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Beacon Pectus Clinic

We are dedicated to delivering compassionate, personalised care that supports both physical and emotional wellbeing. By combining clinical expertise with innovative treatment, we help our patients achieve the best possible results – without the need for invasive procedures.

Beacon Pectus Clinic specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of chest wall deformities in children and adolescents. We are proud to be the first, and only, dedicated pectus service in Ireland. Our Consultants offer innovative, non-surgical and non-invasive treatment options for chest wall deformities.

At Beacon Pectus Clinic, we know the best outcomes are achieved by treating the whole patient, not just the condition. For this reason, we use a multidisciplinary team comprised of our specialist consultant paediatric surgeon, our specialist nurses and our experienced physiotherapists. This collaborative approach has been shown to improve clinical outcomes, enhance patient engagement, and significantly improve quality of life.

Our service is led by Consultant Paediatric Surgeon, Prof Brice Antao. Prof Antao has over 20 years of international experience in the UK, USA and in Ireland. Working alongside global experts, Prof Antao pioneered the introduction of non-surgical treatments in Ireland including pectus bracing and vacuum bell therapy.

Innovative Non-Surgical Treatments

Our team is committed to providing effective alternatives to surgery whenever possible. Our treatments include:

Customised pectus bracing
Vacuum bell therapy
Rib flaring treatment
Specialised physiotherapy programmes
Physical therapy
Psychological support

Every treatment plan devised by our team is tailored to the individual patient it is created for. Our approaches are designed to be safe, effective, and minimally disruptive to everyday life.

What is a Pectus?

Pectus is a condition where the chest wall develops in an irregular shape. It is present at birth but often becomes more noticeable during adolescence, when the body grows rapidly. The ribcage may appear uneven, sometimes affecting both sides or presenting more prominently on one side. There are a number of pectus deformities including Pectus Excavatum, Pectus Carinatum and mixed deformities.

Pectus Excavatum
Pectus Excavatum is often referred to as ‘sunken chest’. This is the most common type of pectus deformity. It occurs where the breastbone (sternum) is pushed inwards, creating a hollow or sunken appearance of the chest.
- It affects approx 1 in every 300 people
- It is more common in males, the ratio of males to females affected is 3:1
Pectus Carinatum
This is often referred to as pigeon chest. In this condition, the breastbone is pushed outward which gives the chest a protruding appearance.
- It affects approx 1 in 1,000 people
- It is more common in males, the ratio of males to females affected is 4:1
Mixed Deformities

Some patients may have a combination of both conditions. While this does happen, it is significantly less common.
What causes Pectus?

The exact cause of Pectus is not fully understood. It is believed to result from abnormal growth of cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone. This abnormal growth can cause the chest to push inward or outward.

Pectus has also been known to run in families. Approximately 1 in 4 patients report a known family history. In some cases, it may be associated with conditions such as Poland Syndrome or Marfan syndrome.
Associated Conditions
Pectus deformities can be part of a broader pattern affecting posture and the skeleton, sometimes referred to as ‘pectus syndrome’. These may include:
- Spine: Curvature issues such as kyphosis
- Posture: Forward head position and rounded shoulders
- Shoulders: Uneven alignment or shoulder blade prominence
- Abdomen: Protruding abdomen due to muscle imbalance
- Ribcage: Rib flaring or flattening
Symptoms
Many patients have no physical symptoms. However, some may experience:
- - Chest or back pain
  - Shortness of breath, particularly during exercise
  - Fatigue
The most common concern is often related to appearance, which can significantly affect confidence, body image, and emotional wellbeing.

Treatment of Pectus Deformaties

At Beacon Pectus Clinic, we specialise in non-surgical , patient-centred care for children and adolescents.

Pectus Bracing (for Pectus Carinatum)
This is a non-invasive treatment using a custom-made brace to gently reshape the chest over time. Benefits of this treatmet include:
- No surgery
- No scarring
- Delivered in outpatient setting
- Combined with exercises and posture correction
This approach is internationally recommended as a first-line treatment.
Vacuum Bell Therapy (for Pectus Excavatum)
This is a non-surgical device that uses gentle suction to lift the breastbone outward.
- Worn daily for several months
- Patients monitored closely for progress
- Combined with tailored physiotherapy
Holistic Care
Treatment at Beacon Pectus Clinic goes beyond correcting the chest shape. Our multidisciplinary team provides:
- Personalised exercise programs
- Posture correction
- Ongoing monitoring and follow-up
- Education and support for families
Psychological Support

We understand that pectus can affect more than just physical health. Many patients experience challenges with confidence and self-image. Our clinic offers access to psychological support and counselling to help patients build confidence and improve their overall quality of life.