Is Your Teen Suffering From Poland's Syndrome? What Are The Best Treatment And Reconstruction Options?

The teen years can be replete with self-image issues, especially in modern society where certain body types are extolled and others marginalized. In many cases, teens who are teased or ostracized for looking a bit different from the norm will grow into their "look" as adults and go on to live happy, well-adjusted lives. However, if your teen daughter has Poland's Syndrome -- a genetic condition that can manifest itself in severely underdeveloped muscles and breast tissue on one side of the body -- you may be worried that time and maturity alone won't be enough to correct these issues. Read on to learn more about the best treatment and reconstruction options for a teen who has been diagnosed with Poland's Syndrome.

What are the best treatment options for a teen with Poland's Syndrome?

Although Poland's Syndrome is a congenital condition generally present at birth, it's often not diagnosed until around puberty, when the absence or abnormally small size of your teen or tween's pectoral muscle becomes much more pronounced. In some cases, the nipple and areola on the affected side are smaller or differently positioned than those on the non-affected side, and in severe situations, a portion of the chest wall itself may be absent, leading to a caved-in look. Teens -- especially teen girls -- who have Poland's Syndrome may be reluctant to change in public locker rooms, go swimming, or be seen in any situation that won't allow them to wear figure-disguising undergarments. If left untreated, this condition could result in lifelong self-esteem issues and may affect your teen's ability to breastfeed children when she reaches her adult years.

In general, the most effective long-lasting treatment is reconstructive surgery in which the chest wall and pectoral muscle are rebuilt to provide a supportive structure for breast tissue. Depending upon your teen's breast development and the amount of time that has elapsed since puberty, a breast or pectoral implant may also be placed during this reconstructive surgery.

How old should your teen be before seeking reconstructive surgery for his or her Poland's Syndrome?

While it's important to correct these issues sooner rather than later, if your teen undergoes surgery while still in the throes of puberty, it's possible this surgery will need to be revised later. Most reconstructive surgeons recommend that puberty be at least one year in the rearview mirror (and breast size be stable during this time) before undergoing Poland's Syndrome reconstruction. However, some exceptions may exist -- and if your teen's physical manifestations of this disorder are significantly affecting his or her mental or emotional health, you may want to investigate surgery sooner just so your teen knows of his or her future options.

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