Poland Syndrome

Poland syndrome is characterized by a variety of malformations that can vary from one patient to another:

• Hypoplasia or absence of the pectoralis major muscle: This is the most common characteristic of Poland syndrome. The pectoralis major muscle on one side of the body may be underdeveloped or completely absent, which results in asymmetry of the chest wall.
• Breast hypoplasia (reduced volume of the affected breast) or even agenesis of the gland in some cases.
• Smaller and higher position of the areola-nipple complex.
• Rib anomalies: Underdevelopment or absence of the upper ribs, which contributes to thoracic asymmetry.
• Finger and toe malformations.
• Cardiac, renal, and other internal organ malformations.

The etiology of Poland syndrome remains uncertain; however, a genetic and embryonic origin is suspected. This condition may result from an anomaly in the development of one or more vasculo-neural pedicles, particularly those responsible for the primary vascularization of the pectoralis major muscle.

In the context of Poland syndrome, surgical treatments in breast surgery aim to correct breast anomalies, including hypoplasia or aplasia of the breast. Here are the main surgical interventions used:

• Breast implants: The use of implants is a common solution to reconstruct an underdeveloped or absent breast. This technique aims to restore symmetry and breast volume.
• Breast reconstruction: Reconstruction may involve the use of autologous tissues (from the patient themselves), such as tissue flaps taken from other parts of the body, to rebuild the breast.
• Correction of breast asymmetry: Mastopexy or breast lift if one breast is affected by ptosis, breast reduction of the opposite breast if one breast is significantly larger than the other.
• Lipofilling: This technique involves injecting fat harvested from another area of the body into the breast, thereby enhancing volume and shape in a more natural way.
• Correction of nipple and areolar anomalies: Interventions may also be performed to reconstruct or correct nipple and areolar anomalies, aiming for a more natural and symmetrical appearance.

All these interventions are performed under general anesthesia and typically require an overnight hospital stay or 24-hour observation.

Treatment for Poland syndrome is individualized, depending on each patient. During your initial consultation with Dr. Benjamin Sarfati, a targeted clinical examination will determine the appropriate surgical approach and interventions needed. It’s important to note that multiple surgical procedures are often necessary for comprehensive and optimal management of Poland syndrome.

Your practitioner will provide details about each procedure, pre-operative precautions, procedural steps, post-operative instructions, and any necessary information during your consultations.

The cost of treatment for Poland syndrome varies depending on the procedure used, the type of implants, whether it’s combined with lipofilling, etc. After the initial consultation, your surgeon will provide a detailed estimate.

If Poland syndrome is recognized as disabling, surgery may be partially covered by social security. Please note that in the case of implants, the prosthesis is not reimbursed.