💔 The Heartbreaking Reality of Pectus Excavatum Relapse

Imagine enduring two years with a metal bar inside your chest—restricted movement, constant discomfort, and the mental toll of surgery—only to watch your pectus excavatum return once the bar is removed. 😞

Unfortunately, this is the reality for many who undergo the NUSS procedure. While the surgery can be effective, relapse is a risk that too many patients face. However, scientific research shows that Vacuum Bell therapy (VB) before and after surgery is crucial in preventing or minimizing relapse.

🚨 Why Does Pectus Excavatum Return?

The NUSS procedure corrects pectus excavatum by inserting a metal bar behind the sternum to push it outward. The bar remains in place for around three years, allowing the chest to reshape. However, once it’s removed, some patients find their chest gradually sinking back in.

🔎 Common Causes of Relapse

✔️ Lack of post-surgical maintenance
✔️ Weak chest and back muscles
✔️ Poor posture
✔️ Lack of Vacuum Bell (VB) therapy after surgery

❌ Without proper reinforcement, your body may revert to its original state.
✅ Scientific research confirms that Vacuum Bell therapy before and after surgery significantly improves long-term results.

🔬 What the Research Says

A study published in the Annals of Cardiothoracic Surgery highlights the importance of Vacuum Bell therapy as part of preoperative protocols. The research states:

📌 Using a Vacuum Bell before surgery helps gradually reshape the chest, improving flexibility and making surgical correction easier.
📌 Patients who undergo pre-surgical VB therapy have a significantly reduced risk of relapse post-surgery.

🔗 Read the study here

➡️ Vacuum Bell therapy isn’t just beneficial—it’s an essential step in both pre- and post-surgical care to ensure the best long-term results!

🏥 The NUSS Procedure: A Closer Look

Developed by Dr. Donald Nuss in 1998, the NUSS procedure is a “minimally invasive” approach to correcting pectus excavatum.

How It Works

🔹 A curved titanium bar is inserted behind the breastbone to push it outward.
🔹 The bar stays in place for two to three years to allow the chest to reshape.
🔹 Once removed, the correction is expected to hold—but that’s not always the case.

📊 While the NUSS procedure can be life-changing, it comes with challenges:
⚠️ Long Recovery Time – Patients often experience pain and limited movement.
⚠️ Living with a Metal Bar – The presence of a foreign object inside the chest can be uncomfortable.
⚠️ Risk of Relapse – Without pre- and post-surgery maintenance, results may fade.

❗ Post-Surgery Maintenance: Your Key to Lasting Results

If you’ve had NUSS surgery, maintaining your results should be your top priority.

✅ How to Prevent Relapse:

✔️ Use a Vacuum Bell (VB) for at least six months post-surgery
→ Helps reinforce the corrected chest position and prevent sinking.
✔️ Strengthen Chest & Back Muscles
→ Exercises like push-ups, resistance training, and stretching help keep the chest stable.
✔️ Focus on Posture Correction
→ Poor posture can contribute to chest regression.

➡️ Vacuum Bell therapy is scientifically proven to be one of the most effective ways to maintain your correction after surgery.

🤔 What If Your Pectus Excavatum Returns?

If you’re experiencing a relapse after NUSS surgery, you’re not alone. We understand how frustrating and discouraging it can be. 💔 But before considering a second surgery, take a step back.

🔄 What to Do Instead of Another Surgery

✅ Vacuum Bell Therapy – Use a VB regularly to help pull the chest forward naturally.
✅ Strength Training – Focus on chest and back exercises to support structural integrity.
✅ Postural Adjustments – A strong, upright posture prevents further regression.

💡 Scientific studies confirm that Vacuum Bell therapy pre- and post-surgery can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence and help maintain results without needing another invasive procedure.

🛠️ The Vacuum Bell: A Game-Changer Before & After Surgery

Doctors strongly recommend using a Vacuum Bell before NUSS surgery for better outcomes.

🔹 Pre-Surgery VB Use
→ Helps gradually reshape the chest and improve flexibility, making surgery smoother.
🔹 Post-Surgery VB Use
→ Ensures that the chest retains its corrected position after bar removal and minimizes the risk of relapse.

➡️ Vacuum Bell therapy isn’t just an option—it’s a scientifically backed necessity for both preoperative and postoperative care to prevent relapse after NUSS surgery. 🏆

🎯 Final Thoughts

The NUSS procedure can be life-changing, but without proper pre- and post-surgical care, results may not last.

💡 Scientific evidence supports the necessity of Vacuum Bell therapy before and after NUSS surgery to maintain long-term success.
💪 Vacuum Bell therapy, strength training, and posture correction can make all the difference.

📩 Need guidance? We’re here to help!

📨 Email us at: info@pectushealing.com
🌍 Visit our website: pectushealing.com

🔹 By the Pectus Healing Team
🎖️ Director of Customer Experience, Pectus Healing