Symmastia

Symmastia is a medical condition characterized by the confluence of the breast tissue of both breasts across the midline of the chest, creating what is commonly referred to as a "uniboob". This condition can be congenital, but it is most often caused by plastic surgery procedures, particularly breast augmentation.

Causes

Symmastia can be caused by a variety of factors. Congenital symmastia is a rare condition that is present from birth. It is thought to be caused by an abnormality in the development of the mammary glands and the connective tissue that separates them.

Acquired symmastia, on the other hand, is most commonly caused by plastic surgery procedures. This can occur when implants are placed too close together, or when the natural tissue is disrupted during surgery. Other causes can include weight gain, pregnancy, and hormonal changes.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of symmastia is the appearance of a single, continuous breast rather than two distinct breasts. This can cause discomfort and self-consciousness, as well as physical discomfort due to the pressure of the conjoined tissue.

Treatment

Treatment for symmastia typically involves surgery to correct the position of the implants or to reconstruct the natural tissue. This can be a complex procedure, as it requires careful planning and precision to ensure a natural-looking result. In some cases, non-surgical treatments such as compression garments or massage may be recommended to help reshape the tissue.

See also

• Breast augmentation
• Breast reconstruction
• Mammary gland