I Thought It Was Simply Uneven Breasts... Poland Syndrome?

Hello.

I am Director Shin Seung-han of 맘스외과성형외과.

Today, I would like to talk about Poland syndrome.

The word “syndrome” refers to a collection of a series of symptoms.

Poland syndrome also refers to a congenital condition in which several characteristic symptoms occur.

People who visit the hospital often have one breast that is significantly smaller than the other, rather than the other symptoms.

They come in after searching online and thinking that they may have Poland syndrome.

In fact, the most significant features of this syndrome are not limited to the breasts.

Originally, the term referred to abnormalities of the chest muscles and fingers occurring on the same side,

for example, the right breast and the fingers on the right hand—abnormalities of the chest wall and fingers occurring on the same side.

When one side of the chest muscles is improperly formed, varying degrees of underdevelopment on one side may occur.

It can appear in various forms, such as:

• One breast being significantly smaller than the other
• One nipple or areola being smaller than the other
• A nipple or areola positioned excessively high
• One breast being absent

Since it is called Poland syndrome,

some people wonder,

“Is it a disease that originated in Poland?”

In 1841, Dr. Alfred Poland of England was the first to describe this condition and conduct anatomical research on it.

It was named Poland syndrome in his honor.

At the time, however, it was considered a relatively unimportant discovery and did not receive much attention.

Then, 120 years later, in 1962, a doctor working at the same hospital happened to see Dr. Poland’s records in the hospital museum.

By adding his own research and publishing it, the condition became widely known.

Poland syndrome is known to occur in approximately 1 out of every 30,000 people.

Based on population proportions, it is estimated that there may be approximately 1,000 to 2,000 patients in South Korea as well.

It is also known to occur more often in men than in women, and is approximately twice as common on the right side.

The cause of Poland syndrome is not yet known.

When one breast is significantly smaller due to Poland syndrome, there are generally two treatment options:

1. Using an implant
2. Restoring breast volume with a latissimus dorsi flap

However, because the difference in asymmetry between the two sides is often substantial, it is difficult to achieve symmetry by treating only the smaller side.

Therefore, the relatively larger breast must also be corrected through a lift or reduction surgery in order to create balanced breasts on both sides.

Usually, asymmetry is corrected by:

• Reducing the larger side
• Augmenting the smaller side

People whose one breast is excessively small often blame themselves, wondering,

“Why did this happen only to me?”

Rather than becoming overwhelmed by this concern and sinking into deep despair, I hope you will remember that a good solution can be found through proper consultation.

Thank you.