Does pectus excavatum surgery leave a scar?

Does pectus excavatum surgery leave a scar?

Complications of the open operation included bleeding, infection, injury to the lungs and pleura, and possible need for placement of chest drains. The end result is rated as very good but it does leave a long scar on the chest.

How long does pigeon chest take to heal?

Your child will need to wear the brace every day. Treatment may take up to 2 years depending on how old your child is, how stiff their breastbone is, and the severity of the pigeon chest. For the treatment to be effective, it’s important that your child wears the brace as directed by the orthotist.

Can you get surgery on pigeon chest?

The pectus carinatum can be corrected surgically using the Modified Ravitch Procedure. This involves an incision across the chest, to open the chest wall and gain access to the ribs. The deformed cartilages are then removed from each side of the chest.

Can pigeon chest be fixed in adults?

Surgery is usually only an option for people when a chest brace has been ineffective or when they have passed puberty. A doctor may also consider surgery for people whose symptoms are severe.

How long does it take to fully recover from pectus excavatum surgery?

Most patients recover in six weeks, but precautions must be taken during exercise/sports. The bars will be removed as an outpatient procedure in two to three years.

Can you lift weights after pectus excavatum surgery?

After discharge, the patient is expected to slowly resume normal but restricted activity, such as heavy lifting or strenuous exercise. Follow up is typically at two weeks and then again at three to six months after surgery and then annually prior to removing the bar.

How do you treat pigeon chest?

Treatment options include chest-wall bracing and/or surgery. Many patients with mild or moderate cases of pectus carinatum experience success with advanced chest-wall braces. Adolescents with more severe or refractory cases of pectus carinatum may require a modified Ravitch surgical repair.

How painful is the pectus excavatum surgery?

The pectus repair is a painful procedure. Length of stay is dictated by postoperative pain management. Following the operation, most children stay in the hospital for approximately 5 days. An epidural catheter, placed in the back, will be used to give continuous pain medication.

What is a pigeon chest?

It is the opposite of another condition called pectus carinatum (also known as “pigeon chest”) where the front part of the chest appears to protrude or ‘stick out’. Researchers are not sure what triggers the deformity, but it is thought to be caused by abnormal or excessive growth of rib cartilage.

Can pigeon chest be treated without surgery?

If caught early, it’s often possible to treat pigeon chest without surgery. A custom-made brace is fitted to the chest and worn for 6-12 months, usually managing to restrict a prominent breastbone, while allowing growth of the ribs on either side to catch up. This is most effective in children entering the peri-pubertal growth spurt.

What are the best implants for pigeon chest deformity?

Plastic Surgeons who specialise in pigeon chest deformity usually use high profile breast implants. Implants with a high profile have more projection and less diameter, resulting in a fuller cleavage. Using this type of breast implant helps to cover the full width of the chest while disguising the protruding sternum.

When is the best time to have pigeon chest surgery?

If surgery is required, it’s usually best performed as the teenage growth phase is tapering off or finished. If performed too early (before about 16 years), there is a risk that the surgery for pigeon chest may have to be repeated.