Pectus Carinatum

What to Expect After Surgery

1. Hospital Stay:
   • Most patients stay in the hospital for 2–4 days after surgery for monitoring and pain management.
2. Pain and Discomfort:
   • Pain is managed effectively with medication.
   • Mild swelling or bruising around the incision sites is normal and subsides within a week.
3. Activity Restrictions:
   • Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities, including sports and heavy lifting, for 4–6 weeks.
4. Follow-Up Visits:
   • Regular check-ups ensure proper healing and adjustment of any devices (e.g., braces or support bars).

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

1. Breathing Exercises:
   • Helps improve lung capacity and overall respiratory function.
   • Reduces stiffness around the chest area.
2. Postural Training:
   • Encourages correct alignment of the spine and chest to maintain results.
3. Light Physical Activity:
   • Walking and gentle stretching speed up recovery without straining the body.

Long-term Results and Monitoring

1. Surgical Outcomes:
   • Most patients achieve permanent correction with proper care.
   • Follow-up imaging confirms the success of the procedure.
2. Non-Surgical Success:
   • Bracing and vacuum therapies often show sustained results when worn as recommended.
3. Regular Monitoring:
   • Annual check-ups are recommended to ensure no recurrence or complications.