Iatrogenic Adolescent Breast Deformity following Neonatal Tube Thoracostomy: Importance of Surgical Timing

Neonatal tube thoracostomy is a life-saving procedure commonly performed to manage respiratory distress or congenital anomalies. However, scar contracture and tethering may lead to iatrogenic breast deformities during adolescence. We present a case of a patient who underwent tube thoracostomy as a neonate following surgery for congenital esophageal atresia, resulting in right breast hypoplasia and retracted scarring with worsening asymmetry during puberty. She was referred at 15 years of age, and scar excision with adhesiolysis was performed at 17 years. The procedure successfully released adhesions between the skin and pectoral fascia, with substantial improvement in breast projection and volume.