Pectus Excavatum and Breast Augmentation

Understanding your chest shape and implant results

Jul 07 2026

When considering Breast Augmentation, many patients focus on choosing the right implant size, shape and the type of result they would like to achieve. However, one of the most important factors in creating a natural and balanced outcome is something you cannot change - your underlying chest anatomy. Your chest wall has a bigger effect on your breast implants than you might expect!

For some patients, the shape of the chest wall can influence how the breasts sit, how cleavage appears, and how symmetrical the final result may look. One example of this is pectus excavatum, sometimes known as a “sunken chest”.

At Pall Mall Medical, we believe the best breast augmentation results come from understanding your individual anatomy, your goals and what can realistically be achieved through surgery.

Key takeaways: Pectus Excavatum (sunken chest) and breast augmentation

Your chest anatomy plays an important role in your breast augmentation results. The shape of your rib cage and breastbone can influence breast position, cleavage, symmetry, and how implants sit.
Having pectus excavatum does not mean you cannot have breast augmentation. Many patients can achieve excellent results with careful planning and an approach tailored to their individual anatomy.
Breast implants cannot change the structure of the chest wall, but they can enhance breast volume, shape, and proportion to create a more balanced appearance.
There is no single implant choice that works for everyone. Your surgeon will consider your chest shape, existing breast tissue, implant size, projection, placement, and desired outcome. That’s why it’s so important to choose an experienced breast surgeon.
Perfect symmetry is not always achievable. This is totally normal and to be expected After all, the aim of breast augmentation is to create improved balance and harmony with your body.
A personalised consultation is essential. Your surgeon can assess your anatomy, discuss your options, and help you understand what results may realistically be achieved.

What is Pectus Excavatum?

Pectus excavatum is a chest wall condition where the breastbone (sternum) sits further inward than usual, creating a dip or indentation in the centre of the chest.

The appearance of pectus excavatum can vary significantly between individuals. For some people, it is a subtle difference that mainly affects appearance, while for others it may create a more noticeable change in chest shape.

Many people with pectus excavatum are completely healthy, but the shape of the chest wall can influence how the breasts appear and how breast augmentation results develop.

How can pectus excavatum affect breast appearance?

The chest wall provides the foundation that the breasts sit on, meaning its shape can naturally influence breast position, spacing, and symmetry.

Patients with pectus excavatum may notice:

The breasts appear slightly further apart
The centre of the chest or cleavage area looks different
One breast may appear smaller or positioned differently to the other
The breasts naturally follow the shape of the chest wall

It is also important to remember that some degree of natural breast asymmetry is very common. Differences in breast tissue, nipple position, rib cage shape and chest structure can all contribute to how the breasts look.

Can breast implants correct pectus excavatum?

Breast augmentation can enhance breast volume, shape and proportion, but implants cannot change the structure of the rib cage or reposition the breastbone.

Instead, the aim of surgery is to create the most balanced and natural-looking result possible based on your individual anatomy.

During your consultation, your surgeon will assess factors such as:

Chest width and shape
Existing breast tissue
Breast position and symmetry
Implant size, shape, and projection
Your expectations and desired outcome

For some patients, carefully selected implants can help improve balance and create a fuller breast appearance. For others, your surgeon may discuss how your natural chest shape may influence the final result.

Patient Experience: Breast Augmentation with Pectus Excavatum

Every breast augmentation journey is unique, and sometimes patients seek further guidance when their original results do not align with their expectations.

One Pall Mall Medical patient came to us after having breast implants placed in 2018 with another provider. Shortly after her original surgery, she felt that the implants did not sit as expected and that the result did not reflect what she had hoped for.

During her initial breast augmentation journey, factors such as implant profile, implant dimensions, and her individual chest anatomy had not been fully explored. In particular, the shape of her chest - including her naturally deeper central chest contour (pectus excavatum) - was an important consideration that had not been taken into account when planning her original procedure.

When she came to Pall Mall Medical, the focus with her surgeon Mr Abel Mounir was on understanding her anatomy, her concerns, and what she wanted to achieve from revision surgery. A detailed assessment allowed her surgeon to consider the relationship between her chest wall, breast tissue, implant choice, and overall proportions.

"My surgeon was incredible, from day one he was so informative about my anatomy, my breast bone, my ribs - giving me the worst case scenario and also really advising me on what I should do, and what will get the best result … i just knew i was in great hands” - Beth

Hear Beth's story she documented:

Part One Part Two

Will my breasts look perfectly symmetrical after augmentation?

One of the most important parts of planning breast augmentation is understanding that the goal is not necessarily perfect symmetry — because perfectly symmetrical breasts are extremely uncommon.

The aim is usually to create improved balance, proportion, and a result that feels natural for your body.

If you have pectus excavatum or another difference in chest shape, your surgeon will consider this when planning your procedure and help you understand what results are realistically achievable.

Does pectus excavatum affect implant choice?

There is no single implant that is suitable for every patient with pectus excavatum.

Your surgeon will consider your anatomy alongside your goals when discussing options. This may include:

Implant dimensions
Implant projection
Implant profile
Placement options
The amount of natural breast tissue available

Choosing an implant is about more than selecting a volume - it is about creating harmony between the implant and your individual body shape.

What should I discuss during my breast augmentation consultation?

If you have noticed a dip in the centre of your chest, uneven breast appearance, or concerns about how your anatomy may affect your result, it is important to mention this during your consultation.

Your surgeon can assess your chest structure, discuss your options and explain how your anatomy may influence your outcome.

At Pall Mall, every breast augmentation journey begins with a personalised consultation. Understanding your body is the first step towards achieving a result that feels right for you.

Book a Breast Augmentation consultation

If you are considering breast augmentation and would like to understand how your chest shape may influence your results, our specialist team at Pall Mall Medical can provide personalised guidance.

A consultation is the opportunity to discuss your goals, explore your options and create a surgical plan designed around you.

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Frequently Asked Questions.

Can breast implants fix pectus excavatum?

Breast implants cannot correct the underlying chest wall structure, but they may improve breast volume, shape, and overall balance. Your surgeon can discuss what results may be achievable based on your anatomy.

Is breast augmentation safe if I have pectus excavatum?

Many patients with pectus excavatum can undergo breast augmentation safely. Your suitability will depend on your individual health, anatomy, and surgical assessment.

Will I have less cleavage if I have pectus excavatum?

Chest shape can influence how cleavage appears after surgery. Your surgeon will consider your anatomy when planning implant size and placement.

Should I tell my surgeon if I have pectus excavatum?

Yes. Sharing any concerns about your chest shape allows your surgeon to plan your procedure more accurately and discuss expectations before surgery.