Poland's Syndrome is rarely recognized syndrome characterized by underdevelopment of one breast and underlying pectoralis muscle.  Thee may be an underlying developmental problem with the ribs and or breast bone (sternum).  Rarely there are also developmental problems with the upper extremity.  Patients, especially women, with the most mild form of Poland's often appear normal except for marked underdevelopment of a breast.  The underlying pectoralis muscle is usually also underdeveloped but unrecognized. Many women have this corrected, even without a diagnosis being made, by having a breast implant placed. Often the correction is only borderline because of the tight skin envelope and smaller nipple areolar complex. In some, the implants are replaced multiple times because of implant failures or a poor aesthetic result. Some women have sought a better, natural and permanent reconstruction. The DIEP flap offers such an answer.  With the DIEP flap a soft natural breast can be created.

 

The top two photos show a patient with Poland's Syndrome who has had a breast reconstruction with  an implant.  The implant has depressed the rib cage.  In the bottom two photos the implant has been removed and the right breast reconstructed with a DIEP flap.  The left breast has been lifted slightly.  There is no implant. Some of the scars are still red and will fade further.    Other resources: www.polands-syndrome.com or for an excellent discussion forum click here