These are chest wall malformations that occur due to abnormal growth of the rib cartilages. They should be observed during a breast physical examination as they directly influence breast shape. The most well-known are:

1. Pectus excavatum – an irregularity in the growth of the chest cartilages that causes a deformation in the rib cage;
2. Pectus carinatum – a chest wall defect at the sternum level, characterized by a protrusion of the sternum and ribs. It is the opposite of the pectus excavatum defect.
3. Minor changes in rib projection.

Correction with plastic surgery will depend on the defect: if it is more subtle, it can be corrected with small fat grafts. In more deforming cases that affect the patient's self-esteem and daily life, the involvement of a thoracic surgery team may be necessary.

#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #health #beauty #selfesteem #wellbeing #breastdeformity #thoracicdeformity #selfesteem