Medical Tourism Blog
Revise Symmastia with Breast Surgery in Korea: Effective Solutions for a Natural Look
Table of contents
- What is Symmastia? Defining the "Uniboob"
- Revision Breast Surgery: Correcting Symmastia
- Best Clinics in Korea
- 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
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:
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Best Clinics in Korea
Listed below are the best clinics in Korea:
| Clinic Name | Key Features | Special Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic | Premier destination for symmastia correction in Korea; led by Dr. Cho, a specialist in breast surgery; extensive research and published work; personalized care tailored to unique anatomy and aesthetic goals; team includes a distinguished female plastic surgeon; combines cutting-edge medical technology with empathetic patient care | Expertise in complex breast reduction cases; sincere, precise, and personalized surgical approach |
| THEPLUS Plastic Surgery | Located in Garosu-gil, Gangnam, Seoul; team of highly experienced, board-certified surgeons; four-floor facility for comprehensive care; surgeons active in international societies and research; personalized treatment plans; commitment to patient safety and satisfaction; educational leadership with workshops and seminars; proven track record in complex revision surgeries | Multidisciplinary team approach; advanced surgical suites and post-operative skincare; focus on harmony, function, and beauty in symmastia correction |
| Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic | Led by Dr. Lee Hyungmin with 16+ years experience and 2,300+ breast surgeries; ranked No. 1 in Breast Augmentation Category at KBS N Korea Broadcasting Brand Awards; Dr. Lee named Top 100 Good Doctors in Korea 2022; one-doctor clinic providing personalized care; free breast implant trial bra service; hybrid breast augmentation combining implants with fat grafting and PRP | Microscale Dual Plane method; 3D Spatial Dissection; 3D breast implant modeling; intraoperative sizers; hybrid breast augmentation with PRP for softness and longevity |
Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic
Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic stands out as the premier destination for symmastia correction in Korea, led by the esteemed Dr. Cho, a specialist renowned for her exceptional expertise in breast surgery. Dr. Cho’s extensive research and published work in the field underscore her deep commitment to advancing breast surgical techniques, particularly in complex cases that require significant breast reduction—procedures that many clinics are unable to perform. At Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic, the approach to symmastia and other breast concerns goes beyond routine surgery; it is rooted in sincerity, precision, and personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. Supported by a team of highly skilled professionals, including a distinguished female plastic surgeon, the clinic offers a comprehensive, transformative journey that combines cutting-edge medical technology with empathetic patient care. This dedication ensures that patients receive not only expert surgical outcomes but also a holistic experience focused on their individual needs, making Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic the best choice for symmastia treatment in Korea.
You can check out their website here: Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic Website
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery
THE PLUS Plastic Surgery, located in the vibrant Garosu-gil area of Gangnam, Seoul, is a premier destination for advanced cosmetic procedures, including specialized treatment for symmastia in Korea. The clinic is distinguished by its team of highly experienced, board-certified surgeons who are not only skilled practitioners but also leading medical researchers and educators in the field of plastic surgery. With a comprehensive four-floor facility designed to provide seamless care from consultation to post-operative recovery, THE PLUS offers personalized treatment plans that prioritize patient safety, natural results, and long-term satisfaction. The clinic’s surgeons, including Dr. Kim, Dr. Jeong, and Dr. Lee, bring a wealth of expertise in breast surgery, facial contouring, and rhinoplasty, making THE PLUS the best choice for patients seeking expert correction of symmastia with a focus on harmony, function, and beauty.
Why THE PLUS Plastic Surgery is the best clinic for symmastia treatment in Korea:
- Led by Dr. Lee, a board-certified breast augmentation specialist with extensive experience at top Korean hospitals, ensuring expert care in breast-related procedures.
- A multidisciplinary team approach combining surgical precision with aesthetic balance to restore natural breast contours and correct symmastia effectively.
- State-of-the-art facilities spanning four floors dedicated to comprehensive patient care, including advanced surgical suites and post-operative skincare.
- Surgeons actively involved in international plastic surgery societies and research, guaranteeing the latest techniques and innovations are applied.
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and aesthetic goals, emphasizing natural, long-lasting results.
- Commitment to patient safety and satisfaction, supported by over a decade of clinical experience and numerous academic contributions.
- Educational leadership by the clinic’s surgeons, who regularly conduct workshops and seminars, reflecting their status as trusted experts in the field.
- Proven track record in complex revision surgeries, including symmastia correction, with meticulous attention to detail and functional outcomes.
You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website
Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic
Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic stands out as the premier destination for symmastia correction in Korea due to its unparalleled expertise, advanced technology, and personalized care under the leadership of Dr. Lee Hyungmin. With over 16 years of experience and more than 2,300 breast surgeries performed, the clinic has earned top honors such as being ranked No. 1 in the Breast Augmentation Category at the KBS N Korea Broadcasting Brand Awards and Dr. Lee’s recognition as one of the Top 100 Good Doctors in Korea in 2022. Seojin Clinic employs cutting-edge techniques like the Microscale Dual Plane method and 3D Spatial Dissection to tailor surgeries precisely to each patient’s anatomy, ensuring natural, symmetrical results while minimizing complications and recovery time. Their use of innovative tools such as 3D breast implant modeling and intraoperative sizers allows patients to visualize outcomes and achieve optimal implant placement. Additionally, the clinic offers unique benefits like a free breast implant trial bra service and hybrid breast augmentation combining implants with fat grafting enhanced by PRP to improve softness and longevity. As a one-doctor clinic, Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic provides highly personalized, comprehensive care from consultation through recovery, making it the trusted choice for those seeking expert symmastia treatment in Korea.
You can check out their website here: Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic Website
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
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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.
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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
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