What is a Uniboob (Symmastia): Symptoms and How to Treat It

A “uniboob,” scientifically referred to as symmastia, is a condition where the breasts appear to be joined together without a distinct cleavage. It creates the appearance of a single, unified breast instead of the natural separation between the two breasts.

The term uniboob is commonly used to describe this aesthetic issue, while symmastia is the medical term that captures both congenital and surgically-induced cases.

Symmastia: Causes and Symptoms

Symmastia can be either congenital (present from birth) or acquired, typically occurring after breast augmentation surgery. In congenital cases, the chest wall and breast tissue form abnormally, leading to the merging of breast tissue across the sternum. This is often due to genetics and the way the breast tissue develops in the early stages of life.

In acquired symmastia, the issue usually arises due to complications from breast augmentation surgery. If implants are placed too closely together or if the skin and tissue are stretched too tightly during surgery, the result may be a uniboob. This is especially common when excessively large implants are used for a small chest frame or when the natural separation between the breasts is compromised by the surgical technique.

Symptoms

The symptoms of symmastia can vary in severity, but common signs include:

• No visible cleavage: A key symptom is the lack of a defined cleavage line between the breasts.
• Breast discomfort: Some individuals experience discomfort or tightness in the chest, especially after surgery.
• Bra fitting issues: Standard bras may not provide the proper support, as the lack of cleavage makes it difficult for bras to stay in place and support the breasts individually.
• Visible skin pulling: There may be visible tension or pulling across the skin between the breasts, making the chest area appear overly tight.

Uniboob vs Normal: Key Differences

To better understand the difference between a uniboob and a normal breast structure, it’s essential to consider breast anatomy. In a normal breast structure, there is a natural separation between the two breasts, creating a well-defined cleavage.

The breasts are supported by the chest wall and skin, which holds them in their respective positions. On the other hand, in symmastia, this separation is lost, and the breasts appear joined together.

A normal breast augmentation aims to enhance the size and shape of the breasts while maintaining a natural cleavage. However, in cases where symmastia develops, the lack of separation leads to an abnormal appearance, often resulting in a less aesthetically pleasing outcome for individuals who have undergone breast surgery.

Symmastia Treatment Options

Treating symmastia often requires a combination of surgical techniques and non-surgical solutions. Depending on the cause and severity of the condition, individuals may need different approaches:

Non-Surgical Solutions

• Specialised bras: In some cases of mild symmastia, wearing specially designed bras can help separate the breasts and provide additional support.
• Compression garments: These are sometimes recommended to help support the breast tissue and reduce the tension that may contribute to symmastia.

Surgical Treatment

For more severe cases, particularly those caused by breast augmentation surgery, surgical intervention may be required. Common symmastia treatment options include:

• Capsulorrhaphy: This surgical technique involves tightening the breast capsule, which surrounds the implant. This helps to restore the cleavage by recontouring the space between the breasts.
• Implant repositioning or removal: If the symmastia was caused by improperly placed breast implants, the surgeon may need to remove, replace, or reposition the implants to recreate the natural separation.
• Tissue reconstruction: In cases where the skin or breast tissue has been excessively stretched, reconstruction may be necessary to restore the natural tension and alignment of the breasts.