23-Year-Old Adult Pectus Excavatum Case: Before and After Vacuum Bell Treatment

Case Background

Pectus Excavatum can persist into adulthood and is characterized by a sunken sternum and inward depression of the anterior chest wall.

At age 23, the chest wall is fully mature, and cartilage flexibility is significantly reduced, making non-surgical correction more challenging.

However, some adult patients still seek non-surgical options for chest wall improvement.

This case documents the chest wall appearance of a 23-year-old adult before treatment and after 18 months of Vacuum Bell therapy.

Initial Evaluation

Age

23 years old

Initial Assessment Date

December 2021

Main Findings

• Pronounced central sternal depression

• Uneven anterior chest wall contour

• Visible pectus excavatum

• Fully mature chest wall structure

Adult Pectus Excavatum Characteristics

At age 23:

• Fully developed chest wall

• Reduced cartilage flexibility

• Fixed deformity pattern

• Slower response to non-surgical treatment

Treatment Method

Treatment

Vacuum Bell Therapy

Approach

Non-surgical chest wall management

Goals

• Improve chest appearance

• Reduce visible depression

• Improve chest symmetry

• Optimize chest wall contour

Before Treatment

Clinical Observation

A clear sternal depression was observed, consistent with pectus excavatum.

The chest wall structure appeared fully mature and rigid.

After 18 Months

Clinical Observation

Compared with baseline:

• Changes in chest wall appearance were observed

• Reduction in sternal depression

• Improved anterior chest contour

• Better chest symmetry

Clinical Observation Summary

Based on image comparison:

Sternal Area

Visible changes in chest wall contour were observed.

Chest Wall Contour

The anterior chest wall appeared smoother.

Chest Appearance

The chest contour appeared more natural.

Symmetry

Improved balance between both sides of the chest.

Importance of Adult Management

Even in adulthood:

• Aesthetic concerns remain significant

• Non-surgical options may still be considered

• Outcomes depend heavily on chest wall rigidity

FAQ

Can Vacuum Bell still work at age 23?

It may be effective in selected patients depending on chest wall flexibility.

Is improvement possible in adults?

Yes, but results vary significantly and are generally slower.

Is surgery required for adults?

Not always; depends on symptoms and clinical evaluation.

Important Notice

This case is provided for educational purposes only.

Individual outcomes vary depending on anatomy, chest wall structure, and treatment response.

Interested in Adult Non-Surgical Chest Wall Treatment?

EMK  Yikang Medical provides:

✓ Professional Chest Wall Evaluation
✓ CT Imaging Analysis
✓ 3D Chest Wall Reconstruction
✓ Customized Design Based on CT or 3D Modeling
✓ Long-Term Follow-Up Support

 Contact our team for a personalized assessment.