in uneven results if not done properly due to factors like lack of available fat and the tightness of the chest skin.
Pre - operative and Post - operative Care
Pre - operative Care
Before undergoing pectus excavatum plastic surgery, patients are usually required to have a complete medical exam and various medical tests. These may include an electrocardiogram (ECG) and possibly an echocardiogram to assess heart function, pulmonary function tests to check for breathing problems, and a CT scan or MRI of the chest. Patients need to inform the surgeon about all the medicines they are taking, including drugs, herbs, vitamins, or other supplements, as well as any allergies they may have to medicine, latex, tape, or skin cleanser. About 7 days before surgery, patients may be asked to stop taking certain blood - thinning drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and warfarin. On the day of surgery, patients are typically asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before and to take only the drugs that the surgeon has specifically instructed them to take with a small sip of water.
Post - operative Care
After surgery, the recovery period and care requirements vary depending on the procedure. For example, in cases of open surgery for pectus excavatum repair, patients may stay in the hospital for 3 to 7 days. Pain is common after the surgery, and patients may receive strong pain medicine through an IV or an epidural in the first few days, followed by oral pain medications. There may be tubes in the chest around the surgical cuts to drain extra fluid, which are usually removed after a few days when the drainage stops. Patients are encouraged to start sitting up, taking deep breaths, and walking as soon as possible after surgery to aid in the healing process. In the case of minimally invasive procedures like the Simple Pectus repair, the pain is minimal, and there is usually no need for a hospital stay. Patients can usually return to normal activities within a few weeks but may need to refrain from strenuous exercise for a longer period.
Psychological Impact and Support
Pectus excavatum can have a significant psychological impact on individuals, especially those who are self - conscious about their appearance. Plastic surgery can not only correct the physical deformity but also improve self - esteem and body image. However, it is important for patients to have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery. Psychological support before and after surgery can be beneficial. This may include counseling or support groups where patients can share their experiences and concerns with others who have gone through similar procedures. Surgeons and medical staff can also play an important role in providing emotional support and education to patients and their families.
Conclusion
In 2025, New York City is expected to continue to be a hub for pectus excavatum plastic surgery. There are multiple plastic surgeons and medical facilities offering a variety of procedures, each with its own advantages and limitations. Whether a patient is considering silicone implants, fat grafting, or other innovative techniques, it is crucial to have a thorough consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. The surgeon can assess the patient's specific condition, discuss the available options, and help the patient make an informed decision based on their goals, health status, and financial situation. Patients should also be aware of the risks and post - operative care requirements associated with the chosen procedure.
If you or someone you know is considering pectus excavatum plastic surgery in New York City, we encourage you to reach out to the listed surgeons and facilities for a consultation. Take the time to research and understand the different options available, and don't hesitate to ask questions. You can also explore patient reviews and before - and - after photos to get a better idea of the potential results. Together, with the right information and support, you can take steps towards achieving a more confident and positive body image.
