⏳ How Long Does VB Treatment Take? Understanding the Timeline for Pectus Correction
⏳ How Long Does VB Treatment Take?
Understanding the Timeline for Pectus Correction
When starting Vacuum Bell therapy, one of the most common questions is:
How long will it take to see results?
The answer varies from person to person and depends on several factors, including:
✅ The severity of your Pectus Excavatum
✅ Consistency in using the VB (2-4 hours daily is recommended)
✅ Commitment to postural exercises & strength training
✅ Age and chest flexibility (younger patients often see faster progress)
Let’s break down the average treatment durations and what to expect at each stage.
📅 Average Timeframe for VB Results
🟢 Mild Cases (6-12 months)
If your pectus is mild and you are consistent with VB usage and postural exercises, you may achieve significant flattening within 6 to 12 months.
🔵 Moderate to Severe Cases (1.5 - 2+ years)
For deeper chest depressions, full correction may take 1.5 to 2 years.
The key here is long-term consistency—the more disciplined you are, the faster and more effective your progress.
🛠️ The Importance of the Maintenance Period
Even after achieving a flat chest, it’s crucial to continue using the VB for at least 6 more months.
This allows the body to fully adapt to the new position and prevents relapse.
Think of it like braces for your teeth—if you don’t wear a retainer, your teeth shift back over time.
The same applies to pectus correction.
The body naturally tries to return to its original shape unless reinforced through:
✔️ Continued VB use (at least 6 months after correction)
✔️ Postural exercises & strength training
✔️ Gradual transition away from VB instead of stopping abruptly
🚨 Why Maintenance Is Critical – Even After Surgery
Many patients who undergo Nuss surgery are surprised when their chest gradually sinks back after 1-2 years.
This happens because the body’s natural tendency is to return to its original state.
How to prevent relapse after Nuss surgery?
✔️ Use the Vacuum Bell as a post-surgical maintenance tool
✔️ Follow a structured postural and muscle-strengthening program
✔️ Stay consistent for at least 6 months after the bars are removed
Unfortunately, many doctors don’t warn patients about this risk.
That’s why so many people come to us after surgery, looking for a way to fix a relapse. Prevention is always better than correction.
📌 The Key Takeaways
✅ VB therapy duration varies from person to person
Mild cases may take 6-12 months, while severe cases may need 1.5-2+ years.
✅ Consistency is everything
Daily use (2-4 hours) + exercises = faster and better results.
✅ The maintenance period is just as important as the initial correction.
Use the VB for at least 6 months after flattening.
✅ Even after Nuss surgery, the chest can relapse.
VB therapy helps stabilize long-term results.
If you’re committed and patient, VB therapy can be life-changing.
The results are worth the effort. 💪
📨 Need More Guidance?
If you have any questions or need help structuring your treatment plan, feel free to reach out!
