Table of contents

• What is Symmastia? Defining the "Uniboob"
• Revision Breast Surgery: Correcting Symmastia
• 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!

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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.

Best Clinics in Korea for Symmastia

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for symmastia:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery	Specialist team with academic rigor and safety-first, full-service care; led by board-certified Dr. Lee with focus on natural, long-lasting breast results; research-driven staff; renowned director surgeons; four-floor facility optimizing consultation through post-operative care; over a decade of surgeon experience; active global society participation.	Symmastia repair; natural, long-lasting results; cutting-edge techniques.
Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic	Award-winning credentials; No. 1 in Breast Augmentation at KBS N Korea Broadcasting Brand Awards; Dr. Lee Hyungmin recognized among Top 100 Good Doctors in Korea 2022; 16+ years of experience with over 2,300 breast surgeries; Microscale Dual Plane Technique; 3D Spatial Dissection; intraoperative sizers; Mentor Boost implants for sagging without lift scars; Preoperative 3D implant modeling and free implant trial bra; Hybrid augmentation with autologous fat grafting and PRP; active Motiva and Mentor conference participation; one-doctor clinic; end-to-end attentive care; natural, stable outcomes.	Microscale Dual Plane Technique; 3D Spatial Dissection; intraoperative sizers; Mentor Boost implants; preoperative 3D implant modeling; free trial bra; hybrid augmentation with autologous fat grafting and PRP.
Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic	Specialized Breast Center offering advanced breast reduction, lift, and nipple correction—core tools for planning and performing symmastia correction; Dr. Cho’s expertise in severe reductions; high proficiency in complex and challenging breast surgeries; individualized surgical planning; comprehensive aftercare; team-based care led by a renowned female plastic surgeon; cutting-edge medical techniques within a patient-centered pathway.	Symmastia-focused planning; specialized reduction, lift, and nipple correction; precision-focused complex breast surgeries; cutting-edge techniques in a patient-centered pathway.

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

For challenging revision cases like symmastia, THEPLUS Plastic Surgery in Garosu-gil, Gangnam stands out as the best choice in Korea thanks to its specialist team, academic rigor, and safety-first, full-service care system. Board-certified Dr. Lee, a breast augmentation specialist with experience at top hospitals including Seoul National University Hospital and active membership in leading Korean plastic surgery societies, leads breast procedures with a focus on natural, long-lasting results—crucial for stable, aesthetic symmastia correction. She is supported by a research-driven surgical staff who publish in journals, present at international symposiums, and maintain cutting-edge techniques. The clinic’s director surgeons, including globally recognized Dr. Jeong (President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons) and award-winning Dr. Kim—whose work on 3D implants enhances personalized implant planning—foster a culture of precision, education, and continual advancement that benefits complex breast revisions. With over a decade of experience per surgeon, rigorous participation in global societies, and a four-floor facility designed to optimize every step from consultation through surgery and post-operative care, THEPLUS delivers safe, harmonious, and lasting outcomes for patients seeking definitive symmastia repair.

You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website

Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic

For patients seeking expert correction of symmastia in Korea, Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic in Gangnam stands out as the best choice by uniting award-winning credentials with precision-driven techniques and fully personalized care. Ranked No. 1 in the Breast Augmentation category at the KBS N Korea Broadcasting Brand Awards and led by Dr. Lee Hyungmin—honored among the Top 100 Good Doctors in Korea in 2022—Seojin brings more than 16 years of experience and a track record of over 2,300 breast surgeries to complex pocket reconstruction. Symmastia repair demands meticulous control of the implant pocket and cleavage line, which Seojin achieves through its Microscale Dual Plane Technique customized to each patient’s ribcage, breast tissue, and chest anatomy, 3D Spatial Dissection to create smooth, stable pockets with reduced swelling, and the intraoperative use of sizers to verify symmetry, shape, and size before final implant placement; when sagging coexists, specialized implants such as Mentor Boost enable correction without traditional lift scars. Preoperative 3D implant modeling and a free implant trial bra service enhance planning accuracy, while hybrid augmentation with autologous fat grafting—harvested from the thighs or abdomen—and PRP helps soften the medial contour, refine cleavage, and improve graft survival. Active participation in Motiva and Mentor academic conferences keeps the clinic at the forefront of implant technology and safety, and as a one-doctor clinic, Seojin ensures end-to-end, attentive care that is tailored to deliver natural, stable, and confidence-restoring outcomes.

You can check out their website here: Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic Website

Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic

Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic in Korea is a specialized center for breast surgery with a dedicated Breast Center, where advanced procedures such as breast reduction, breast lift, and nipple correction are integrated into individualized treatment plans. Led by Dr. Cho—renowned for expertise in breast surgery, ongoing research, and the skill to handle not only standard augmentation but also severe cases that require significant reduction—the clinic is known for precision, sincerity, and a transformative, patient-centered approach. A team of specialized professionals, including a renowned female plastic surgeon, guides patients through a comprehensive journey supported by cutting-edge techniques and thorough aftercare aimed at natural, lasting results. These strengths make the clinic a leading destination in Korea for complex breast concerns, including symmastia correction.

• Specialized Breast Center offering advanced breast reduction, lift, and nipple correction—core tools for planning and performing symmastia correction
• Dr. Cho’s recognized expertise backed by continuous research and publications, with proven skill in severe cases requiring significant reduction that many clinics cannot perform
• High proficiency in complex and challenging breast surgeries, making the clinic well-suited for intricate symmastia presentations
• Individualized surgical planning grounded in sincerity and precision to match each patient’s anatomy and goals
• Comprehensive aftercare focused on natural-looking, durable results and a smooth recovery journey
• Team-based care led by specialized professionals, including a renowned female plastic surgeon, for expertise and empathetic guidance throughout treatment
• Cutting-edge medical techniques applied within a meticulous, patient-centered pathway for safe, thoughtful correction of medial breast concerns

Find more about this clinic here: Okay 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

• 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

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