Poland Syndrome: Reconstructive Solutions by Prof. Dr. Karaaltin

Poland Syndrome is a rare congenital condition characterised by the underdevelopment or absence of the pectoralis major muscle on one side of the body, often accompanied by ipsilateral hand and upper-limb anomalies. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Veli Karaaltin has developed a particular clinical interest in this condition, driven by a commitment to restoring both form and function for affected patients.

Understanding Poland Syndrome

First described by Sir Alfred Poland in 1841, the syndrome occurs in approximately 1 in 20,000 live births, with a slight male predominance. The hallmark feature is unilateral absence of the sternal head of the pectoralis major, but severity varies widely—from subtle chest asymmetry to significant rib-cage depression and hand abnormalities (symbrachydactyly).

Why Dr. Karaaltin Focuses on Poland Syndrome

Prof. Dr. Karaaltin recognised that Poland Syndrome patients often face a fragmented care pathway, consulting multiple specialists without a unified reconstructive plan. His approach integrates aesthetic and reconstructive principles into a single-stage or carefully staged surgical strategy, addressing the chest wall, soft-tissue volume, and nipple–areola position simultaneously.

Surgical Options

1. Custom Silicone Implants

For patients with significant pectoralis absence, a custom-carved solid silicone implant replicates the missing muscle bulk. The implant is placed through an axillary or inframammary incision and positioned subfascially to achieve symmetry with the contralateral side.

2. Autologous Fat Grafting

In milder cases, microfat and nanofat grafting can restore volume and improve skin quality over the affected area. Prof. Dr. Karaaltin employs his refined Stempia™-assisted technique to maximise fat-graft survival and deliver a natural contour.

3. Latissimus Dorsi Flap Transfer

When significant soft-tissue coverage is needed—particularly in female patients requiring breast reconstruction—the latissimus dorsi muscle can be transposed to the anterior chest wall, combined with an implant or fat grafting for optimal projection.

4. Combined Approach

Many patients benefit from a combination of implant placement and fat grafting, staged over two sessions. This layered strategy delivers the most natural result, with the implant providing structural projection and fat grafting refining surface contour and transition zones.

Addressing the Psychological Impact

Poland Syndrome frequently affects body image and self-confidence from adolescence. Prof. Dr. Karaaltin emphasises the importance of psychological readiness and provides compassionate, patient-centred counselling as part of the surgical journey.

Results and Follow-Up

Outcomes are assessed at three, six, and twelve months post-operatively using standardised photography and 3-D surface scanning. Most patients achieve excellent symmetry and report significant improvements in quality of life and self-esteem.

A Commitment to Rare-Condition Expertise

Prof. Dr. Karaaltin continues to present his Poland Syndrome cases at international meetings and contributes to the growing body of literature on reconstructive solutions for this underserved patient population.