Plastic surgery for pectus excavatum

I am a 50 year old male.  I've seen a thoracic surgeon who said I was too old for the surgery to help me.  I am now looking into plastic surgery to hide this deformity.  Can any plastic surgeon perform this operation?  If not, how can I find one in my area?  Do they put implants on each side, or just one in the middle?  Will I ever have to replace or remove the implant(s)?  Can the implant move requiring another surgery to put it back in position?  How "normal" will my chest look after the operation?

Thanks, Tim

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

One classic technique used in children for this problem is to remove, reverse, and replace the deformed sternum.  This same technique (or a modified variation) has been used safely in symptomatic adults.  In adults, the used of the a custom designed silicone block is also an option.  If successful, the implant can be fixed into position, and does not necessarily have to ever be replaced.