Table of contents

• What is Symmastia? Defining the "Uniboob"
• Revision Breast Surgery: Correcting Symmastia
• Which Are the Best Clinics in Korea for Symmastia?
• Navigating Revision Breast Surgery in South Korea: A Medical Tourist's Guide
• Costs of Revision Breast Surgery: South Korea vs. Global Destinations
• Patient Journeys: Addressing Symmastia Through Revision Surgery
• Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision
• References

Considering treatment in Korea? Everything you need to know e.g. — how to avoid scams, visas, interpreters, recovery tips — in our Medical Tourism Master Guide. Plan with confidence in minutes, not weeks!

---

Dealing with breast aesthetic concerns like symmastia can be challenging and emotional. This guide aims to clarify what symmastia is, explain how [revision breast surgery](/blog/revision-breast-surgery-korea) can correct it, and offer practical advice—especially for those considering treatment as medical tourists in South Korea. Our goal is to provide clear, compassionate, and useful information to help you regain confidence and well-being.

What is Symmastia? Defining the "Uniboob"

Symmastia occurs when the breast tissue from both breasts merges across the chest’s midline, eliminating the natural cleavage. Instead of a clear separation, there’s a continuous layer of skin, fat, and tissue, creating the appearance that the breasts join in the center. The severity varies, with some cases showing subtle loss of cleavage. After breast augmentation, symmastia is often called "uniboob" or "breadloafing."

Causes of Symmastia: Congenital vs. Acquired (Iatrogenic)

Symmastia appears in two main forms:

• Congenital Symmastia: A very rare condition present from birth, affecting fewer than 200,000 women. Its cause isn’t fully understood but may involve genetic factors and abnormal collagen arrangement, leading to webbing or fusion of breast tissue across the midline.

• Acquired (Iatrogenic) Symmastia: More common than congenital, this usually develops after breast reconstruction or augmentation surgery. It can appear immediately or gradually over weeks, months, or years.

Surgical Factors

• Implants Too Close or Too Large: Implants that are too wide for the chest can push tissues together, erasing cleavage.
• Over-dissection of Tissue/Pockets: Excessive dissection near the sternum weakens medial breast tissue, allowing implants to migrate toward the center.
• Disruption of Midline Sternal Fascia: Damage to connective tissue along the sternum can cause loss of breast separation.
• Implant Placement Plane: Subpectoral (under the muscle) breast augmentation is the most common risk factor. Over-dissection or muscle forces can detach the pectoralis major muscle from the sternum, leading to symmastia.

Patient-Specific Factors

• Weak or Thin Breast Tissue: Insufficient tissue support can allow implants to shift.
• Natural Anatomy: A narrow sternum or wide chest wall may predispose to symmastia.
• Previous Surgeries: Multiple breast surgeries can weaken tissue quality.
• Aging, Lack of Exercise, Poor Nutrition: These can degrade muscle and connective tissue strength over time.

Symptoms and Impact on Patient Well-being

Symmastia mainly affects appearance, often causing low confidence and difficulty finding flattering clothes. Psychological distress is usually the biggest concern, though some experience soreness or discomfort from pressure on tissues and nerves. In rare severe cases, breathing difficulties may occur. Diagnosis involves a physical exam and sometimes imaging like MRI or CT scans.

Revision Breast Surgery: Correcting Symmastia

Revision breast surgery is the main treatment to restore natural breast separation and improve appearance. It’s highly customized, so consulting a specialist with experience in breast revision is essential.

Surgical Techniques for Correction

• Capsulorrhaphy and Capsulectomy:

  • Capsulorrhaphy tightens the implant capsule with internal sutures to keep implants in place.
  • Capsulectomy removes or releases tight scar tissue if capsular contracture is present.

• Internal Bra Technique / Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM) Reinforcement:

  • Uses surgical mesh or biologic grafts like ADM to create internal support, especially helpful when tissue is weak.

• Implant Adjustment (Size, Type, Plane Change):

  • Smaller implants may reduce tissue tension.
  • Switching implant types (e.g., saline to silicone) can be beneficial.
  • Changing implant placement from submuscular to subglandular (above the muscle) during revision can protect repaired muscles and improve stability.

• Muscle and Fascia Reattachment:

  • Reattaching the pectoralis major muscle to the sternum and suturing connective tissue helps restore separation. This requires immobilization for 4-6 weeks.

• Liposuction (for Congenital Cases):

  • Removing excess tissue via liposuction, attaching skin to the breastbone, and applying compression can correct congenital symmastia.

Procedure and Recovery Expectations

Recovery depends on surgery complexity. Patients receive detailed care instructions, including wearing supportive garments and limiting arm movement for 1-3 months to allow healing. Strict adherence to post-op protocols is crucial for success.

Which Are the Best Clinics in Korea for Symmastia?

Listed below are some of the best clinics in Korea for symmastia.

1. THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

For symmastia-related concerns, you can discuss your breast shape, tissue characteristics, and surgical history with a board-certified breast surgeon at THE PLUS. Its breast-surgery approach emphasizes individualized planning, endoscopic visualization for augmentation procedures, and structured postoperative monitoring, while the appropriate corrective plan should be determined during your consultation.

• URL: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website
• Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Breast surgery approach:
  • Dr. Lee is a board-certified plastic surgeon whose practice includes breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction surgery.
  • Breast augmentation planning may be tailored to your body type, including implant placement and incision selection, with full-HD endoscopic visualization.
  • For breast lifts, the clinic describes choosing donut, lollipop, or anchor approaches following a 3-D assessment of skin elasticity and breast shape.
• Care considerations:
  • Dr. Lee previously served as a Surgery Specialist at Seoul National University Hospital and completed additional clinical training at Seoul Metropolitan Boramae Hospital.
  • The clinic describes advanced sterilization protocols, systematic postoperative monitoring, and aftercare tailored to your healing pace.
  • English-language support and translator assistance are available for international visitors from consultation through recovery.

2. Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic

For symmastia-related breast concerns, Seojin offers detailed implant planning tools and anatomy-based breast-surgery techniques that can inform a personalized consultation. You can expect 3D modeling, implant fit assessment, and discussion with Dr. Lee Hyungmin about the breast approach appropriate to your anatomy and prior surgical circumstances.

• URL: Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic Website
• Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Planning and assessment:
  • 3D breast implant modeling can help you visualize and compare projected outcomes across implant brands and types.
  • A complimentary implant trial-bra service is described for assessing fit and design before surgery.
  • As a one-doctor clinic, Dr. Lee Hyungmin provides end-to-end care; the clinic states that he has more than 16 years of experience.
• Breast surgery techniques:
  • The Microscale Dual Plane technique is customized to your ribcage, breast tissue, and chest anatomy.
  • 3D spatial dissection is used to create a smooth implant pocket, with the clinic stating that it is intended to minimize postoperative swelling.
  • During augmentation, an intraoperative sizer may be used to check symmetry, shape, and size before the final implant is placed.
  • Hybrid breast augmentation combines implants with fat grafting; the clinic also describes PRP use with breast fat grafting.

3. Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic

For symmastia-related concerns, you can seek an individualized breast-surgery consultation through Okay Plastic Surgery’s specialized Breast Center. The clinic’s breast offering includes corrective and reshaping services, with Dr. Cho’s stated breast-surgery research experience and an emphasis on comprehensive aftercare.

• URL: Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic Website
• Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Breast-focused care:
  • Okay Plastic Surgery operates a specialized Breast Center with breast reduction, breast lift, and nipple-correction services.
  • Dr. Cho is described as having breast-surgery expertise, including research publication and experience with complex breast-reduction cases.
  • The clinic emphasizes individualized treatment and comprehensive aftercare aimed at natural, lasting results.
• Related breast services:
  • Available breast services include augmentation with implants or fat grafting, breast reduction, surgery for breast sagging, inverted-nipple correction, and gynecomastia surgery.
  • A consultation can help determine whether the clinic’s available breast procedures align with your symmastia-related concerns.

Navigating Revision Breast Surgery in South Korea: A Medical Tourist's Guide

Why South Korea is a Leading Destination for Cosmetic Surgery

South Korea is a top choice for medical tourists seeking cosmetic surgery due to advanced technology, skilled surgeons, and competitive prices. Seoul’s Gangnam district is Asia’s cosmetic surgery hub, known for surgeons who emphasize aesthetic harmony.

The Process of Getting Surgery in South Korea

• Initial Online Consultation: Free virtual consultations help assess needs and plan procedures.
• Travel and Accommodation: Clinics assist with travel and lodging arrangements near surgery centers.
• Pre-Surgical Consultation and Tests: In-person exams and tests finalize plans; translators ensure clear communication.
• Surgery Day: Patients stay under observation for 24 hours in comfortable facilities.
• Post-Operative Care: Follow-ups and wound care are thorough; patients usually stay 1-2 weeks for recovery.
• Medical Tourism Agencies: Agencies like Shin Medical and 365 Agency provide bilingual support, appointment booking, transportation, and 24/7 assistance, making the process smoother and safer.

Essential Tips for Foreign Patients

• Understand Korean beauty standards and communicate preferences clearly.
• Choose clinics with global accreditation and verified patient testimonials.
• Use digital tools like 3D modeling to visualize results.
• Ensure language support throughout the process.
• Discuss risks, scarring, and revision policies upfront.
• Prepare physically and mentally before surgery, including diet and medication management.
• Stay near the hospital during recovery and avoid busy holiday periods.
• Plan for an extended stay to allow proper healing and follow-up.

Costs of Revision Breast Surgery: South Korea vs. Global Destinations

Cost Ranges in South Korea

Revision breast surgery in South Korea typically costs between ₩13,000,000 and ₩22,000,000 KRW (~$8,944 to $15,136 USD). Some sources report wider ranges, highlighting the need for direct quotes.

What’s Included in Korean Surgical Packages

Packages often cover surgery fees, pre-op tests, overnight stays, and post-op care. Some include accommodation and transfers. A 10% deposit usually secures the procedure.

Comparative Costs by Country (USD)

Country	Procedure Type	Cost Range (USD)	Typical Inclusions/Considerations
USA	Breast Augmentation	$10,000 - $12,000	Surgeon, facility, anesthesia, meds, garments, tests
	Revision Breast Surgery	$28,200 - $170,000	Highly variable based on complexity
South Korea	Revision Breast Surgery	$8,944 - $15,136	Surgery, pre-op tests, overnight stays, post-op care
	Breast Implants (general)	$3,000 - $10,900	Varies by surgeon and technique
Thailand	Breast Implants (general)	$3,500 (2021 data)
	Revision Breast Surgery	$4,200 - $17,200
Turkey	Breast Augmentation	$5,500 - $6,000	Often includes tests, post-op care, accommodation, transport
	Revision Breast Surgery	$4,800 - $17,200
United Kingdom	Breast Augmentation	$10,000 - $12,000	High-quality care; often excludes accommodation/post-op care
Europe (General)	Breast Augmentation	$8,500 - $9,500	Competitive pricing; often excludes travel and accommodation
Malaysia	Revision Breast Surgery	$8,000 - $13,500	Includes insurance, tests, accommodation, transfers

Factors Influencing Cost

• Surgery complexity
• Surgeon’s expertise
• Clinic location and facilities
• Implant type and size
• Anesthesia and operating room fees
• Pre- and post-operative care extent

Financial Considerations for Medical Tourists

While South Korea offers advanced care at competitive prices, total costs include flights, accommodation for recovery (1-2 weeks or more), daily expenses, and insurance. Transparent, itemized quotes are essential. Medical tourism agencies can assist with pricing clarity and negotiating benefits. South Korea balances technology, surgeon skill, and patient support, though other countries may offer lower starting prices.

Patient Journeys: Addressing Symmastia Through Revision Surgery

Successful revision surgery can dramatically improve breast appearance and boost self-esteem. It also relieves discomfort and corrects implant malposition.

Examples of Successful Symmastia Correction

• Congenital Symmastia (Patient 161750 by Dr. Repta): After being told by 25 surgeons that her condition was unfixable, this patient underwent a specialized procedure involving liposuction, skin reattachment, and compression. Within two weeks, her cleavage and breast shape were restored, showing that even challenging cases can be corrected with expert care.

• Acquired Symmastia and Malposition (Patient by Dr. Repta): A patient with implants that were too wide and "bottoming out" underwent revision with narrower implants, pocket repair (capsulorrhaphy), and a breast lift revision. Six months later, her breast shape and separation were successfully restored, demonstrating how revision surgery can address multiple implant-related issues.

Importance of Choosing an Experienced Surgeon

These cases highlight the need for surgeons with specialized expertise in breast revision. Careful planning considering implant size, placement, anatomy, and tissue quality is key to lasting, optimal results and minimizing complications like symmastia.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

Symmastia, whether congenital or acquired, can be effectively corrected through specialized revision breast surgery involving tailored techniques like pocket repair, implant adjustment, and muscle reattachment. South Korea stands out as a medical tourism destination offering advanced expertise, comprehensive support, and competitive pricing, though total costs include travel and recovery expenses. Successful outcomes improve both appearance and psychological well-being, even in complex cases. The most important step is consulting a board-certified surgeon experienced in symmastia correction, prioritizing safety and comprehensive care over cost alone to ensure the best results.

References

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26