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Sunken Chest Reconstruction

(10 discussions)

I am a 43 year old male born with the sunken chest “plaugue” (Pectus Escavatum). Putting it nicely this condition has “DEPRRESSED” more than just my upper torso. I read somewhere that new technology employs a arched BAR to reconstruct the condition with no complications. Please fill me in on more details and who I can contact for a consultation. My 12 year old daughter has this condition too. I noticed it when she was a baby and I am afraid to bring it up now that she is older. Is it less noticable on females since there is developing cleavage? I would like reconstructive information for her case too. Lastly, I know no one who is of the same condition. If possible can you link me to a support group? Thanks

10 comments

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    9 10

    my 16 yr old son has a sunken chest the dr called it pectus excavatum I went on the enternet to check it out and fond out alot of infomation on it the one thing that scard me the most was when I called every dr in st pete fla and no one would take my sons ins ameragroup so one dr office said they would see if their dr would take my son as a out of network patient and the asked what they do for kids like this she said the put a bar in their chest and pop it out again my sisterinlaw is an rn and she says its just malnutrition so now I want to know if by eating proper foods and getting the righyt nutrition if it would pop his chest back up? and is their anything I can do without having surgery thanks sharon

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    9 10

    I am 25 years of age. I was born with pectus excavatum also. I had it corrected at the age of 5 with the bar but the doctors had to brake the chest bone and put the bar behind it to support it till it got strong enough and the doctors tolk it out after so long I have no problem but it left a scare across my chest and scare tissue. Thanks, Sandra Johns

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    9 10

    I am in the uk and have PE, I am 29 years old and the condition really gets me down. I am not affected in any health issues but it’s just the appearance that gets me down. I was due to have Nuss surgery (metal bar that pops out sternum) two years ago but backed out at last min due to the fact it’s major surgery and with family and work etc it was too big a risk especially as no health problems from PE. I now am finally having the bio-alcamid procedure which is a totally safe injection process that fills in the depressed area with no scarring and no hospital stay. Look at http://www.bio-alcamid.com for more details. I am having the procedure next month in London.

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    9 10

    I had surgery to correct my sunken chest at age of 14, that was 14years ago. No bar was used, but I believe ribs were rearranged/broken. I was in the hospital for one week, on my couch for one month, no Phys Ed for a year. Now I am active and healthy and have a major scar. I didn’t have any info on my surgery until now, I hope to find out more.

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      9 10

      I have a 22 year old son who suffers this uncomfortable condition called pectus escavatum. He cannot sleep laying down, he has trouble breathing deeply. The cosmetic aspect is a worry to him also. I can’t seem to find help for him in Western Australia. Not sure as to what or if there is a corrective operation for this young vital 22 year old.Plese can you help with some advice. Thank youMrs. P Ryan

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    9 10

    I am 32, I was born with P.E.. I haven’t known or spoken with any one else who has this. When I was five I had surgery, had the bar inserted. It only lifted the area over my heart, to releive the pressure on my heart. Since then I have had no health problems. But, I still have a sunken chest and a very large scar. I have always wondered why they didn’t fix it when they had the opportunity at age five.Still to this day, I want to look normal. More so than ever, I have a four year old son who loves to go swimming and I won’t go in the pool because of how I look. My wife does’t understand why I want to have reconstructive surgery, she says I am crazy for wanting to go through all the risks involved. She does’t understand what it has been like for me to go through life not wanting to take my shirt off. My sister said she heard of a surgery using an implant of some sort, but I don’t know the details. I would love to learn more if anyone knows more.

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    9 10

    It has nothing to do with malnutrition, however puting on a few extra pounds could improve the looks of this condition…especially if their are flared ribs too

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    9 10

    As the body develops, the upper-body gets broader, then does the appearance become less noticable?

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    9 10

    I am 18 and just had the Nuss procedure performed to correct my PE. I had the surgery four months ago and am very happy with the results. The Nuss procedure is fairly new and uses minimal invasive techniques. The procedure leaves scars but they are much smaller than the older techniques. The procedure also allows you to become more active quicker. Only three months after surgery I was playing basketball at the college level. After the procedure I have had more lung capacity, lower resting heart rate, and a much improved physical appearance. I am very thankful for Dr. Donald Nuss and his team at Children’s Hospital at the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, VA.

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      9 10

      How much does this operation cost without insurance?

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