Poland syndrome in Paris 16 — surgical correction

Poland syndrome is a congenital malformation affecting one birth in 30,000, with two boys affected for every girl.

What is Poland syndrome?

What all patients with this syndrome have in common is the absence of the upper part of the pectoralis major muscle. This results in a hollow in the upper part of the chest and, in women, underdevelopment of the breast on the same side, markedly smaller than the other.

This syndrome is, in the vast majority of cases, one-sided.

Why consider correction?

Because this malformation often causes major psychological distress in young women and young men, who do not dare to undress, whether in a group or in intimacy.

The operation restores the balance between the two sides of the chest and makes an uninhibited social life possible again.

Which techniques in men?

To correct the muscle deficit, two options exist.

Lipofilling consists in reinjecting the patient's own fat to fill the hollow; it is the least invasive technique, often carried out over several sessions.

The latissimus dorsi flap, in its purely muscular form, is harvested through an incision in the armpit then swung from the back to the front, to occupy the position of the missing muscle. It is a more major procedure, reserved for significant deficits.

Which techniques in women?

To correct the underdevelopment of the breast, an implant is generally placed. Lipofilling or a flap may be used to correct the associated muscle deficit.

All three techniques can be combined where the malformation is extensive.

How does the operation proceed?

The operation takes place under general anaesthesia, with one to five nights in hospital depending on the technique used.

What is the recovery like?

It depends on the technique used.

Recovery from a flap is more painful: it is relatively major surgery requiring about a week in hospital. Collections of lymph may occur and require aspiration.

Recovery from lipofilling and from an implant is as described on the corresponding pages.

What follow-up after correction of Poland syndrome?

Correction frequently combines several operative stages, so follow-up extends over a longer period than after a single procedure. Nurses deliver local care, the anaesthetist follows pain relief, and two review consultations are scheduled after each stage, within seven days and between day ten and day fourteen. Manual lymphatic drainage and hyperbaric oxygen therapy are offered where the surgeon judges them indicated. See post-operative care.

When is the result final?

The result will be final after six months.

What are the risks?

Besides those linked to general anaesthesia: healing problems, collections of lymph, and the risks specific to implants and to lipofilling. The other, very rare complications are set out in detail in the SoFCPRE information leaflet.

Is Poland syndrome surgery reimbursed?

Yes. As this is a congenital malformation, the operation is covered by French health insurance.

Last updated: August 2026 · Medical content reviewed by Dr Benjamin Pulvermacker, board-qualified plastic surgeon in Paris 16.

Who this operation suits — and who it does not

Correction is for people with this congenital malformation — absence of the pectoralis major muscle, an underdeveloped or absent breast, associated chest wall anomalies — where the effect on appearance and on the person justifies it; it comes under reconstructive surgery and is reimbursed after prior agreement. In an adolescent, the timing is weighed against growth: operating too early invites revisions, waiting without support means needless distress; the balance is found case by case.

Limits and specific risks

Reconstruction is often staged: fat transfer over several sessions, a custom implant, or a combination of both depending on severity. Perfect symmetry with the unaffected side is not an achievable goal — improved appearance and ease under other people's gaze are. The risks depend on the technique: those of fat transfer (reabsorption, multiple sessions) or of an implant (capsular contracture, wear), on a chest whose particular anatomy makes every operative plan specific.