Poland’s Syndrome Surgery in Houston, TX

Poland Syndrome is a puzzling condition that starts before birth. It consists of deficient muscle and subcutaneous (under the skin) fat on one side of the body, usually the right side. There are conflicting claims as to whether it affects males more often than females.

Who was Sir Alfred Poland?

Poland Syndrome refers to a man, not a country — it got its moniker from Sir Alfred Poland, an English surgeon. Sir Poland first noticed and described the condition in 1841, when he was still in medical school. Although he did not do this alone, he was a unique and colorful individual, so his name has remained attached to the condition.

Poland Syndrome presents differently in each individual. In terms of day to day functioning, disability impacts are relatively mild. Many of our patients with this condition come to us in search of both cosmetic and reconstructive solutions.

The two definitive symptoms of Poland Syndrome are:

• Part of the pectoral chest muscles are missing
• The breast or nipple is underdeveloped

In addition, other symptoms may be present:

• Neighboring muscle tissue may be missing, such as from rib muscle (serratus) and back muscle (latissimus dorsi, which you can feel if you extend your arms out sideways and rotate them)
• There may be missing ribs
• The shoulder bone (scapula) is small and elevated
• The arm and hand are underdeveloped
• The fingers on the affected side may be shortened and webbed
• Underarm hair may be patchy or missing

It can be mild or severe, and mild cases may often go undiagnosed — at least until the adult comes to get treatment. More severe cases are often diagnosed at birth or soon afterward. Chest X-rays and a CT scan can help in identifying which muscle tissue is affected.

Poland Syndrome is something which one is born with; it begins in utero. Though the cause is not established, Poland Syndrome appears to start during the sixth week of gestation, due to a disruption in blood flow (the subclavian artery). When this happens, reduced blood supply interferes with the development of the chest and arm areas. If the artery is blocked closer to the heart, the resulting condition is more severe. It is related to other conditions, namely Mobius syndrome and Klippel-feil syndrome, which develop when the artery is blocked in different areas.

The process for treating Poland’s Syndrome begins with a consultation. Dr. Lapuerta will meet with you to discuss the surgery and explain what he will do. He’ll provide information about the recovery process and any restrictions you’ll have after the surgery. He conducts a physical exam to help develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient’s Poland’s Syndrome surgery in Houston.

For the day of surgery, you’ll come to the Plastic Surgery Institute of Southeast Texas (PSI) or a clinic or hospital where Dr. Lapuerta has surgical privileges. You’ll be given general anesthesia in most cases for the surgery, which takes about one hour. The surgeon places an implant in the chest after making an incision. In some cases, lipofilling (fat transfer) may be necessary to achieve symmetry between the two sides.

You may be sent home with compression garments to control the swelling and will be limited in activity for the first couple of weeks. You must avoid strenuous activity for up to six weeks while the incision heals.

If you need a surgeon for Poland’s Syndrome surgery in Houston, you want to find one experienced in performing this type of surgery. This procedure is different from other plastic surgeries and requires someone who understands the varying levels of severity, which is why you choose a board-certified surgeon.

Dr. Lapuerta develops a unique treatment plan for every patient to ensure they get the best care. As a triple-board-certified plastic surgeon, he stays up to date on new techniques for procedures. He also believes that a personalized approach is better than a cookie-cutter method, which translates into exceptional patient satisfaction.

When Dr. Lapuerta meets with you for a consultation, he’ll perform a physical exam and conduct tests to determine the severity of Poland’s Syndrome. During the surgery, he will determine how much fat tissue must be added and the size of the implant needed to make the affected side of the body the same size as the other side.

Recovery can take a few weeks. You’ll spend the first few days resting with some pain and discomfort expected. As the swelling goes down, you’ll begin to see the results. You’ll notice an improvement aesthetically and functionally, even though it will take time to regain your strength and have the restrictions lifted.

Dr. Lapuerta’s office is a dedicated plastic surgery facility where you’ll have a team to take care of you and reduce the risk of infection. He is dedicated to working on the aesthetic and functional aspects of Poland’s Syndrome so you can fully use the affected side and won’t be self-conscious about the way you look.

Patients appreciate his ability to provide exceptional results with a Poland’s Syndrome surgery procedure in Texas, but they also focus on his bedside manner. Dr. Lapuerta is known for his compassionate nature and his understanding that plastic surgery is as much about mental health as it is about physical appearance. While minor cases of Poland’s Syndrome may not be noticeable to others, more severe cases can impact the way you feel about yourself. Dr. Lapuerta takes the time to discuss the patient’s goals and show them the possible results while also managing their expectations. His goal is for the patient to feel better about themselves after the surgery and recovery period.

If you are considering options for the repair of any chest deformities associated with the congenital condition of Poland’s Syndrome, we might be able to help. Whether it is you or a loved one who is suffering from this condition, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We will invite you to our clinic for a consultation, where we can discuss your options. Give us a call at (713) 489-0169 or book online to meet with Dr. Lapuerta to take your first step towards treating Poland’s Syndrome.